Global Food Security and Development - MRes / MSc

Master

In Nottingham

£ 7,800 VAT inc.

Description

  • Type

    Master

  • Location

    Nottingham

  • Duration

    1 Year

Almost one in eight people around the world are chronically undernourished. Recurrent food price spikes and socio-political unrest, climate change, land degradation and scarcity of natural resources - coupled with decline in rural communities and livelihoods - have placed food security high on the development agenda. This course is designed to meet the growing demands for professionals equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude needed to deal with these challenges.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Nottingham (Nottinghamshire)
See map

Start date

On request

About this course

Your studies will be based at Brackenhurst campus within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences - a leading land-based education provider for over 60 years.
Staff have expertise in global agriculture, food security, environmental management, sustainability, international relations, and geography.
We have international links with organisations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
You will benefit from both academic rigour and comprehensive student support within a friendly family atmosphere.

The course has been designed to meet the demand for well-qualified specialists to meet the challenge of ensuring global food security. Successful completion of the course will create employment opportunities for students in a broad range of organisations such as:

United Nations institutions and programmes such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Development Department (UNDP), World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
government departments for agriculture, food or rural development such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK
international door agencies such as the Department for International Development (DFID) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID)
national and international NGOs (non-government organisations) such as the Soil Association, Oxfam, CARE international and Action Aid
charitable organisations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation
private sector agribusiness corporations and consultancies such as Syngenta and ADAS (UK)
policy and think tanks such as International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

MRes
A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant science, humanities or business honours degree
MSc
A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant science, humanities or business honours degree

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Reviews

Subjects

  • Data analysis
  • Research methods
  • Food Systems Analysis
  • Food Security
  • Innovations
  • Development Cooperation
  • Analysis
  • Agroecological
  • Agroecological sciences
  • Global Food Security

Course programme

Modules

Research Methods and Data Analysis

(20 credit points)

This module provides you with advanced skills in designing, planning and evaluating studies in research. You'll become familiar with qualitative and quantitative research processes, as well as the methods and statistical tools used in food security research.

This module is assessed by coursework (100%)

Food Security and Food Systems Analysis(40 credit points)

This module introduces the concepts of food security, the theories regarding the causes of food insecurity, and the tools and methods for assessing food security. In addition, the module will explore the concept of food systems, the methods for analysing food systems, and the challenges and risks facing contemporary food systems. A special focus is placed on the links between the characteristics and dynamics of various food systems, and the achievement of food security outcomes at various levels, both in developed and developing countries.

This module is assessed by a written assignment (70%) and an oral presentation (30%)

Innovations for Food Security(40 credit points)

This module explores innovation in the solution to food security problems. Topics will cover technological innovations in primary production (e.g. crop and animal varieties, including GMOs; farm machineries; soil and water management; and pests and disease control technologies), as well as in the processing, distribution, and retailing of agri-food products. The module also covers non-technological innovations, including policy and regulatory processes, and institutional arrangements in the agri-food sectors. A key aspect of this module will be to discuss the various approaches to promoting innovation and behaviour change relating to food and farming.

This module is assessed by a written assignment (70%) and an oral presentation (30%)

Food Security and International Development Cooperation

This module will introduce the concepts of development and development cooperation. It explores the roles of international development cooperation in alleviating food insecurity in developing countries. Topics will include various forms of development assistance relating to food security provided by governments, international institutions and NGOs, along with assessing their effectiveness. This module will also discuss how to effectively plan and manage agricultural and rural development programmes, including such issues as situation analysis, planning, administration, and monitoring and evaluation.

This module is assessed by a written assignment (100%)

Research Project(MSc 60 credit points, MRes 120 credit points)

Research in depth a chosen topic area related to food security. Design and implement a relevant research project with a strong aspect of originality. Communicate the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.

This module is assessed by coursework (100%)

Additional information

International Student Fee - £13,900

Global Food Security and Development - MRes / MSc

£ 7,800 VAT inc.