A new master’s programme in food security will begin this September in University College Cork (UCC). The food security and management master’s is designed to develop and manage policies and programmes to tackle global food security challenges. This will include programme planning for food security, nutrition and health as well as applied research.

The MSc programme will collaborate with the Institute of Food Policy and Research Institute (IFPRI) to deliver the course. It will be the only course in Ireland specifically focused on international food security and management in the context on international development.

According to UCC, the programme will also contain a practise-based research project with development organisations.

How will it be delivered?

Seminars, labs and lectures will make up 15 hours per week of the course. Students will be expected to spend between 25-30 hours per week on independent study and working on assignments. According to the university, there will be a strong emphasis on continuous assessment and practical learning through the year.

Entry requirements

For Irish and EU students, it is advised that they must hold at least a second-class honours degree at Level 8 or the equivalent in a relevant subject. However, it is noted that consideration is given to those with five years’ experience in the field but may not have this qualification.

The programme is full time and one year in total.