Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Masters in Sustainable Food Systems
Uppsala, Sweden
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Jan 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
SEK 72,000 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Would you like to learn more about sustainable food systems and their opportunities and challenges, and marketing and managing perspectives along the entire food chain? Then this is the programme for you. This comprehensive programme will provide you with a broad knowledge of sustainable food systems; the raw produce through the primary production system, processing, distribution and consumption.
The 2-year interdisciplinary programme attracts students with a wide range of academic backgrounds from all over the world and is the perfect choice if you would like to broaden your knowledge within this field. The student-centered teaching approach focuses on collaborative learning and effective teamwork. You have the opportunity to choose from a broad selection of courses based on your academic background and future plans.
After graduation, your Master's degree in Food Science will give you the knowledge and skills needed to work in public authorities, companies and organizations in the food industry, food retail, service providing organizations and governmental agencies, both in a national and international setting. The programme also provides you with an optimal base to continue your studies towards a PhD.
Scholarships are available for fee-paying students admitted to Bachelor’s and Master's programmes. The scholarships are awarded by SLU and the Swedish Institute (SI).
A scholarship offered by SLU covers tuition fees only, no living or travel expenses are included. You need to pay the application fee even if you apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships awarded by the Swedish Institute are available for fee-paying students admitted to Master’s programmes and cover both tuition fees and living expenses. There are several different scholarships available depending on your background.
The courses in this multidisciplinary program are open for students with educational backgrounds in social sciences and in natural sciences. The pedagogic approach builds on interaction and collaboration between the students through case studies, seminars, report writing and oral presentations. Teamwork and student-centred teaching is central to the programme. The overall competence and the previous experience of the students, contributes to a deeper understanding of today’s food systems and what is needed for transitions to more sustainable food systems in the future.
During the first year, the courses provide an overview of sustainable food systems, knowledge about the prerequisites for ongoing and future development, and skills to handle challenges linked to these areas.
The content of the courses focuses on:
- Developing an understanding of system perspectives as circular systems of production, processing and consumption of food,
- Identifying options and challenges related to the development of sustainable and innovative food products, processes and systems,
- Evaluating current and future food products and food systems from a sustainability perspective.
The programme includes elective courses which offer the opportunity to specialize in different areas and ends with an independent project (degree project) corresponding to 30 credits or 60 credits.
Elective courses may be taken at SLU or at other universities, (a semester exchange program is possible for the fall semester, the second year of the program).
The programme prepares the students for continued academic studies or work in food companies, organisations or authorities.
Master of Science with a major in food science.
After this programme you may take several roles; in primary production, food industry, food retail, service providing organizations, governmental agencies and working with policies in a national as well as an international setting.