MSc Food Security

Program Overview

The MSc in Food Security at the University of Glasgow is a one-year, full-time postgraduate program designed for students who are passionate about addressing global food security challenges. The program offers a unique blend of academic learning, practical training, and research opportunities, focusing on understanding the complex factors that affect food security, including climate change, agricultural practices, food systems, and global trade. Students engage with current debates on how to improve food production, distribution, and access, while also exploring sustainable and innovative approaches to food security. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in international development, policy-making, humanitarian work, and environmental management, among others, by providing them with the tools to design and implement effective food security solutions.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in Food Security offers a diverse range of modules that cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of food security. Core modules typically include Global Food Systems, which examines the interconnected nature of global food production, distribution, and consumption, and Agriculture and Food Policy, focusing on the political and economic factors that influence food security. The program also includes modules on Food Sustainability and Resilience, exploring how food systems can be made more resilient to climate change and other global challenges, and Food Security Governance, which examines how policies and institutions shape food security outcomes. Students also have the opportunity to explore specialized topics such as Food Economics and Nutrition and Public Health, as well as undertake a Research Project or Dissertation, where they can apply their learning to a real-world food security challenge.

Research Focus: The MSc in Food Security at the University of Glasgow emphasizes research, encouraging students to engage critically with current global issues in food security. Research areas within the program typically focus on sustainable agriculture, food systems resilience, climate change impacts on food production, food policy and governance, and nutrition security. Students are encouraged to conduct independent research projects that contribute to the development of practical solutions for food security challenges. The university’s strong research reputation in environmental sciences, economics, and international development allows students to access cutting-edge research and resources. The program also provides opportunities for students to collaborate with ongoing research initiatives in food security, giving them exposure to high-impact projects led by faculty members and global experts.

Industry Engagement: The MSc in Food Security offers extensive opportunities for industry engagement, providing students with the chance to apply their learning in real-world settings. The program has strong ties with organizations working on food security, development, and humanitarian aid, including international NGOs, government agencies, and private sector companies. Students often participate in industry placements, internships, and consulting projects, where they gain hands-on experience working on food security challenges in both developed and developing countries. The university also regularly hosts guest speakers, seminars, and workshops with leading industry experts, giving students valuable insights into current trends, policies, and innovations in food security. These connections help students build a professional network and prepare them for successful careers in the food security sector.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Food Security at the University of Glasgow provides students with a global perspective on food security, emphasizing the importance of understanding local, national, and international contexts when developing solutions to food insecurity. Students explore food security issues in different parts of the world, from rural agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa to urban food systems in developed countries. The program highlights the global dimensions of food security, including the impacts of trade policies, climate change, and migration on food access and availability. Through case studies, fieldwork, and international partnerships, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing food systems worldwide. The program also promotes the development of solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable, preparing graduates to work in a globalized world where food security is a critical priority.