Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security at University of Leeds - UCAS

University of Leeds

Degree level: Postgraduate

Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security (Taught)

Course options

Course summary

Food security is providing nutritious, safe and affordable food for all. Being able to do this sustainably is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Food practitioners need to able to respond to food security and safety 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 and Food Security uses a holistic system thinking approach to understand, evaluate and deconstruct the complexity of the food system, in order to formulate secure and 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. Why study at Leeds:

  • Benefit from interdisciplinary learning and specialist practical and theoretical teaching, with expertise from multiple Schools: Earth and Environment, Food Science and Nutrition, Psychology, Geography, Biology, the Institute for Transport Studies and Leeds University Business School.
  • Learn the latest innovations in relevant topics within food, sustainability and beyond from the impactful, world-leading research conducted across seven different Schools and collaborations with the Global Food and Environment Institute, which feeds directly into the course.
  • Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas like food security, sustainable food production, food supply chains and food consumption.
  • Conduct your own individual research project focusing on a genuine real-world research challenge that suits your interests, provided by the academic supervisory team and our non-academic partners.
  • Join one of our societies, such as SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as socials and sports.

Assessment method

You will be assessed using a range of techniques including exams, presentations and report writing. Assessment of the problem-based, experiential and blended learning elements of the programme includes group work, case studies, reflective reports and e-portfolios.


Entry requirements

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. We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Fees are listed on our website: https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/i868/sustainable-food-systems-msc Scholarships: International Masters Excellence Scholarship: https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/dir-record/scholarships/1791/school-of-earth-and-environment-international-masters-excellence-scholarship
Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security at University of Leeds - UCAS