About the course

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.

　　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.

　　Learning outcomes

　　By studying the MSc Food Security you will be able to:

　　provide a broad understanding of agronomic, environmental, economic and socio-political factors that influence food security

　　apply scientific information and methods in the analysis of complex problems

　　formulate a research problem and independently carry out the research needed to produce an appropriate solution in a range of scientific or policy contexts

　　enhance your skills in specialist topics related to food security. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 1 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Semester 1 (September), 2024	Edinburgh
Semester 1 (September), 2025	Edinburgh
Semester 1 (September), 2026	Edinburgh

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Edinburgh

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. This programme is not suitable for applicants pursuing a career in food safety/hygiene or related areas. Your personal statement must demonstrate an understanding of the programme.

　　IELTS Academic: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)

　　TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 100.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomes

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　30th / 1250

　　THE World ranking12th / 130

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