Masters in Agroecology

MSc with a major in Agricultural Science

Would you like to become an expert in Agroecology, dealing with complex issues related to the sustainability of food production? Then this is the Master’s programme for you.

Welcome to an international Master’s programme that gives you in-depth knowledge of the ecology of food production systems. Taking a holistic approach to the sustainability challenges of food production - how it is produced, processed and consumed - the programme is a perfect start if your goal is to work with agricultural development or research.

Focusing on the role of agriculture, the programme covers topics such as how biological and social processes interact and influence the sustainability of farming and food systems. Using case studies and field experience the programme also covers the complexity and potential mulitfunctionality of land use, and explores interdisciplinary solutions to problems in the current food system. Studying agroecology will provide knowledge and training in integrating different perspectives and combining e.g. experiential, scientific and traditional knowledge and modern technologies in multi-actor collaborations – with the overall aim to facilitate the transition towards more sustainable food systems.

With a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science, and possibility for specialisation in Agroecology, many doors will be open to you at the end of your two years. You will have adequate skills to become influential in non-profit organisations or expert authorities, as well as to work in a company dealing with new sustainable ways of producing food in different settings, e.g. urban farming as well as traditional and modern agriculture in rural areas. You will also be able to continue your studies towards a PhD.

To be eligible for the Agroecology - Master´s programme, the requirements are:
General entry requirements: a Bachelor´s degree (undergraduate cycle) corresponding to a minimum of 180 credits.

Specific entry requirements: 90 credits specialisation in one of the following subjects/educational areas:

• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Technology

The specific admission requirements according to the above can also be fulfilled by those having corresponding qualifications from a foreign degree or if corresponding qualifications have been obtained in alternative ways.

In addition, knowledge corresponding to English 6 (Swedish secondary school) is required. This is according to a local SLU decision fulfilled by those who have a degree comprising at least 180 credits at first cycle level from a Swedish higher educational institute or 120 credits completed studies at SLU. English 6 can also be achieved in other ways, which are specified at universityadmissions.se.

For entry to the different courses included within the programme, the specific entry requirements prescribed for each individual course apply.

The programme is based on learning through experience, which means that the complexity of real life situations is the starting-point for study activities. It uses real-life case material, for students to test and practice their ongoing acquired knowledge and skills. The programme contains theoretical bases and methodologies for agroecological and interdisciplinary analyses needed to contribute to sustainable development of livelihoods based on local renewable resources. It emphasizes the relationship between biological resources and human societies.

The programme has an international focus based upon educational partnership between SLU and universities in Ethiopia and Uganda. Diverse cultural backgrounds and academic experiences among students are both encouraged and regarded as constructive for the overall training process.

Tuition Fees: Only citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First semester: SEK 68,500

Total: SEK 274,000

Degree of Master (120 credits) of Science with a major in Agricultural Science. Specialisation in Agroecology as the main field of study is possible.

A master's degree with a major in Agricultural Science provides the opportunity to work with development projects, national as well as international. Other possible jobs can be exercise of authority, counseling, teaching and consulting assignments. Employers may be authorities, nonprofit organizations (NGOs), educational organizations and consulting business. These studies can also provide opportunities for post graduate studies.