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Food Security at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

22May
The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days
Postgraduate

Course summary

Access to good and healthy food is a basic human right. However, in 2022, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that about 29.6% of the global population is food insecure. In recent years, the prevalence of food insecurity has increased globally due to a global food shortage. Several challenges are generating this complex situation, such as:

  • climate shocks
  • finite resources
  • political crises
  • globalisation
  • the Covid-19 pandemic
  • cost of living crisis
  • urbanisation
This MSc programme explores important issues related to food security. It is designed with specific attention on the social and economic aspects of food security. For example, the intersection of food production, distribution, consumption, agriculture, environment, nutrition-related policies, and human behaviour. What will I learn? Our interdisciplinary MSc will provide you with knowledge and problem-solving skills on the broad topic of food security. You will receive training on quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques that will help you to understand and measure the effect of the drivers of food insecurity. In addition, you will learn how to design effective policies to improve people's food security in developed and developing countries. Through this programme, you will explore issues such as:
  • social demographics
  • diet and nutrition
  • the transformation of the food system
  • food supply chain
  • trade
  • technology and innovation
  • conservation
  • climate change
You will also learn about the role of genetics in addressing sustainable food production, the importance of orphan crops and the increasing pressures on resources such as water and soil, among other topics. You will explore how food security has become a critically important issue for societies around the globe. It concerns not only food production systems and supply chains but also development issues such as land tenure, inequality, and the exchange value of commodities. Is the MSc for me? We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, from agricultural and environmental science to economic or political science, among others. This programme is suitable for students who want to better understand how to analyse food security at local and global levels and are interested in developing skills to work towards reducing food insecurity and making the food system more sustainable. Food security versus food safety and hygiene Please note: the MSc Food Security is not a suitable qualification for those mainly interested in Food Hygiene, Food Safety or related areas. Please read about this programme carefully and ensure you understand the nature of the programme before you apply. Applicants who do not show a clear understanding of the programme will not be accepted. Scotland's Rural College This programme is delivered in collaboration with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC). You will benefit from being a fully enrolled student at the University of Edinburgh, as well as access to all of the complementary staff, expertise, and resources at SRUC. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded your degree by the University of Edinburgh. Accreditation There is no professional accreditation associated with this MSc. However, some of our students submit their dissertations to the Agricultural Economics Society (AES), or the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAEC), among other professional associations to become members.

Modules

See our website for detailed programme information.

How to apply

International applicants

c.uk/studying/international

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
Food Security at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS