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I’ve understood “nitrogen fixing” to mean that the plant locks nitrogen in the plant thereby reducing the amount of available nitrogen in the soil, is this correct? So if I have a plant that likes low-nitrogen conditions, is it beneficial to grow a nitrogen-fixing plant next to it?

Hi everyone,

I’m aiming for a career in agroecology and plan to apply for MSc programs for 2026 entry. My biggest concern is my undergraduate background: a BSc in Philosophy and Politics from a Russell Group UK uni (high 2.1, couple points off from a First). I’m aware these programs typically prefer applicants with natural sciences or agriculture degrees, but they all accept social sciences to some degree, and kind of leave the door open in that respect.

I’m was hoping to get some opinion of how realistic my chances of getting in are if I successfully execute a comprehensive plan between now (June 2025) and the application deadlines (Jan-March 2026).

Here are the top 6 MSc programs I’m targeting:

• MSc in Agroecology – ISARA (co-taught with Wageningen University)
• MSc Resilient Farming and Food Systems – Wageningen University & Research
• Master in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty – University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG)
• MSc Agroecology – Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
• MSc in Agroecology – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
• MSc in Environment and Development – University of Copenhagen (not Agroecology because UoC doesn’t allow candidates without scientific Bachelor’s, but there’s some overlap)

I’ll also apply to some other master’s in sustainable development/business as a secondary option to agroecology.

My plan to strengthen my application is as follows:

• Foundational Courses to bridge my academic gaps:
  • Capra Course on Systems Thinking (already completed).
  • By September, I will have a year of sales experience, and I’ve been doing well so far.
  • Complete the “Permaculture Educators” course (PDC + Permaculture Teaching combined certification).
  • Take “The Future of Sustainable Business: Enterprise and the Environment” 8-week course (Oxford University / Smith School of Enterprise and Environment).
  • Take a selection of introductory online courses in core natural sciences (biology, ecology, plant science, soil science, agriculture).
• Practical Experience:
  • Get practical experience from September on a permaculture, land restoration, agroforestry or agroecology project, ideally one where I could help with project coordination, community outreach, budgeting, or even developing educational materials alongside physical work.
• Application Materials:
  • Hopefully obtain a strong letter of recommendation from a leading figure in permaculture, who I have a good relationship with, highlighting my commitment and practical engagement.
  • Craft a compelling personal statement that articulates why my unique background in philosophy and politics, combined with my demonstrated passion and acquired practical/scientific knowledge, makes me an excellent and unique fit for an agroecology MSc.

My main worry is that my BSc might be too far removed. How much of a shot do you think I have if I go all in and complete all of these courses and gain solid work experience?

Also, for the natural science short courses, are there any specific recommendations for online platforms or highly regarded introductory courses in ecology, plant science, agriculture or soil science that would effectively bridge the gap for a humanities background? So far I’ve found 7-8 on Coursera offered by different universities. Ideally free ones, as I’ll already be spending around £3,250 (~4,400 USD) on the Permaculture Educators double certification and the Oxford short course.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated! And thanks in advance! I really want an environmental career, and with my love for food, nature and desire to help with the food insecurity crises that we’ll face in the coming decades, I feel like this could be my pathway to make it a reality.

Thank you again!!