Food and Landscape MSc with a major in Food Studies

Requirements

In order to be admitted to the degree programme Food and Landscape (MSc), the following are required:

• general entry requirement: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad.

• specific entry requirement: specialisation comprising 90 credits in one of the following subjecs/disciplinary domains:

• natural sciences

• social sciences

• technology

• food and meal science.

The specific entry requirement can also be met by someone who has acquired equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad or in some other way.

In addition, knowledge equivalent of English 6 is required. According to a local SLU decision, this requirement is fulfilled by applicants who have a first-cycle degree (180 credits) from a Swedish university or have completed 120 credits at SLU. The English 6 requirement can also be obtained in other ways, more information is available at antagning.se/universityadmissions.se.

For admission to the courses included in the programme, there are specific entry requirements for each course.

Goals

General objectives

The general objectives for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Swedish Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).

Objectives for a Degree

In accordance with the appendix to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, for a Degree of Master, the student must fulfil the following objectives:

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall have:

• demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and

• demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall have:

• demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information

• demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake specialised tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work

• demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and

• demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall have:

• demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical considerations and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work

• demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and

• demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Exam

Degree awarded on completion of the programme

The Food and Landscape (MSc) leads to a Degree oof Master of Science (120 credits), which is a general qualification. Other qualifications may be awarded, provided that the requirements for them are fulfilled. See SLU´s examination procedures.

Students who fulfil the qualification requirements for aDegree of Master will, upon request, be issued a degree certificate . The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Food Studies.

Degree requirements

A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Food Studies is awarded to students who have successfully completed the qualification requirements of 120 credits according to the following:

• a minimum of 30 credits within the main field of study, food studies (A1N, A1F);
• a minimum of 30 credits from a degree project within the main field of study, food studies (Master’s degree project/A2E).

First-cycle courses can constitute a maximum of 30 credits, provided these credits were not included in a qualifying first-cycle degree or equivalent.

In addition, a Degree of Bachelor, a professional qualification of at least 180 credits or an equivalent qualification from abroad is required.

Content and Structure

Programme description

This cross-disciplinary Master’s programme covers the relation between food, people and places as well as how urban and rural landscapes can be planned, designed and maintained from a sustainability perspective regarding the consumption and production of food. The programme combines the crossdisciplinary, synthesising and place-related approach of landscape architecture with the understanding of the role of food from a broad cultural and critical perspective that characterises the subject food studies. Students on the programme will have the opportunity to learn tools and methods for strategic planning, design, entrepreneurship, management and communication centred around the food landscape as a part of sustainable development, covering all aspects, from local to global. Also covered is communicating knowledge about how different types of production contribute to the added value of landscapes, using the broad competence available at SLU as a basis. The purpose is to take a holistic approach to the relation between food, people and the landscape and relate these aspects to the UN’s global development goals.

During the first year, students acquire knowledge about the scientific scope that characterises the interface between landscape studies and the international, multidisciplinary subject food studies. The programme starts with an introductory course to create a knowledge base and an understanding of the relations between landscape, food and people/food culture and how this may be used in sustainable planning. This course (Foodscapes 1, Food Studies and Landscape) is made up of thematic weeks providing an overview of relevant themes such as meal history in parallel with landscape history, urban-rural relations and added values linked to food production. This is followed by courses where students specialise in production systems, agroecology, financial incentives, consumer behaviour and bases for planning as well as urban cultivation for social and other values. During year 2, progression increases through more problematisation in a globally focused course (Foodscapes 2, Critical Food Studies). This is followed by an applied project task in groups, with method studies and strategic solutions to food and landscape-related challenges. The programme concludes with a degree project which can consist of either cross-disciplinarily applied case studies or deepened theoretical studies of a food/landscape-related subject.

Different types of instruction are used on courses to promote student learning and creativity and provide students with tools for future professional situations. This is done through lectures, literature reviews, seminars, study visits, excursions, case studies, project work, design proposals, academic papers and a degree project. Models and methods that support knowledge acquisition are applied in practical course components reflecting different situations and are followed up by critical analysis and evaluation. Upon completion of the programme, students should have skills in collaboration, method choice and oral, written and visual communication. They will have a holistic view and be able to predict development to take on a project management role either individually or in large contexts. This Master´s programme has clear links to current research and global issues, making graduates employable both nationally and internationally.

During their studies, students have the option of taking courses from other SLU degree programmes and other higher education institutions in Sweden and abroad.

The programme is taught in English.

**Courses in the programme **
Main fields of study: 
FS = Food Studies
LK = Landscape architecture 
LB = Agricultural science
BI = Biological sciences
TD = Horticultural science

Year 1
Foodscapes 1, 15 credits (FS/LK, A1N) 
Agroecology and Sustainability of Production Systems, 15 credits (LB/BI, A1N)
Food Planning, 15 credits (FS/LK, A1N) 
Urban Agriculture and Social Interaction, 15 credits (LK/TD, G2F)

Year 2 (mandatory course in bold)
Foodscapes 2, 15 credits (FS/LK, A1F) 
Innovation and Implementation, 15 credits (LK/FS, A1F)
**Independent Project in Food Studies, A2E, 30 credits (FS, A2E) **

The courses offered may change during the course of the programme. This may lead to a new version of the syllapus in which information of transitional provisions is specified. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year. 

Each course in the programme has a syllabus with specific requirements for that course. Detailed information about when the courses are given is presented at the SLU student web site.

Other Info

General regulations for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes

For more information on semester dates, examination and credit transfer, see the Regulations for education at Bachelor´s and Master´s level available on the SLU student web.

Possibilities for further studies

Students who succesfully complete the degree programme Food and Landscape (MSc) have the possibility to continue their studies at doctoral level.