While the world population is estimated to 9.7 billion by 2050The strain on food systems and natural resources is worsening at an unprecedented pace. Today, over 800 million people are undernourishedAnd Food production must be increased by at least 60% to meet future requirements.
In addition, the current evolution of unsustainable consumption patterns is exacerbating climate change and biodiversity loss. These interrelated challenges underscore the central role that universities play in developing innovative solutions through education, research and policy-making.
A master’s degree in business is your starting point for breakthrough solutions. It can help you enter a variety of fields, including the agricultural industry, government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions. It can even prepare you for jobs outside of agriculture, such as environmental consulting, renewable energy, sustainable development, policymaking, and more.
In Europe, three universities are leading the way in food and resource economics. Read on to learn about their innovative programs, groundbreaking research, and the vibrant academic communities that are educating the leaders of tomorrow.
Source: University of Copenhagen
University of Copenhagen
Companies want you if you have a Master’s degree from the Department of Food and Resource Economics at the University of Copenhagen, the fifth best university in Europe. And they want you right after you graduate. They know that you come from a department where the “green transition” – the period needed to ensure that most, if not all, human activities are sustainable in the long term and do not harm the planet – is important and reflected in your Master’s degree. After all, graduates here stand out for their expertise in low-carbon solutions, clean energy and biodiversity.
Take the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental and Resource Economics, for example. The program focuses on solving critical environmental problems such as climate change and species extinction. The MSc in Agricultural Economics takes a global look at food, agribusiness, the environment and development to determine the economic incentives that can regulate the consumption and production of the things we eat. No matter which MSc you choose, you will learn through lectures, seminars, practical and theoretical exercises. There is a lot of project work where you can apply economic theories to real-world problems.
“My education in environmental economics not only gave me a solid foundation in the natural sciences, from which I still benefit greatly, but also useful skills in environmental economics,” says Camilla Damgaard, graduate of the Environmental and Raw Materials Economics program.
Located in a country that is leading the green transition across the entire food value chain, the University of Copenhagen is the perfect place to study, discover and integrate sustainability into your everyday life. The city has a vibrant university atmosphere with “pilgrimage-worthy food and design” – with your well-known, prestigious degree, you will make lifelong memories before building a career in Denmark or the EU after graduation. Apply to the University of Copenhagen today.
The university offers nine master’s programs taught entirely in English, three of which have a strong focus on environmental protection. Source: BOKU University
BOKU University
What sets BOKU University is its holistic approach to research and teaching in the fields of natural resources and life sciences. What was founded in 1872 as a small agricultural university is today one of Europe’s best institutions for life sciences. Of the various departments and institutions that exist, the Institute of Agricultural and Forest Economics (AFO) under the leadership of Department of Economics and Social Sciences is a highlight. Here, students attend courses on management, sustainability, plant and animal breeding, multifunctionality, renewable energies and environmental protection.
Research at AFO combines basic and applied studies with quantitative and qualitative methods, while building strong collaborations with stakeholders who want to see progress in solving the world’s problems. This makes research here relevant not only to the scientific community, but also to key stakeholders in the agriculture and forestry sectors.
Research in agricultural economics is concerned with developing and evaluating new concepts for the sustainable production of agricultural goods for public consumption, with a focus on the balance between ecology, economics and social aspects. From adapting farms to the current state of the world to approving new technologies for agricultural purposes, students acquire new skills and gain more knowledge about the growing sector.
In addition to the university’s research expertise, students also choose this university for their education because of its location in Vienna, Austria. The city of music is regularly ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world due to its high quality of life, cultural offerings and, above all, affordability.
Founded in 1892, the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development has contributed to teaching and research in agriculture and related fields for over a century. Source: Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading /Facebook
University of Reading
Students thrive in the right environment with the right support. School of Agriculture, Policy and Developmentaspiring agricultural economics professionals learn from great teachers and pursue practice-oriented degrees. Each degree program offers students a unique opportunity to gain expertise and skills while working on issues aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including sustainable food production, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, and more.
Founded in 1892, the college has contributed to education and research in agriculture and related fields for over a century. Its research expertise feeds into teaching, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen career or further study.
Check out the MSc Agricultural Economicsfor example. It’s a top choice for agricultural economics enthusiasts for good reason. As well as the opportunity to specialise in an area of agricultural development economics, students can choose from a wide range of modules designed to give them the knowledge and skills to make an impact and be part of global change.
Learning takes place through a variety of learning methods, such as seminars, lectures, tutorials, debates, discussions and even excursions. During the summer semester there is the opportunity to complete an optional internship.
And the best part? As a student of the MSc Agricultural Economics, you are a member of the Graduate Institute for International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE). They attract a diverse community of master students from more than 40 countries. At its core, GIIDAE values diversity, equity and quality teaching and learning as core values of its educational approach.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
