The Agricultural University of Iceland and the University of Iceland have joined forces with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to offer a master's programme in sustainable agriculture and regional development starting next autumn. The programme is suitable for both domestic and international students and will be taught in English.
Strong agriculture, in harmony with the environment and society, is one of the fundamental pillars of Icelandic society's future development, especially with regard to food security and rural development. Knowledge in which the fundamentals of agricultural science are integrated with environmental science, innovation, social sciences, and regional development is thus important for society.
The new master's programme addresses issues such as agricultural systems and production, food systems and food security, government policy and support, including public administration and governance tools, prosperity and the circular economy, climate change, rural development, as well as innovation in rural areas and sustainable land use. The programme prepares students for a diverse career, both in the public and private sector.
Students will be able to choose to enrol in interdisciplinary studies in environment and natural resources at the University of Iceland with a specialisation in Sustainable agriculture and rural development or enrol at the Agricultural University of Iceland with the same specialisation. This collaboration builds on the strengths of both universities and lecturers from both are involved in teaching and supervision.
The programme is established following extensive consultation with stakeholders both in the public sector and industry. The project management team includes Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir and Jón Geir Pétursson, professors at the University of Iceland, Jóhanna Gísladóttir and Jón Hjalti Eiríksson, assistant professors at the Agricultural University of Iceland, and Björn Helgi Barkarson, office director at the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.