Description
The Integrated Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development is a postgraduate-level qualification awarded by the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development of the Agricultural University of Athens. The qualification corresponds to five years of study and provides an integrated scientific background in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, combining knowledge from the economic, agricultural and social sciences. Its scientific field includes agricultural economics and policy, natural resource and environmental economics, rural development, the management of agricultural enterprises and holdings, the marketing of agricultural products and food, rural sociology and regional development. Completion of the five-year studies corresponds to 300 ECTS credits and leads to a Level 7 qualification of the National and European Qualifications Frameworks.
Relation to Employment
The programme prepares scientists with knowledge and skills in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, agricultural policy, management of agricultural enterprises and holdings, rural development, regional development, and natural resource and environmental economics. Graduates can apply their knowledge to issues concerning the agricultural and agri-food sectors and development programmes.
Access Requirements / Progression Opportunities
Admission to the program requires a Secondary School Leaving Certificate (High School Diploma) and successful participation in national-level examinations.
Knowledge
• Acquire fundamental scientific knowledge in the field of Applied Economics.
• Acquire knowledge in specialised fields of the Department, including price analysis, agricultural economics and policy, food marketing, environmental economics, agricultural product marketing, integrated rural development, environmental impact analysis, entrepreneurship in food and agriculture, agricultural accounting, farm management, sustainable development, and agricultural advisory services.
Skills
• Apply new technologies in agricultural production, with particular emphasis on the protection of natural resources and the environment.
• Understand and assess international and European trends in the agri-food sector related to the Department’s fields of study.
Competences
• Demonstrate developed critical thinking.
• Study and analyse complex issues concerning the protection and utilisation of natural resources and evaluate solutions to contemporary environmental problems.
• Pursue a successful professional career in the private or public sector and international organisations.
• Undertake high-level postgraduate studies.