Food Challenges for the 21st Century (Distance Learning)

Entry requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Geography or a similar degree. An undergraduate degree is not a prerequisite for practitioners working in the food supply chain as we recognise prior learning and experience.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Our programme will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge to engage with one of the most significant challenges currently facing a growing human population: making and supplying enough food for all to sustain an active healthy lifestyle.

Our PG Certificate is a distance learning programme designed for people with an interest in the global food system and for professionals in the food supply industry. This exciting course explores important issues related to food security, focusing on production, distribution, and waste.

The course is highly flexible so that you can fit study around your day job. Teaching is done largely online; all materials are supplied and you can work through them at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to meet tutors and fellow students at short workshops during the year.

To gain a PGCert you need to complete four modules. The programme starts with an introductory module every February, which covers a broad range of issues related to food security. After that, you can select from a range of more specialist modules, taking between one and three per year. Module choices are varied and studying a selection of these topics will allow you to develop specialist knowledge of the factors impacting upon food security and environmental effects on food production.

Upon graduating from this programme, you will have a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, and experience to engage with the food challenges of the 21st century. This will be invaluable in the workplace or as a starting point for further study.

If you initially enrol at PGCert level you may apply to upgrade to our PG Diploma or MSc in Food Security (Distance Learning) on reaching the required academic standard. Alternatively, you may apply for direct entry onto the PgDip or MSc in Food Security (Distance Learning), and may exit early with an interim award.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Learn more at our fees and funding page.