Food, Politics and Society (MSc)

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. Students 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 the contemporary industrialised global food system. Students 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 students will study approaches, ideas and texts from politics, theory, history, sociology, cultural anthropology and public policy. This programme is suitable for those who are working 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 for those who want to undertake MPhil/PhD or professional research.