MSc Sustainable Food Systems

Study our practice-focused masters in Sustainable Food Systems and gain the specialised skills needed to become a leader in the food sector. Learn how to drive policy and institutional changes in sustainability and climate change to transform local food systems.

Why study MSc Sustainable Food Systems?

Climate change is increasingly recognised as the major threat for humanity. Extreme weather events, likely caused by climate change, are already decimating crop yields. We're also battling a biodiversity crisis and a health crisis of obesity and malnutrition, while we're faced with increasing food insecurity due to rising living costs.

Many civil society organisations (CSOs), funding bodies and academics are demanding policy and institutional changes to address the inefficiencies of the current food system. To meet these growing demands, our MSc Sustainable Food Systems aims to produce diverse change makers to champion a transformation of the food system.

Why UWE Bristol?

Our masters in Sustainable Food Systems is the only course of its kind in the UK. The content offers a unique focus on food justice and shifting local food systems through community-scale actions. From growth to consumption, you'll learn how to transform complex food systems to achieve sustainable, healthy and accessible outcomes for all.

Designed in consultation with external food system stakeholders, you'll study practice-oriented modules with real-world impact. Our content is strengthened by support from the Food Policy Alliance Cymru, which includes a wide range of organisations working across food policy and practice in Wales.

An interdisciplinary course with broad applications

Due its interdisciplinary nature, our MSc Sustainable Food Systems will appeal to students from a broad range of undergraduate disciplines. These include public health, environmental science and ecology, business, psychology, education, geography and the creative arts.

To deepen your understanding of complex local food systems, we'd also encourage those employed in entry level roles in public service bodies and CSOs to apply. After completing our masters in Sustainable Food Systems, graduates will have the specialised skills to become sustainability leaders in government, public bodies, businesses and CSOs.

Careers / Further study

This course will offer you expertise in local food systems and climate change action needed to drive a transformation in this sector. You'll meet a growing demand for professionals who will tackle critical challenges and champion policy and institutional changes, offering you a rewarding and challenging career. After graduating, you'll be equipped with the skills and experience to become a food systems leader within government, public bodies, businesses and CSOs.

Become an expert in environmental sustainability and climate change resilience in local food systems. You'll gain knowledge in a broad range of areas, including food justice, food security and policies, food production and supply chains, and farming systems and agroecology.

Your modules will cover a broad range of disciplines. These subjects include but aren't limited to: Geography, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Conservation, Business Management and Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Politics, Psychology with Sociology, and Public and Environmental Health.

Our practice-oriented modules are designed in collaboration with external stakeholders in the food systems industry, ensuring you gain applied practical skills with real-world relevance. Through these professional connections, you'll build your network while boosting your employability.

Capitalise on our sustainability strengths across the south west, which could present employment opportunities for you once you graduate. Bristol is one of only three Gold Status Sustainable Food Cities in the UK, so this region is a desirable location to study localised food systems. The city has a strong tradition of food system activism, developing expertise which feeds into our course content to provide you with unique insight.

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.