Start Date:
September 2025
Administrative Unit:
Department of Agricultural
Economics and Extension
Email: daee@sta.uwi.edu
Phone: 1(868) 662 2002 ext. 82094
Programme Overview
This is a research-oriented graduate programme designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills to address critical issues in agriculture, food systems, and rural development, particularly within the Caribbean context. The programme combines economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, enabling students to explore the complex relationships between agriculture, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Programme Breakdown
The following courses are required for ALL areas of specialisation:
AGBU 6610 Economic Theory
AGBU 8000 Quantitative Methods III
Courses required for EACH area of specialisation are:
(i) Trade Policy and Competitiveness
AGBU 6650 Economic Development and International Trade
(ii) Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
AGBU 6692 Advanced Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
(iii) Marketing and Agribusiness Management
AGBU 6690 Advanced Agricultural Marketing II
NOTE:
Programmes of study in the areas of specialisation will normally be offered according to the requirements of students and subject to the availability of staff.
PHD THESIS
1. On successful completion of the Departmental COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS, candidates must prepare a research proposal in the area of the thesis topic to be presented at a Departmental Seminar.
2. The procedures for the presentation of the PhD thesis are outlined in the Postgraduate General Regulations of The University of the West Indies.
The PhD in Agricultural Economics is awarded on the successful completion of prescribed courses AND a thesis.
Entry Requirements
For admission to the PhD Agricultural Economics programme, candidates should have successfully completed the MPhil degree in Agricultural Economics or an MSc degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics from an approved University and which should have included the writing of a substantial thesis, or an MSc degree with distinction in a relevant discipline.
All other candidates will be required to register for the MPhil degree in Agricultural Economics and seek an upgrade to the PhD degree in accordance with University Regulations.
NOTE:
Candidates would normally be expected to have completed the following courses (or equivalent) on entry into the PhD programme.
AGBU 6102 Statistics and Mathematics for Agribusiness
AGBU 6602 Quantitative Methods II (Econometrics)
AGBU 6301 Research Methodology
AGBU 6103 Sustainable Rural Development
AGBU 6501 Microeconomics
AGBU 6302 Quantitative Methods I (Operations Research)
CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT FULFILLED THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THESE COURSES.