Department life for master's students

We are home to a large international community, attracting students and researchers from more than 40 countries in Africa, South and East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

You'll join a diverse community with a range of learners, from young graduates to experienced mid-career professionals, helping to create a unique and globalised learning experience. We value the diversity of our students and encourage peer-to-peer learning.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in many formal and informal social activities in our vibrant GIIDAE community.

At GIIDAE, we strive to create an engaging environment that is stimulating, thought-provoking and experimental. The course materials and learning environment combine to create an educational experience that aims to empower you to contribute to a more equitable, sustainable future.

You'll gain the knowledge and tools to be part of the solution to global challenges we face in the twenty-first century.

Together with your peers, you'll be based in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, in a dedicated building on Reading's award-winning parkland campus. Our modern facilities include everything from large lecture theatres to research facilities, both on campus and at our working farms.

The School building has a café and comfortable student meeting spaces, plus 24-hour access to computers. The building also houses a comprehensive student support centre.

Learn more about our extensive facilities

You will have the opportunity to make friends and interact with students across a varied range of degree subjects. You’ll be encouraged to participate in everything the University has to offer, including clubs and societies, sitting on School committees, working as a student ambassador on Open Days, or making use of the extensive sports facilities on campus.