Using case studies and field experience, the Master´s Programme in Agroecology guides students through a learning process on agriculture as an open system, dependent on its global and regional surroundings, as well as people and local resources. The programme offers a head start for students who seek to work with development or research for agriculture. 

Farming and food production are ecologically, economically and socially important in all societies. Worldwide there is a need for academic experts that can deal with land use systems that are complex, multifunctional and rapidly changing. This programme investigates the social, economic and environmental barriers and opportunities for small scale and sustainable agricultural production. Some examples of subjects are: agronomy in a systems ecology perspective; farm production integrated with nature conservation and production of ecosystem services; the sociology of farming and agriculture. 

The programme has an international focus based upon educational partnership between SLU and universities in Ethiopia and Uganda.