Overview
Providing nutritious, safe and affordable food for all in a sustainable manner is one of the greatest challenges of our times. Food practitioners need to able to respond to food safety and security concerns, shifting attitudes towards food and farming, changing diets and demographics, as well as balancing global economic and environmental pressures.
This course comes at a time when food and its implications on our health and planet are making the headlines. From the food-waste paradox to food’s devastating environmental impact — the need for sustainable food systems couldn’t be more paramount. That’s why organisations across the world are looking for qualified experts in this area, to help resolve some of the greatest challenges we’re facing in food today.
That’s why our MSc in Sustainable Food Systems uses a holistic system thinking approach to understand, evaluate and deconstruct the complexity of the food system, in order to formulate sustainable solutions that address these grand challenges.
The course benefits from expertise from across a wide range of Schools, giving you extensive knowledge and a varying skill set to be able to tackle real-world issues effectively. You’ll also have access to world-leading research in food and other relevant topics, conducted right here on campus. This means, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in this industry.
Career opportunities
The food industry is constantly under the spotlight from government agencies to provide more sustainable systems for the future, meaning the demand for qualified specialists in this field are far-reaching.
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 who 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).
Programme Structure
This course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an effective leader in the transition to a more sustainable, efficient, healthier and fairer food system.
Throughout this Masters, you’ll 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 field trip, 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 system. The cost of the field trip is covered in the course fee.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , National
- Apply before , International
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Sustainable Development Environmental Management Food Sciences View 111 other Masters in Food Sciences in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
A bachelor's 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.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Tuition Fee
Living costs for Leeds
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
International Masters Excellence Scholarship
These competitive scholarships are awarded in the form of a 25% tuition fee reduction to international candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. There are limited scholarships available.
See website for full details: https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/dir-record/scholarships/1791/school-of-earth-and-environment-international-masters-excellence-scholarship
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.