Course details
- Entry requirements: Related 2:1 degree (or equivalent)
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.
If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
The course consists of compulsory and optional modules followed by a research project or dissertation carried out over the summer period upon completion of Semester 2.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc. Please note that LIFE702 and LIFE703 are linked and so you will devote half of the course to your specialised project in Food Systems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Successful research in the biological sciences inevitably depends on the power that statistical inference provides for hypothesis testing. Understanding which test to use and when is the key to success. This module aims to further this understanding of, and competence in, the use of statistical techniques in the design of experiments in biological research, and in the analysis and interpretation of data.
The module is available to students who are on-campus (LIFE707) or, alternatively, who are studying on a University of Liverpool programme while off-campus (LIFE607), for example in a yearly placement in industry or while studying at an overseas University.
The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas). The module aims to provide a guide to the statistics that students will need to complete an advanced research project (M-level or PhD), and the ability to develop a research-level statistical approach to the analysis of biological data. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.
Successful research in the biological sciences inevitably depends on the power that statistical inference provides for hypothesis testing. Knowing which test to use and when is the key to success.
This module aims to train biology students in statistical techniques for the analysis and interpretation of data. Students will gain research-level, critical understanding of the necessary theory, and will put this into practice by using statistical software and programming to analyse biological data. The module aims to provide a guide to the statistics that students will need to complete their MSc / MRes. research project. Specifically, it is designed for postgraduate students who have not completed an undergraduate statistics module, such as the University of Liverpool’s LIFE223 (QS section). The module is taught via directed reading, lectures, and tutorial workshops, and is assessed via SAQ examination, coursework and an individual poster.
This module will provide a study of the key principles, systems and techniques used to assure effective supply chain management. The module covers an extensive range of subjects including logistics, information management, inventory management, partnerships and information technology.
Bioinformatics is a key skill needed in many research settings. This module gives students a theoretical and technical grounding in a range of application areas including bioinformatics-related topics such as sequence analysis, phylogenetics, and the modelling of proteins, and others. While lectures are provided on core topics, there is a strong emphasis on practical exercises to demonstrate the application of common tools and data sources in these contexts. Teaching is delivered in the form of a weekly lecture and workshops. Students will be given guided reading and online activities to support their learning. The module will be assessed by three data analysis continuous assessments.
This module uses research-led teaching to explore current thinking in conservation biology;
The module explores patterns of biodiversity and encourages students to critically evaluate the evidence supporting alternative explanations for the extinctions or demise of many animal and plant species;
It also enables students to critically evaluate different approaches to conserving biodiversity;
The module is taught via lectures and student led seminars, in the form of debates. To support independent learning, students will also be guided to sections of specific textbooks and expected to follow upreferences, primary and secondary sources, listed by staff.
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.
This module will introduce the students to a range of large climate data sets from the whole Earth-atmosphere-ocean climate system these data sets will range from satellite data sets of ocean processes, satellite rain estimation to gridded climate data sets of the ocean and atmosphere, produced from observations, reanalysis and forecasts or projections and the introduction and use of paleorecords of climate change and variation.
This module addresses contemporary topics in animal behaviour within an evolutionary framework. It combines current experimental and field research and links behaviour to other areas including ecology, neurobiology, comparative cognition and human evolution.
There will be an emphaiss on using the primary and secondary literature (including refereed reviews) to underpin the conceptual basis of the material, and we will take an evaluative approach to the material.
The module is delivered through traditional lectures, tutorials and a combination of guided and self-directed reading. The module is assessed by formal examination and continuous assessment.
This module provides a review of the role of viruses as important pathogens of humans and animals. A broad overview of viral virulence mechanisms, immune evasion and vaccine development will be given followed by detailed consideration of significant groups of viruses. The module is assessed by formal examination and continuous assessment.
1. To develop an in-depth knowledge of the social determinants of health inequalities both historically and in the contemporary world.
2. To provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and skills needed for public health practitioners to develop and implement policies to reduce health inequalities.
Assessing the evidence behind healthcare interventions, programmes and services is one of the core competences identifiedby the UK Faculty of Public Health. The module has been designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the opportunities and challenges behind creating a credible evidence base for public health decisions. During the module, we will explore the historical development of evidence-based public health, discover who the main players are, and discuss some of the contemporary debates surrounding its relevance to international public health today.
The module will be delivered through lecture delivery, problem-based learning, small group learning, and self-directed learning, while assessment will consist of one group assignment; a 2000 word systematic review (worth 30% of the total module mark) and the a 3500-word assignment (worth the remaining 70%). The module will also highlight how evidence from a wide range of sources can be identified, synthesised, and translated into initiatives aiming to improve health and reduce health inequalities. The module will draw on the work of key public health organisations, namely the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in England, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US and the World Health Organization. The module will also provide an opportunity for students to transfer their learning from other modules such as ‘Epidemiology and Statistics for Public Health 1’ (, and it is expected that students will complete the assigned pre-reading before each teaching session. This reading will be available via VITAL in advance of the module and VITAL will also be used to provide general module information (e.g. module guide and learning outcomes), communicate with students regarding module-specific issues, and provide the platform to submit their two summative assignments.
Liverpool’s air quality, much like many other UK’s cities, is some of the worst in Europe. Whilst we might understand how it is produced, complex urban layouts and meteorological conditions make it almost impossible to understand how it mixes, disperses and stagnates in our cities; the only way in which we can monitor this is to sense our cities. This research-based module focuses on students using statistical tools to interpret data from University of Liverpool outdoor pollution sensors, Liverpool City Council outdoor sensors, and Government sensors, as well your own sensor that students construct as part of this module. The module content will be provided in the first three weeks after which students will work on research-based projects, with intensive supervision. The module’s assessment gives students a taste of both the industry driven and academic world trhough a consultancy style group report and mimicking the process of presenting a paper at an acacemic conference.
In this module students will work on a research project in their chosen area of study under the supervision of a project supervisor. Students are expected to work independently, with guidance provided by their supervisor. Students will create a plan of work at the start of the project, and will present their work orally, as well as write a final project report. Students will also be assessed on their approach and technique during the project. Students will defend their work in a viva at the end of the module. This module will give students experience in conducting their own independent research project, and the presentation of this work through oral and written formats.
You will experience a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussion and e-learning.
Programme modules encourage individual and group work where you will tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, design learning strategies to solve problems, and then analyse and interpret your findings.
Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform. One-to-one meetings with your research supervisor will allow you to discuss science, develop your critical thinking and creativity through an ongoing feedback model.
Your master research project provides a full academic research experience, including the planning, execution and communication of scientific research.
Assessment of knowledge and understanding, practical skills and transferrable skills is through a blended mix of coursework that may include practical and project reports, essays, completion of workbooks, talks, data handling sessions and posters.
All modules will provide you with feedback on your learning progress and allow for adjustment of your learning. Electronic resources available on the University virtual learning environment support learning and teaching.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
As a Sustainable Food Systems student, you will benefit from the School of Life Sciences experience in delivering dynamic, world-class, inspirational research-led teaching. We are a melting-pot for the study of the biological sciences, and have been for over 140 years.
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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.
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:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £11,900 |
Part-time place, per year | £5,950 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £24,750 |
Part-time place, per year | £12,375 |
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.
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.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.
Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
Normally, at least a 2.1 Honours degree in subjects that include life, health, physical, social sciences, business or law, or acceptable to the Director of the Programme and the proposed project supervisor. We would also welcome applications from students with degrees in veterinary sciences or medicine. This programme is also suitable for intercalating Veterinary and Medical Students. We will consider applicants with a 2.2 degree, for example if they have suitable postgraduate experience or work experience. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS |
C View our IELTS academic requirements key. |
International Baccalaureate |
Standard Level 5 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 21, Reading – 22, Speaking 23. |
INDIA Standard XII | 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards |
WAEC | C4-6 |
Hong Kong use of English AS level | C |
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Last updated 23 March 2023 / / Programme terms and conditions /