The IMRD master course programme, is a high level academic programme aimed at training top students from all over the world into specialists in integrated rural development, focussed on socio-economic and institutional aspects; not only from the European Union but also from developed, developing and transition countries outside the European Union.

The IMRD master course programme is a 2-year master programme (120 ECTS) jointly organised by 17 worldwide leading universities in rural development and agricultural economics.

The successful completion of the programme leads to the awarding of the joint degree of International Master of Science in Rural Development. This diploma is issued and signed by six European universities (Ghent University, Humboldt University of Agriculture in Berlin, Agrocampus Ouest in Rennes, Pisa University, the University of Córdoba and the Slovak University of Agriculture).
The joint degree diploma is fully based on the ECTS system and accompanied by a Diploma Supplement that adds additional information on evaluation systems, the course curriculum of the students and the ECTS system.

Depending on their geographic interest and intended specialisation, students may opt for one out of two regional and specific comparative course programmes, which lead to the awarding of a double degree on rural development and agricultural Economics (i.e. the IMRD joint diploma + a national diploma of a non-EU partner).