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MSc Food Systems

  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 24 months

Develop a deep knowledge of the food system – and study at three academic institutions across Europe – with our MSc in Food Systems course.

The University of Reading is ranked 8th in the UK for research power in Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2021) and 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2*submissions – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences).

This new master’s programme has been launched in collaboration with EiT Food, Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, which works to make the food system more sustainable, healthy and trusted.

Gain advanced understanding of the food system

The programme aims to give you knowledge of the food system in its entirety. You will:

  • identify short-term and long-term consequences of decisions involving different components of the food chain
  • translate innovations into feasible business solutions
  • explore and generate new ideas in response to current and future challenges
  • use knowledge, ideas and technology to create new or improved products, services, processes, policies, business models or jobs
  • apply cutting-edge research, processes and techniques towards new venture creation and growth in cross-disciplinary contexts
  • transform practical experiences in the food sector into research problems and challenges.

Learn from industry experts through a variety of interactive lectures and seminars, practical laboratory classes, case study-based learning, group work and online learning.

Study across three European countries with MSc in Food Systems

We offer three pathway options on this programme, all starting at the University of Reading (your home university) in September 2022.

You will study four semesters in total, split over two years. Study your first semester at Reading before going to study further semesters with two host universities, then returning to Reading to complete your degree.

Current host universities include:

  • University of Hohenheim
  • University of Torino
  • University of Warsaw
  • Aarhus University
  • Lund University.

For more information, please visit the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences website.

Overview

Develop a deep knowledge of the food system – and study at three academic institutions across Europe – with our MSc in Food Systems course.

The University of Reading is ranked 8th in the UK for research power in Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2021) and 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2*submissions – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences).

This new master’s programme has been launched in collaboration with EiT Food, Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, which works to make the food system more sustainable, healthy and trusted.

Gain advanced understanding of the food system

The programme aims to give you knowledge of the food system in its entirety. You will:

  • identify short-term and long-term consequences of decisions involving different components of the food chain
  • translate innovations into feasible business solutions
  • explore and generate new ideas in response to current and future challenges
  • use knowledge, ideas and technology to create new or improved products, services, processes, policies, business models or jobs
  • apply cutting-edge research, processes and techniques towards new venture creation and growth in cross-disciplinary contexts
  • transform practical experiences in the food sector into research problems and challenges.

Learn from industry experts through a variety of interactive lectures and seminars, practical laboratory classes, case study-based learning, group work and online learning.

Study across three European countries with MSc in Food Systems

We offer three pathway options on this programme, all starting at the University of Reading (your home university) in September 2022.

You will study four semesters in total, split over two years. Study your first semester at Reading before going to study further semesters with two host universities, then returning to Reading to complete your degree.

Current host universities include:

  • University of Hohenheim
  • University of Torino
  • University of Warsaw
  • Aarhus University
  • Lund University.

For more information, please visit the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences website.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).

Entry qualifications: Applicants are typically required to have at least a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a pure or applied science (or equivalent from a university outside the UK). Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning may be considered based on relevant work and other experience.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

To apply for this programme, please contact EiT Food.

Structure

  • Year 1

The programme is comprised of 240 credits, allocated across a range of compulsory and optional modules from the University of Reading and associated partner universities.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (offered by University of Reading)

  • Understanding and Influencing Consumer Behaviour
  • Introduction to Food Systems
  • Food Systems Summer School

Optional modules (offered by University of Reading)

  • Nutrition Concepts
  • Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition
  • Microbes in Health and Disease 

Semester 2 (offered by your first host university)

Study further food systems modules and take part in a summer school on entrepreneurship with all other students enrolled on the programme.

Semester 3 (offered by your second host university
)

Complete a semester-long Market Feasibility Study, along with further food systems modules.

Semester 4

Compulsory modules (offered by University of Reading)

  • Emerging Technologies Business Case Study
  • Postgraduate Research Project. This thesis will be mentored by a mixed team of EIT food partners from industrial, academic and research organisations.

The credits for semesters 2 and 3 will be taken from the partner universities, with students selecting one of the following pathways within the programme: AgriFood Technology and Food Safety, Functional Foods and Food System Management or Food Safety and Food Systems Management.

Please note: the host universities may vary according to which pathway you choose.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £7,500

New international students: £15,000

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

For more information about fees for this programme, visit the EIT Food Master in Food Systems webpage.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Scholarships

You may apply for a scholarship when you apply for your chosen master's programmes. EIT Food offers various scholarships based on a combination of academic skills, professional background, and affinity with innovation and entrepreneurship. For further information, please visit the EIT application portal.

 


Careers

Our MSc in Food Systems course is ideal if you want to pursue a career in the food industry or food-related research. Overall, 95% of graduates from Food and Nutritional Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 90% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Food and Nutritional Sciences responders)

Apply now


Apply for MSc Food Systems on the EiT website.

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Related Subjects


  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Nutrition

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