Agroforestry and Food Security Postgraduate Taught - September 2023/24* Entry

This course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and gives partial fulfilment of Professional Membership Entry.

The Agroforestry and Food Security MSc will provide students with a detailed understanding of the principles and processes of agroforestry as part of a sustainable food production system, including its social and environmental contexts. It will equip students to implement the latest research into sustainable production systems thinking and will facilitate entry into agroforestry-related careers. The programme suits people with interests in the agri-food, farming, environmental, conservation, and agricultural policy sectors, and covers both temperate and tropical systems and contexts.

On this course you will:

• Examine the environmental, economic and social aspect of agroforestry in the context of food security and the changing environment.
• Study how selected agroforestry management practices can improve the resource-efficiency and overall sustainability of food production.
• Gain a global perspective to question whether and how growing demand for food from limited land resources can be met through agroforestry and sustainable intensification.

There is a long tradition of agroforestry practice in many parts of the world, but recently it has become a major focus in international development and is now at the forefront of innovation in natural resource management.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Top five for Agriculture and Forestry (Complete University Guide League Table 2021).
• Ranked 7th in the UK for research quality (Agriculture and Forestry - The Complete University Guide 2021). 
• Bangor is a world leader in agroforestry with a fantastic reputation for its research activities and our graduates are either already employed when they start the course and/or have a strong track record in finding employment within the sector.
• Students and academic staff are active collaborators with international organisations such as the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center, Costa Rica (CATIE) and the World Agroforestry (ICRAF). You can expect to develop the skills required for a research and professional career from the comprehensive programme we offer.
• The course has a world focus and the University has strong links with agroforestry organisations which means that many of our students have undertaken fieldwork in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, as well as in Wales/UK.
• Besides fantastic overseas opportunities, we also have a university farm (Henfaes Research Centre) located a short distance outside of Bangor where many students carry out experiments for their final projects.
• We work in partnership with World Agroforestry.

Student Profile - Syamili Manoj Santhi, MSc Agroforestry and Food Security

What will you study on this course?

For the Postgraduate Certificate in Agroforestry and Food Security (PgCert. in Agroforestry and Food Security): students should achieve a total of 60 credits from any combination of modules except the dissertation.

For the Postgraduate Diploma in Agroforestry and Food Security (PgDip. Agroforestry and Food Security): students should achieve a total of 120 credits from any combination of modules except the dissertation.

For the Master’s degree in Agroforestry and Food Security (MSc Agroforestry and Food Security): students should achieve a total of 180 credits including the dissertation.

The programme shall be assessed in accordance with the University’s regulations and codes of practice.

Compulsory Modules (20 credits):

• DDL-4004 Agroforestry Systems and Practice (Semester 1, Sept-Jan)
• DDL-4207 Global Food Security (Semester 1, Sept-Jan)
• DXX-4532 Study Tour (Semester 2, Jan-May)

Optional Modules (20 credits):

• DXX-4536 Urban Forestry (Semester 1, Sept-Jan)
• DXX-4530 Forest Management Planning (Semester 2, Jan-May)
• DXX-4505 Natural Resource Management (Semester 2, Jan-May)
• DDL-4206 Sustainable use of NTFPs  (Summer, May-August)

Compulsory Modules (60 credits):

• DDL-4999 Dissertation (if studying towards an MSc)

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Agroforestry and Food Security Modules  page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

A 2(ii) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, e.g. Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Conservation Sciences, Sustainable Development, Geography or Biological Sciences. Alternatively, a first degree in an unrelated subject plus relevant practical experience may be accepted. Applicants are judged on their individual merits and age, work experience and other factors are also considered. Students with degrees in forestry, agriculture, geography, biology, environmental studies, economics, law, social sciences, philosophy and modern languages have graduated from this course.

IELTS: 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is required.

This course will enable professionals to redirect or enhance their capabilities. Graduates can find careers in advisory and policy/advocacy roles, executive management, agriculture, agribusiness and environmental consultancy and agencies, agricultural finance, land and catchment management agencies, natural resources management, agricultural education and training, and as rural counsellors.