Food Security

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an agricultural, ecological, biological or environmental science, engineering, social science, economics, politics or other relevant subject.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant work experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

How will we feed ourselves in the future?

This is one of the most important questions faced by the human race. Access to good and healthy food is a basic human right. However, a rapidly growing population, finite resources, environmental damage, climate change and global inequality make this an incredibly complex issue. This MSc addresses these challenges, with a specific focus on the social and economic aspects of food security.

Through this programme, you will explore issues such as social demographics, diet and nutrition, the transformation of the food system, trade, technology and innovation, conservation and climate change. You will also learn about the role of genetics to address 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 as 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.

This MSc provides a multidisciplinary approach to these issues, giving you an advanced understanding of the technical, agronomic, environmental, economic and socio-political factors that influence food security. You will also learn qualitative and quantitative data analysis technics to assess different aspects of food security.

There is an increasing demand for qualified experts to contribute to policy creation and legislation in food production as well as to assess the Agri-industry on tracing their development strategy to improve food production and distribution in a sustainable way. This provides you with excellent opportunities to tackle world hunger and feed the world in the 21st century.

This programme is delivered in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). You will not only benefit from being a fully matriculated student at The University of Edinburgh, but also access to all of complementary staff, expertise, and resources at SRUC. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded your degree by The University of Edinburgh.