University of Exeter

Program Information

Degree Offered

MSc Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The skills you will develop are in increasing demand as the UK's ability to meet future food requirements will depend primarily on the competitiveness of agricultural production. You will develop an understanding of the problems in maintaining a supply of affordable, nutritious and safe food, including the potential environmental impact, and learn how to implement potential solutions to these problems drawing on biotechnology.

There has never been a more urgent need to train scientists in the area of food security, equipped with skills in agronomy, plant pathology and plant improvement, and knowledge of modern agricultural systems and policy. The Royal Society report Reaping the Benefits: science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture published in October 2009, provided the clearest evidence of the challenge of ensuring global food security during the next 50 years. Crop yields need to rise significantly, but in a manner that requires much lower dependency on chemical intervention and fertilizers.

This programme was developed in collaboration with the agricultural industry, government agencies including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (defra) and The Food and Environment Research Agency (fera), and farmers and food manufacturers, to provide a multi-disciplinary training in sustainable agriculture and global food security. Research-led teaching in molecular plant pathology, plant sciences and microbiology is strongly supplemented by BBSRC Rothamsted-North Wyke expertise in grassland management, soil science and sustainable farming systems. Leading social scientists also provide valuable input in rural land use and the rural economy. The combination of expertise in both arable and pastureland systems ensures a truly rounded learning experience.

The curriculum takes account of the key skills shortages in the UK to train highly skilled individuals that can enter government agencies, agriculture and food industries and fulfil very valuable roles in scientific research, advice, evaluation, policy development and implementation.

The vital importance of this scientific training is illustrated in the award of 15 BBSRC Training Grants over a three year period.

For the latest information about this programme, please see our website.

Accreditation:

University of Exeter

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes