Masters in Food and Landscape

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 on the programme

Main fields of study:

• Food studies (FS)
• Agricultural science (LB)
• Biological sciences (BI)
• Landscape architecture (LK)
• Horticultural science (TD)

Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Food Studies.

This Master's programme has clear links to current research and global issues, making graduates employable both nationally and internationally.