| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
The Sustainable Food Systems MSc will equip the next generation of food systems leaders with the critical thinking skills, resourcefulness, mindset, and perspective needed to solve global food systems issues. You will be introduced to the concepts of sustainable food systems, the interdisciplinary approaches required to both understand and design future food systems, and you will develop state-of-the-art scientific understanding of disciplines underpinning food systems.
Introduction
The course draws on the expertise and connections within the University of Liverpool’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Food Systems (CESFS) to equip the next generation of food systems leaders.
You will be taught by internationally renowned experts who provide in-depth knowledge across fields of crop science, livestock health, supply chains, climate and the environment, and consumer behaviour.
The course will introduce you to sustainable food systems, their current issues and problems, and it will prepare you for careers addressing these issues. With its global perspective, the course will enable you to make an impact wherever in the world your career takes you.
You will have opportunities for project work and specialised assignments that match your interests and career ambitions and opportunities to engage in international research projects.
You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Centre’s research partners across local government, industry, policy, and non-governmental organisations and join in ongoing food systems research in Liverpool and across the globe.
You will, via your projects, have access to research that we undertake nationally and across the globe (e.g. South America, Africa, Asia).
Please note that this programme is suitable for intercalating medical students.
Who is this course for?
This programme is suitable for students from a range of backgrounds in life sciences including health, physical and social sciences, as well as management and business, who have a passion for solving food systems issues.
What you'll learn
Program Outline
Compulsory modules
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH (LIFE702)
Credits: 30 / Semester: whole session
This module will prepare students for their MSc research project. Students will work under the guidance of their research project supervisor to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for their MSc research project. Students will work in collaboration with their supervisor to identify skills and knowledge essential for their MSc research project and to devise a plan of work to address these. Students are expected to work independently through their plan of work, with guidance provided by their supervisor at regular meetings. Students will create a reflective portfolio of work which will highlight how and where the skills have been developed. Students will perform a literature search and write a literature review based on their project area, as well as write a grant proposal. Upon completion of this module, students will progress on to their MSc research project module.
RESEARCH METHODS AND APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (LIFE731)
Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session
This module will provide students with an understanding of the processes and methods required for the successful planning and delivery of research projects. It will also Introduce students to the latest, cutting edge technologies that will support their research field of interest. It will develop in students the transferrable communication skills that will enable them to disseminate their findings to both scientific and general audiences.
PROFESSIONAL, EMPLOYABILITY AND RESEARCH SKILLS FOR ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (LIFE710)
Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session
This module comprises a wide range of activities designed to help postgraduate science students develop skills that make them resourceful, responsible and adaptable graduates who are attractive to employers.
This module prepares students for enhanced communication, teamwork, interpersonal, problem solving, research and analytical, planning and organizing, technology, and lifelong learning skills.
Students will acquire knowledge in academic integrity, information retrieval, referencing tools, grant proposal writing and critical thinking; the tools that help to set up students for the start of their research project.
Students will also develop communication skills to a varied audience by engaging in public activities whilst working in groups to enhance their team-working skills. To make students digitally confident, they will be introduced to different digital platforms and will utilize these to promote their online presence, thus enhancing their employability prospects.
The module will prepare students for their job application process through CV clinics and mock interviews.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (LIFE747)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module covers the ways different food systems function with regards to production, supply and utilisation in the context of the challenge of global food security. It highlights the highly interdisciplinary nature of food systems and how they have evolved and now need to be developed to ensure future sustainable nutritious healthy diets. Successful students will have a thorough appreciation of the linkages between terrestrial and aquatic production systems, supply chains and consumer behaviour in defining food systems and how the linkages influence sustainability. The module is delivered, through lectures, small group learning and directed self-learning and assessed by continuous assessment. The module assumes level 6 prior knowledge in one of a biological, psychological, environmental science or business studies discipline. Such knowledge and understanding will be augmented in the context of the interdisciplinary curriculum of the module by guided reading (material made available on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), recognising levels of prior knowledge, and through provision within e-lectures). Each curriculum topic is introduced through a lecture which develops learning and through in-built formative assessments advises supplemental reading as required. Each topic is followed by a staff-led small group learning session in which the topic is discussed.
The module will be assessed by an essay, presentation and literature review with an emphasis on critical reading, synthesis of concepts and scientific communication.
Careers and employability
Our Sustainable Food Systems MSc is designed to equip the next generation with the critical thinking skills, resourcefulness, a systems mindset, and the international perspective needed to solve global food systems issues.
These transferable skills are highly valuable in many fields or industries including, but are not limited to, agriculture, operations and supply chain management, charities, policy-making organisations, academia, regulatory bodies, government agencies and non-governmental organisations, food processing and manufacturing companies, journalism, and public health.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
From education to employment
Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
Networking events
Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
Meet our Career Coaches
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Employability programmes
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Careers events
Your future
Researchers in the University of Liverpool’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Food Systems (CESFS) have an extensive network of contacts and collaborators across industry, government, policy-making, non-governmental organisations, and third sector. MSc students will have the opportunity to partake in work placements, with partners that may include:
Working in the UK after graduation
The UK is a great place to live and work, so it's no surprise that many international students want to stay after they graduate. A graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for up-to two years after graduation. It's available to students in the UK on a student visa (or Tier 4 [General] student visa). Our careers service is here to support you getting work once you finish studying.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
| UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
|---|---|
| Full-time place, per year | £11,900 |
| Part-time place, per year | £5,950 |
| International fees | |
|---|---|
| Full-time place, per year | £24,750 |
| Part-time place, per year | £12,375 |
Fees stated are for the
2023-24
academic year.Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs.
Learn more about tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans
.Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Additional study costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about additional study costs.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.
ANID CHILE Awards
20% reduction in tuition fees in partnership with the Chilean National Agency for Research and Development.
Chevening Scholarships
Full funding of tuition fees and living costs stipend, awarded by the University in partnership with Chevening.
COCYT Award
30% reduction in tuition fees with The National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico.
FIDERH Award
20% reduction in tuition fees in partnership with The Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH)
Fulbright Commission Scholarship
£20,000 towards tuition fees for a master's student. £2,500 monthly living stipend for a postgraduate research student.
FUNED Awards
20% reduction in tuition fees for those in receipt of FUNED loans.
HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)
Full tuition fees and living stipend of £9,000 for a new new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
Various awards available for current or prospective UK (taught and research) students, either born in or with very strong family connections to Merseyside.
JuventudEsGto Scholarship
10% reduction in tuition fees for residents of State of Guanajuato.
Marshall Scholarship
Full tuition fee waiver for a master's student. £20,000 scholarship for a postgraduate research student.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary
A £3,000 fee reduction for University of Liverpool UK graduates progressing to a master's course within two years of graduating from their undergraduate degree.
Postgraduate Progression Award – International Students
£2,500 fee reduction for current international University of Liverpool undergraduate or alumni.
Postgraduate Progression Award – UK students
For current University of Liverpool undergraduates or alumni from the UK progressing to either full or part-time new postgraduate taught programme. A £1,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Sport Liverpool Scholarships
Up to £2,000 to support sporting performance.
The Aziz Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships to support British Muslims who will receive a full scholarship for their tuition fees covered by The Aziz Foundation.
Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship
20% discount on master’s and postgraduate research tuition fees, excluding bench fees.
University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary
£2,500 fee reduction for Commonwealth for students studying all subjects.
University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships
Up to £5,000 or up to £10,000 available for offer holders from Hong Kong, SAR and PR China.
University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters Programmes
The awards are open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection.
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship
£5,000 tuition fee reduction for University of Liverpool International College students.
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Impact Progression Scholarship
Students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. £3,000 tuition fee reduction.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship
A reduction of £2,500 in tuition fees for high-achieving international students (including students from the EU).
Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China
There are 18 (eighteen) scholarships available for new postgraduate students from China (amount varies).
ANID CHILE Awards
Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.
ANID CHILE
Chevening Scholarships
The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.
Chevening Scholarships
COCYT Award
The University of Liverpool has an agreement with COCYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.
COCYT
FIDERH Award
20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.
FIDERH Award
Fulbright Commission Scholarship
One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US
Fulbright
FUNED Awards
Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.
FUNED
HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)
The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.
The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme. However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.
HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)