Sustainable Food Systems MSc

at University of Leeds

This course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an effective leader in the transition to more a sustainable, efficient, healthier, and fairer food system.
 

Through this Masters you will have the chance to become familiar with the research methods and analytical techniques used in sustainability research, the capabilities individuals require to lead change in the food system, and tools and skills required in the food industry.
 

During the fieldtrip you’ll gain first-hand experience of the challenges in balancing the three domains of sustainability (environment, people, and economy) and the implications of a local, regional or global food systems. The cost of the fieldtrip is covered in the course fee.
 

On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

• demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of concepts, information and techniques at the forefront of one (or several related) disciplines investigating food systems sustainability;

• apply systems thinking approaches to critically and creatively evaluate the complexity, current and future challenges, research and advanced scholarship in food systems;

• diagnose and propose solutions to the the real-world challenges that food sustainability presents.
   

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems    
• Skills for Sustainable Food Systems    
• Sustainable Food Production    
• Sustainable Food Consumption    
• Sustainable Food Supply Chains and Trade    
• Food Systems Fieldtrip    
• Food Systems Research Project    

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject such as (but not limited to) earth and environment, sustainability, geography, agriculture, biology, food science, nutrition, business and management, sociology, politics or public administration.
 

Applicants with a 2.2 will be considered on a case by case basis where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field. Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional experience in the sector will also be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

 

Fees

• UK: £12,750 (total)
• International: £25,250 (total)
   

This course will equip you with both the necessary knowledge and skills (such as systems thinking, problem solving, strategy and policy making) to become an effective change agent that will lead the transition to more sustainable food systems. Through its interdisciplinary nature, it offers a holistic or systems-based perspective of the food system and balances critical thinking with practical solutions which is key to enhancing employability prospects.
 

This programme is ideal for those intending to pursue a range of future employment roles in management and decision making positions, in a wide range of organisations such as but not limited to agribusiness, food processing, retail, non-governmental organisations, charities, social enterprises, governmental organisations and policy making bodies e.g. Defra, WRAP, regulatory bodies, food standards organisations, consultancy, international organisations e.g. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).