倫敦大學伯貝克學院

Over the past few decades, questions about the production, supply, preparation, consumption and disposal of food have become central to our understanding of society and politics. With the rise of a global food market and of industrial agriculture - and the accompanying challenges of climate change, soil erosion and food scarcity - it is more urgent than ever to understand the complex interrelationship between food, politics and society.

Birkbeck's MSc Food, Politics and Society offers a comprehensive survey of the main themes in this area. You will study the theoretical background and real-world impact of key issues, including agricultural production, the sociology of consumption, food and the city, and the political ecology of our contemporary industrialised global food system. You will also explore the historical, sociological and political dimensions of nutrition and malnutrition, the regulation of food markets, struggles and conflict over food, and the cultural meanings of food.

The degree draws primarily from the field of food studies, but it is interdisciplinary and you will study approaches, ideas and texts from politics, theory, history, sociology, cultural anthropology and public policy.

This degree will be of interest to anybody working in, or planning to pursue a career in, food politics and food policy who wants to build their skills and knowledge to enhance their career prospects. It is also suitable if you want to undertake MPhil/PhD or professional research.

TEACHING

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates can pursue careers in government or advisory bodies where research skills are required, as well as policy research, higher education, the voluntary sector and journalism. Possible professions include Civil Service fast streamer, higher education lecturer, government social research officer, or politician’s assistant. This degree may also be useful in becoming a local government officer, newspaper journalist, or public relations officer.