MSc Agricultural Extension and Innovation

Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

The Programme is primarily focused on meeting the needs of Agricultural Science graduates who are interested in careers in advisory, consultancy or education services in the public, private or non-governmental sector. This programme will suit you if you are interested in supporting farmers in agricultural innovation and development and are interested in understanding more about the processes of learning that underpin change and development. The programme is suitable for individuals interested in careers in agricultural extension and education in the public, private or non-governmental sector.

What modules can I take?

Stage 1 - Core

• Minor Thesis (Extension & Innovation)
• Research Methods Part I
• Agricultural Extension & Innovation
• Understanding the Family Farm Business
• Research Methods Part II
• Behaviour Change in Agriculture
• Group Approaches in Agricultural Extension
• Design Thinking for Agricultural InnovationI

Stage 1 - Option

• Dairy Production
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Community-Led Local Development
• Agricultural Education
• Project Mgt. in Ag Ext.
• Farm Diversification and Land Use Change
• Devs in Crop Production & Utilisation
• How to Change Behaviour

Placement Opportunity

Students on the full-time programme have the opportunity to take an industry placement as part of their minor thesis. Students have taken placements with Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in the UK, Microsoft and many other companies and institutions who support farmer advice and behaviour change.

The programme also provides opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for graduates who are already working in areas of knowledge transfer with farmers.

• Apply research and analytical skills required to identify and support worthwhile innovations
• Be committed to ongoing reflective practice and professional development
• Be competent to facilitate processes of knowledge transfer and knowledge exchange in support of client livelihoods
• Demonstrate a specialized understanding of the agricultural knowledge and innovation system and in particular the synergy between research, extension and education as policy instruments in the context of agricultural change
• Demonstrate an empathy and understanding of the interplay between economic, social, cultural, and psychological factors that affect farm household decision making and the ability to use this understanding to formulate appropriate responses to clients in different circumstances
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to support adult learning and behaviour change
• Design and develop appropriate advisory and educational strategies to support agricultural development

Careers & Employability

Across the globe there is increasing awareness of the critical contribution of knowledge transfer processes to sustainable and competitive agricultural development and graduates with competencies in agricultural extension are highly sought after.

Career opportunities for graduates of this programme are excellent and include advisory services, agricultural sales, agricultural media, agri-tech companies, consultancy and education delivery in the public, private or non-governmental sector.

Graduate Roles:

• Agricultural Advisory
• Agricultural Consultancy
• Training
• Education Delivery
• Communications / Media
• Sales / Account Management
• Knowledge Transfer