Food Security

Delivering global food security is one of the critical challenges of the 21st century. Each nation needs to balance local and national production with imports and consider the environmental and economic impact of their policies. This MSc draws together critical components such as the contribution of climate change, biodiversity, water, soil, land use, labour, nutrition transition and urbanisation. The course will appeal if you want to influence global food security and enjoy contributing to cutting-edge research.

The course is science-led, but includes options in business, social sciences and international environmental law, which provide insight to contemporary food production systems. You’ll undertake seven core modules (Crop Physiology & Production; Advances in Crop Protection; Soil, Water & Plant Mineral Nutrition; Climate Change; Environmental Accounting; Organic & Low Input Systems; Challenges of Global Food Security) and up to three further optional modules. You’ll also undertake a laboratory- or desk-based project or a placement at a host organisation.

You’ll leave prepared for a career in a wide range of public and commercial enterprises such as government agencies, NGOs, food businesses and consultancies related to food production and the supply chain.

Students will take 7 core modules, up to 3 optional modules and an individual research project, placement or dissertation.

Our course and module content and schedule is continually reviewed and updated to reflect the latest research expertise at Warwick. So it is therefore very important that you check back here for the latest information before you apply and when you accept an offer (as set out in our terms and conditions).

Core modules

• Crop Physiology and Production
• Advances in Crop Protection
• Soil, Water and Plant Mineral Nutrition
• Environmental Accounting
• Climate Change
• Challenges of Global Food Security
• Organic and Low Input Systems
• Project/Work Placement

Optional Modules

(Availability dependent on demand)

• International Environmental Law

• The Global Food System

• Biological Invasions in Changing Climates
• Biodiversity, Conservation & Ecosystem Services
• Microbiomics & Metagenomics
• Marketing Management
• Accounting & Financial Management
• Business Strategy

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and varies between modules. It includes essays, seminar presentations, practical reports, oral evaluation and assessed group work. The project will be assessed by a seminar presentation and a thesis.

Please note that modules and courses on offer may change. We reserve the right not to run certain modules/courses based on programme review, staff availability and student demand.

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum score of 6.5 (with no component score below 6.0)
• PTE (Academic) with a minimum score of 69
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 92 in the internet-based test (iBT).
• Personal Statement
• Transcripts

The University of Warwick offers various funding options for students enrolled in Food Security programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore multiple sources of financial support to facilitate their studies and reduce financial burdens. The university provides a range of scholarships and bursaries specifically dedicated to students pursuing degrees related to food security, agriculture, environmental sciences, and related fields. These include merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievement, as well as need-based bursaries aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, students may be eligible for national and international funding opportunities, such as government loans, grants, and external scholarships funded by industry partners or charitable organizations. The university’s Student Financial Support Service offers comprehensive guidance on applying for financial aid, understanding loan options, and accessing external funding opportunities.

For international students, Warwick provides specific scholarships to help offset tuition fees and living expenses, often requiring applicants to demonstrate exceptional academic performance or specific financial need. The university also participates in various UK research council funding schemes that support research students and postgraduate researchers involved in food security and sustainable development projects. Students interested in postgraduate study have access to diverse funding pathways, including research council grants, university scholarships, and employer sponsorships, depending on their circumstances. Work-study options and part-time employment opportunities are also available to help students supplement their income during their studies.

In addition to monetary grants, the university offers support services to help students manage their finances effectively, including financial planning workshops and advice on budgeting. Overall, the university’s comprehensive approach ensures that students can access the necessary financial resources to successfully complete their Food Security degree and pursue their academic and career goals without undue financial hardship.

The MSc in Food Security at the University of Warwick is a comprehensive programme designed to address the complex challenges related to the production, distribution, and sustainability of food in a global context. This course aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle issues such as food insecurity, climate change, sustainable agriculture, and resource management. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore the socio-economic, environmental, and technological factors that influence food security worldwide.

The programme covers a broad range of topics including food systems, policy and governance, agricultural innovation, climate change impacts on agriculture, and global commodity markets. It emphasizes scientific understanding alongside policy analysis, preparing graduates to work effectively in research, government, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies concerned with food policies and security. Students have opportunities to engage in practical projects, case studies, and possibly fieldwork, depending on the specific modules and collaborations available during their course.

The MSc is typically structured over one year of full-time study, with options for part-time study for working professionals. It includes core modules that provide foundational knowledge, as well as electives allowing students to specialize in areas such as sustainable agriculture, food policy, or environmental management. Assessment methods generally include examinations, coursework, and a dissertation or research project, which enables students to conduct an in-depth investigation into a topic of their choice related to food security.

The teaching faculty consists of experts in fields such as environmental science, economics, public policy, and agronomy, contributing to a multidisciplinary perspective essential for understanding the multifaceted nature of food security. The university also offers strong links with industry and international organizations, providing students with relevant networking opportunities and practical insights into current challenges and innovative solutions.

Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for careers in policy analysis, research, international development, consulting, and sustainable agricultural practices. They may also pursue further doctoral research or academic careers. The University of Warwick’s commitment to research excellence and its global outlook ensures that students are engaged with the latest developments and debates in food security, positioning them effectively to impact real-world issues.

Facilities at Warwick support a vibrant student community with access to modern labs, libraries, and collaborative workspaces. The programme encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and applied research, reflecting the evolving nature of global food security challenges. Overall, the MSc in Food Security at Warwick balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, aiming to produce capable professionals ready to contribute to sustainable solutions for food security around the world.