PgC / PgD / MSc / MResIntegrated Pest Management*

Course description

Develop the expertise to design and deliver sustainable pest and disease control in real agricultural systems.

The MSc Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at Harper Adams University prepares you for careers in crop protection, consultancy, research and policy, combining applied science, field-based learning and industry insight to reduce pesticide reliance and support resilient, biodiversity-positive food production.

The course

There is an urgent and growing need in the UK and internationally for professionals with advanced skills in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), applied ecology and sustainable crop protection. Skills reviews across the ecology, environmental science and agriculture sectors consistently highlight shortages in field-based expertise, pest and disease identification, ecological monitoring and applied IPM decision-making. At the same time, national and global policy commitments to sustainable food production, biodiversity recovery and pesticide reduction are accelerating demand for specialists who can deliver evidence-based, nature-positive pest management. 

The MSc Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at Harper Adams University is designed to meet this need. It equips graduates with the scientific knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence required to manage pests and diseases effectively while reducing environmental and human-health risks. Rooted in Harper Adams University’s long-standing strengths in agriculture, land management and applied research, the course offers a distinctive blend of IPM theory, agroecology and real-world practice that is rarely found elsewhere in the UK. 

Is this course for me?

This MSc is designed for UK and international students who are: 

• Continuing from undergraduate study in agriculture, biology, environmental science or related subjects 

• Career changers seeking specialist training in sustainable crop protection 

• Professionals looking to upskill in IPM, pest monitoring or decision-support systems 

You may be interested in crop protection, sustainable agriculture or applied environmental science, and motivated to contribute positively to food security and biodiversity goals. 

If you want to build a career that combines scientific rigour, practical impact and environmental responsibility, the MSc Integrated Pest Management at Harper Adams University provides the knowledge, experience and industry connections to help you succeed. 

Why choose Harper Adams?

Harper Adams is the UK’s specialist university for agriculture, food production and land-based sciences. This means your learning is embedded in real farming and crop-production environments, informed by industry priorities and delivered by staff actively engaged in applied research. 

What makes this MSc distinctive?

• Applied agricultural focus: This MSc is centred on sustainable crop protection, agro-ecosystem management and field-scale pest control. 

• Integrated approach – Taught within a broader framework of entomology, agroecology, conservation and biodiversity, bridging ecological science with practical agricultural application. 

• Industry relevance – Teaching and research are closely linked to commercial trials, crop protection research and national policy priorities such as the UK Pesticides National Action Plan and biodiversity net gain. 

• Strong external links – You will benefit from guest lectures, field visits and research opportunities with organisations such as Rothamsted Research, Forest Research, the Natural History Museum, CEH Wallingford and commercial biological control companies. 

• Flexible and inclusive – The course provides an excellent conversion route for graduates from biology, agriculture, environmental science and related disciplines, as well as professionals seeking to upskill. 

Course content

The course addresses one of the major global challenges facing agriculture: producing sufficient, safe food for a growing population while minimising environmental impact. With climate change, globalised food systems and pest pressures contributing to significant crop losses worldwide, integrated, multidisciplinary solutions are essential. 

You will receive training in techniques that support sustainable crop production, covering: 

• Applied entomology and invertebrate ecology 

• Integrated Pest Management principles and decision-making 

• Plant pathology, weed science and nematology 

• Pest monitoring, thresholds and decision-support systems 

• Biological control and resistance management 

• Conventional and cultural pest-control strategies in an ecological context 

• Evaluation of environmental and economic impacts of pest management 

All students develop a strong foundation in core skills before tailoring their studies towards specialist areas aligned with their interests and career goals.