Food Security in Public Health (Taught)

This course draws on the expertise of our academic teams from both the School of Life Sciences and School of Society, Community and Health so you benefit from their combined breadth of knowledge and experience.

You explore and evaluate current research; the issues within food security in public health and how to overcome them; the effectiveness of public health information; food systems management; and the legal and ethical considerations including those relating to food standards. The course links theory to practical application with case studies from both developed and developing economies so you develop the skills necessary to respond in innovative ways to current and future challenges.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Modern STEM building with specialist laboratories, lecture theatres and bespoke study spaces.

• The latest technology and industry-standard equipment to emulate the professional workplace.

• Seven-storey library featuring an extensive collection of physical and digital resources.

Career-powered links
Establish links and gain valuable work experience through our Life Sciences Liaison Board, which draws in industry-wide professionals such as Life Science Group, the NHS and GrowPura. The Board’s close partnerships with real-world experts means our forward-thinking course is aligned with the needs of both industry and wider society.

Your student experience
Study under a team of international experts at a University with 30-plus years of experience teaching biological sciences.
Our highly qualified academics lead the way in research areas such as COVID-19 testing technology; obesity; cancer pathways; medicines development; and global food security.
Our faculty’s active involvement in course-relevant research and consultancy feeds directly into course delivery, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.
Take part in field visits to sites such as Rothamsted Research, LEAF Demonstration Farm and the Centre for Alternative Technology.
Gain specialist knowledge from external speakers in interactive seminars, workshops and masterclasses.
Benefit from our student-centred teaching approach to help you get the most from your degree, combining lectures and practical sessions with case studies and e-learning.
Develop employability-based skills including in assessment and evaluation; effective communication; application of knowledge; and informed decision making.
Explore a current-day issue with your choice of MSc food security research project.
Fulfil your potential with guidance from your own personal academic tutor.

Course modules

Food and nutrition insecurity – A comprehensive overview of global food and nutrition insecurity, reviewing current research and public health challenges.

Food safety – Investigate biological and chemical agents in animal feed and human food, assessing potential health risks and links to disease.

Food quality assurance – Explore and assess the management of quality processes in the agrifood chain from the perspective of public health.

Food systems management – The complex management of food from farm to home including growing, harvesting, processing, transporting and consuming.

Epidemiology in public health – An introduction to the key concepts and principles of epidemiology with a focus on research analysis.

Principles, policies and issues in public health – How principles, policies and research issues have influenced public health in the UK and internationally.

Food security research project – Undertake an independent research investigation in an area of interest, from planning through to presentation.

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