Global Food Security and Nutrition (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Sustainability

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time intermittent study
  • PgProfDev | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
  • MSc | 6 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert (ICL) | 2 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip (ICL) | 4 years | Start date: September 2026
Part-time part session
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Programme website
Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

Food security is concerned with the availability, access, and utilisation of safe, nutritious and sustainable food to all, especially vulnerable groups, within society.

The challenges related to food are not only the existence of approximately 795 million undernourished people in the world (Food and Agricultural Organization) but also:

  • the increasing presence of diet-related, non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes and heart disease)
  • the contribution of agriculture to greenhouse gas emissions
  • land use change

Understanding the interconnection of food, health and the environment, as well as their trade-offs, is vital to formulate policies that enable us to achieve food security in a sustainable manner.

This programme recognises that 'food security' concerns not only food policy and food production issues, but also other aspects such as:

  • land tenure
  • immigration
  • demographics
  • diet and nutrition
  • technology
  • natural resources (e.g., pressures on water and soil)
  • climate change

This programme is suitable for students with a background in agriculture, development, food systems or other food related studies, as well as professionals within a broad range of disciplines such as food production, distribution, policy, or international development.

Promotional video for the online MSc programme Global Food Security and Nutrition.

Study options

PhaseDurationCredits
Masters3-6 years180
Diploma2-4 years120
Certificate1-2 years60
Individual courses*up to 2 yearsup to a maximum of 50

The degree programme allows progression from individual courses to Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases. Students may also exit the programme on completion of each phase.

The programme is designed to be taken part-time at 20 hours per week, with the flexibility to complete in longer time frames if required.

*Individual courses are also referred to as Postgraduate Professional Development (PGProfDev).

Programme benefits

  • Build a personal portfolio of skills and knowledge
  • Mentoring and online discussion from teachers and researchers who are specialists in their field
  • Access to high-quality interactive online resources/e-journals and online textbooks
  • Develop and enhance transferable technological skills in digital learning environments
  • The University of Edinburgh has been delivering online degrees since 2005, with more than 11,000 graduates from over 180 countries
  • We are experts in online learning and have a strong track record of providing the best experience possible, working closely with academic teams to design a fully online degree that works well for both the educators and our students.

Even though I am physically located in another part of the planet (Singapore), the lecturers and staff kept us engaged and provided many theoretical and practical learning opportunities. 

I benefited greatly and will use my new knowledge to progress in my career.

Meiling Ang MSc Global Food Security and Nutrition, 2023

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time part session

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Payment for individual courses 

It is possible to pay for the programme on a course-by-course basis.

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships are available for this programme. Applicants must be citizens of an African country and residents in an African country. Applications from refugees and displaced people who have left their African home country to live elsewhere on the continent are welcome. 

For more information on how and when to apply, please visit: 

Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biological or biochemical sciences.

We may also consider your application if your background is not specifically related to these disciplines and you have relevant work experience in a related area. Please contact us, Food.SecurityNutrition@ed.ac.uk, to check before you apply. You may be admitted to certificate level only in the first instance.  

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The full degree programme is a total of 180 credits, divided into:

  • 90 credits of Core courses
  • 30 credits of Elective courses, chosen from a range of options across complementing subjects
  • 60 credit Dissertation

Courses offer a mix of:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • practicals
  • guest speakers
  • recommended reading
Time expectation

20 credit courses are delivered in two blocks of five weeks with one week of independent study and reflection time in between.

10 credit courses are delivered over one block of five weeks.

Each 10 credits of study represents 100 hours of study and a time commitment of 20 hours per week.

Compulsory courses

Core courses
Certificate phaseCredits
Frameworks to assess food security20
Nutrition for food security20
Sustainable food production20
Diploma phaseCredits
Inter-relationships in food systems20
Research methods in data analysis*10

*this course is a prerequisite for the Dissertation phase

Masters phasecredits
Dissertation60 - must be written within a 12-month period

Option courses

Elective courses
From Global Food Security and NutritionCredits
Innovation in sustainable food systems20
From related programmesCredits
Ecosystem health10
Ecosystem values and management20
Foundations of nutritional epidemiology10
Global citizenship10
Innovative approaches to health challenges across disciplines10
Introduction to public health10
Land use and food security10
Making science relevant to policy and decision-making20
Maternal, newborn and child health in a global context10
Migration and health10
Noncommunicable disease in a global context10
The marine environment10
Understanding planetary health and data10
Individual courses

Postgraduate Professional Development (PGProfDev) is the study of individual courses from within a degree programme.

It is aimed at working professionals who want to upskill in a specific area but do not want to commit to a postgraduate qualification. 

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses from within this degree over two years. Credits can also be put towards further study, however, any time spent taking courses will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award. 

Individual courses available within this programme

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Optional, or elective, courses listed are a selection of popular choices of students on this programme.

Course availability is dependent on the number of students, and availability of places on non-programme owned courses. We cannot guarantee that all courses will be available to all students each year.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Courses are taught and completed entirely online and may include:

  • online lectures
  • tutorials
  • specialist external lectures
  • group discussions
  • case studies
  • problem-based learning scenarios
  • literature-based research
  • quizzes

Assessment

The programme uses a range of assessment tools, both formative and summative, with multiple feedback opportunities.

Summative assessment and feedback helps students develop the key skills associated with the learning outcomes and is tied to practical applications, such as report and grant writing.

Formative assessment (e.g. multiple choice questions and discussion groups) are included in each course to provide opportunities for feedback before assessment deadlines. Opportunities are provided for formative feedback on assessment drafts.

Learning outcomes

The aim of this programme is to train you in the breadth of issues relating to food security and give you key skills to understand and critically assess problems across food systems.

At the end of the programme, you should have an understanding of the global context of food security and nutrition, and be able to identify and critically assess the main trade-offs between food security and nutrition and other goals in food systems.

The programme aims to give you the ability to:

  • carry out independent research
  • produce reports to a professional standard
  • be competent in constructing logically sound arguments

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, and critical evaluation and assessment of the main theories, principles and concepts related to agronomic, environmental, economic, nutritional, and socio-political factors that influence food security.
  • Apply food security and nutrition practical methods to scientific information and methods in the analysis of complex problems in food systems.
  • Develop critical analysis skills to review complex issues relating to food security and nutrition, and formulate an original research problem and independently carry out the research needed to produce an appropriate solution in a range of scientific or policy contexts.
  • Apply and enhance a range of communication, ICT and numeracy skills applicable to food security and nutrition problems.
  • Work individually or as part of a group, and make informed judgements about the complex problems connected to global food security and nutrition.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

How online learning works

The University of Edinburgh has been delivering online postgraduate programmes since 2005 and is the largest provider of online programmes in the prestigious Russell Group of universities.

Online learning is aimed at people who want to study for a postgraduate qualification alongside ongoing personal and professional commitments. Most of our students continue in their employment while they study.

The varied teaching can include:

  • online lectures
  • tutorials
  • specialist external lectures
  • scientific group discussions
  • case studies
  • problem-based learning scenarios
  • literature-based research
  • computer-assisted learning
  • quizzes

Online students not only have access to Edinburgh's excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree:

Postgraduate online learning

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 20 hours per week to your programme, although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Support for online students is given as much emphasis as for our on-campus learners. The learning technology is fully interactive and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

A dedicated e-Learning team ensures the programme runs smoothly and the programme is supported by an experienced team of academic and administrative staff. Each student is also provided with a Student Adviser.

Career opportunities

This programme is designed to equip graduates with the skills to go on to careers in government and international non-governmental organisations working in a broad range of areas relating to food security.

There are increasing postgraduate research opportunities available in the food security arena, in the UK, EU and internationally.

There are also some positions in the private sector that will be attractive to graduates, such as retail, food supply management, or even commodity trading.

Professional links

The teaching team has good working relationships with industry, and the programme benefits from strong research and teaching collaboration with some of the key international organisations responsible for monitoring and reducing food insecurity globally.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

As a trained chef and culinary instructor, I have always tried to get the ‘best’ food for the customers but did not fully appreciate what happens beyond the restaurant. This programme provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of food security and explores the delicate interrelationships between food systems, the impact of our eating habits and the drivers of food policies.

If you have questioned the food beyond your plate and wanted to know more about biodynamic farming, climate change, food policy and innovative technology that could support smart city development, this programme will help answer those questions.

The professors from different areas of expertise offer insight and help you to analyse information so you can create an informed opinion. The content is pertinent to what is happening in the world today and assignments are varied and relevant. Throughout my experience, I have found the support from the university to be nothing short of excellent.

David - chef, culinary instructor and Global Food Security and Nutrition student

The flexibility of the course allowed me to fit studying around my existing work and lifestyle. It was well organised and staff were always available to answer questions. 

The content was interesting and well delivered and there was scope within the assignments to tailor them to my own area of interest. Alongside the formal teaching, the opportunity to connect with other students, in discussion boards and in particular during group exercises, proved a very valuable learning experience. 

With students from all around the world, the range of views and experiences expressed helped put the subject into a truly global context. I have gained a solid understanding around the topics of food security and nutrition that I hope to build on in a professional context.

Abi - clinical scientist and Global Food Security and Nutrition student

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 21 August 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Academic contact

Dr Elaine Bannerman

Programme Coordinator

Contact details

Address

Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Easter Bush Campus
The University of Edinburgh
EH25 9RG

Dr Fiona Borthwick

Programme Director

Contact details

Address

Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Easter Bush Campus
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH25 9RG

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