International Master of Science in Rural Development

The joint International MSc in Rural Development (IMRD) offers the opportunity to study European visions on rural development and rural economics in their diversity of approaches and applications and to make comparative analyses of EU and non-EU agricultural and rural development strategies and agricultural policies. The objective is to train students from European and non-European countries, from developed, developing, and transition countries to become specialists in Integrated Rural Development with a focus on socio-economic and institutional aspects.

The jointly organized IMRD provides the opportunity to become an international expert in rural development by training students through diverse approaches:

• Awareness raising on the multifunctionality of rural areas
• Capacity building and ability to apply skills in diverse situations, contexts, or settings worldwide
• Combination of technical and social sciences
• Multi-disciplinary training: dialogue with different stakeholders and gain critical reflection skills

IMRD is a 2 year master's program (120 ECTS) jointly organized by 15 leading universities in the field of rural development leading to a high extent of integrated student mobility.

The Faculty of Bioscience Engineering within Ghent University is a European research leader in the field of applied biological and life sciences or bioengineering.

We educate generations of scientists in leading-edge research and high-impact work with governments and communities, industry, and NGOs, to support innovation and sustainability in life sciences while managing and protecting natural and man-made ecosystems.