MSc Sustainable Food Systems(Changing title to MSc Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security from 2024/25)

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of concepts, information and techniques at the forefront of the different disciplines investigating food systems sustainability
Apply systems thinking approach to critically and creatively evaluate the complexity, current and future challenges, research and advanced scholarship in the food systems
Apply new analytical frameworks to understand and evaluate food as a socio-technical system
Diagnose and solve the real-world challenges food sustainability presents, incorporating diverse resources such as existing knowledge, data collection, interpersonal skills, reflection and reasoning ability
Demonstrate competence in crossing disciplinary boundaries in the pursuit of sustainability solutions in the food system
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques (e.g. stakeholder engagement, knowledge co-production) applicable to food systems sustainability practice, research or advanced scholarship
Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working, and develop professional relationships with stakeholders across the food systems to achieve sustainability outcomes
Proactively formulate ideas and research questions, and develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these

Transferable (key) skills

Skills to determine, analyse and solve complex problems using a range of approaches, methods, and tools related to food systems and sustainability
Self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations
Independent problem-based learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development
Advanced ability to work across the different scales relevant to food systems, from the micro to the global level and engage with multiple stakeholders
Ability to constructively challenge existing practise and institutional form, and develop interdisciplinary professional norms
Advanced ability in leadership and change management to become an effective change agent
Advanced written, oral and digital presentation skills
Skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and for employment in a higher capacity in the food and related industries or area of relevant professional practice

Assessment

Demonstrating the ability to critically and constructively apply a breadth of knowledge in key debates on sustainability, food studies, and socio technical systems research and practice
Drawing on a range of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives to evaluate how sustainability solutions can be adopted into existing socio-technical food systems
Evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary enquiry
Critically evaluating complex and conflicting data and narratives to arrive at reasoned change recommendations
Making reasoned and constructive judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data