University of Warwick

What you'll study

This programme combines conceptual and applied modules to equip you with the tools to analyse contemporary food-security challenges across scales from farm to global markets. Core themes include the biophysical basis of food production, food systems and supply chains, food policy and governance, nutrition and food safety, and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on food availability and access.

• Core taught modules typically cover topics such as food-system analysis, quantitative methods and statistics for food-security research, climate and environmental impacts on agriculture, and food policy and governance.
• Optional modules allow you to tailor your degree and might include subjects such as agricultural economics, sustainable supply-chain management, agroecology, nutrition and public health, or innovation and technology in food systems.
• Research project / dissertation is a substantial independent research project on a food-security topic of your choice, supervised by academic staff. Projects may be empirical, modelling-based or policy-oriented and often involve data analysis, literature synthesis or stakeholder engagement.
• Skills development focuses on research design, statistical and GIS analysis, scenario and risk assessment, science–policy communication, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (UK upper second class honours or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as biological sciences, food science, agriculture, environmental science, geography, development studies or economics. Applicants with professional experience in agriculture, food policy, development or related sectors may also be considered, particularly where their experience demonstrates quantitative or research skills.

Evidence of competence in quantitative methods is desirable; applicants without this background may be asked to demonstrate prior study or work experience that shows numeracy and data-handling skills. All applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements; typical offers ask for a recognised English test at an academic level.

Career prospects

Graduates from this type of programme move into a wide range of roles across the public, private and third sectors. Typical career destinations include policy and advisory roles in government departments and international organisations, programme and project management for NGOs and development agencies, sustainability and supply-chain roles in agribusiness and food firms, research posts in universities and think-tanks, and consultancy on food-system risk and resilience.

The combination of technical, analytical and policy-focused training also provides a strong foundation for further research (PhD) or specialist roles in monitoring and evaluation, food security assessment, climate adaptation planning and nutrition-sensitive programme design.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick offers an interdisciplinary environment that brings together expertise across the life sciences, social sciences and business, enabling a systems-based approach to food-security questions. Students benefit from research-active academic staff, opportunities to collaborate across departments, and access to methodological training in statistics, modelling and spatial analysis.

The university's strong links with industry, government and international partners provide avenues for applied project work, placements and networking. Support services for postgraduate students, including career development and research skills training, help transition graduates into professional roles or further study.