Program Overview

Overview

The Master's in Agriculture and Environmental Science develops understanding of the interaction between agriculture and the environment, emphasizing sustainability and ecological consequences of unsound management. This program prepares students for careers in sustainable farming systems, environmental management, and rural development.

What You'll Learn

Students will develop knowledge and skills in core concepts such as:

• Sustainable development and environmental change
• Quantitative techniques
• Experimental design
• Data analysis
• Assessment of land use capability
• Habitat potential
• Risks of water pollution
• Soil quality
• Ecosystem services
• Research skills
• Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of field data
• Science, policy, and action underlying climate change and land use

Modules

The course consists of compulsory and optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. Compulsory modules include:

• Research Dissertation Project
• Data analysis, interpretation, and presentation for MSc
• Assessing Agricultural Production Systems
• Global Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
• Agricultural Systems
• Geographical Information systems and Remote Sensing
• Designing and Evaluating Conservation Areas Optional modules include:
• Sustainability of Human and Natural Systems
• Critical Thinking and Analysis for Evidence-Based Environmental Science

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Practical field classes
• Tutorials
• Small group discussions Students will be in charge of their own learning through independent study to complement structured sessions.

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme

The framework enables the award of postgraduate-level qualifications using credit-bearing stand-alone modules as 'building blocks' towards a qualification.

Your Future

This MSc supports a route into PhD-level study, developing research skills needed for advanced study during the course. Graduates have undertaken various roles, including:

• M&E Research Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Farm Operator

Careers

The program prepares students for careers in research, consultancy, policy, and more, with opportunities to engage with professionals from research, business, and industry during the course.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 150 for Agriculture and Forestry - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

The Agriculture Building is the home of Agriculture, based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, with state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, plant growth incubators, and vertical farming units. Students will have access to Newcastle University Farms, used for commercial, teaching, and research purposes.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• Home students: £14,200
• International students: £32,700 Scholarships are available, including a 25% discount for EU students without settled or pre-settled status.

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements:

• A 2:1 honours degree, or an international equivalent, in a relevant subject English Language requirements:
• IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL Admissions policy and credit transfer information are available on the university's website.

How to Apply

The course starts in September, with no application closing date. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The application portal has instructions to guide students through the application process.