Lancaster University
Food Challenges for the 21st Century PgCert
Lancaster University

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our programme will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge to engage with one of the most significant challenges currently facing a growing human population: making and supplying enough food for all to sustain an active healthy lifestyle.

Our PG Certificate is a distance learning programme designed for people with an interest in the global food system and for professionals in the food supply industry. This exciting course explores important issues related to food security, focusing on production, distribution, and waste.

The course is highly flexible. It is offered as either a full-time course over one year, or as a part-time course over a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years so that you can fit study around your day job. Teaching is done largely online; all materials are supplied and you can work through them at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to meet your fellow students and network at optional short workshops, or online discussions.

To gain a PGCert you need to complete four modules. The programme starts in October with an introductory module, which covers a broad range of issues related to food security. After that, you can select three more modules from the range of more specialist modules. Module choices are varied and studying a selection of these topics will allow you to develop specialist knowledge of the factors impacting upon food security and environmental effects on food production.

Upon graduating from this programme, you will have a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, and experience to engage with the food challenges of the 21st century. This will be invaluable in the workplace or as a starting point for further study.

If you initially enrol at PGCert level you may apply to upgrade to our Pg Diploma or MSc in Food Security (Distance Learning) on reaching the required academic standard. Alternatively, you may apply for direct entry onto the PgDip or MSc in Food Security (Distance Learning), and may exit early with an interim award

Assessment is based on essays, online discussions and short answer worksheets.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 7.0
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Food Challenges for the 21st Century, PgCert, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Geography or a similar degree. An undergraduate degree is not a prerequisite for practitioners working in the food supply chain as we recognise prior learning and experience. We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Lancaster University in top UK and global rankings.

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See all 34 university rankings of Lancaster University

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University was established in 1964 and is located in the rural setting of Lancaster. The campus provides a series of amenities, including banks and a post office. Academically, all of this university’s courses and programmes are accredited and approved by MARP, ensuring that the curriculums delivered here are set at a high standard. In terms of facilities, students have access to a variety of study and recreational spaces intended to improve their wellbeing, such as Meditation and Tai Chi classes, and Woodland walks.

Student composition of Lancaster University

Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
undergraduates:
12335
postgraduates:
4030
Total:
16365
Source: Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
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List of 697 Bachelor and Master Courses from Lancaster University - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Admissions
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