MSc Gastronomy
This innovative master ’ s programme will help you gain a better understanding of the complex role that food plays in shaping our lives and the world around us .
The MSc Gastronomy takes a multidisciplinary approach to examining and better understanding how food works in our world . Many other food-related studies , whether in health sciences , hospitality , agriculture , marketing or social sciences , approach food from a particular angle . Our MSc Gastronomy programme recognises that none of these specialities operate independently , and that the inter-connected nature of food is one of its most important , and most over-looked , characteristics .
It is increasingly recognised that reductionist approaches to tackling food-related issues are ineffective and that a more comprehensive and holistic approach is required if we are to understand the many ways that food influences our lives , and effectively address the many injustices and inequalities that are manifest in the current food system . This programme takes an engaged , critical and broadranging approach to examining the many ways that food ‘ nourishes ’ us , how it shapes who we are and how it can be used as a tool for positive social and environmental purposes .
Your studies will be brought to life with field trips to a diverse range of foodrelated businesses and organisations – from livestock markets to Michelinstarred restaurants , large-scale farm operations to artisan food producers , supermarket distribution warehouses to government research centres and more .
Through input from a wide range of specialist , expert and industry speakers , you will gain exposure to the diverse influences that affect how we produce , process , represent , practise and consume food . Scotland is often the showcase for this , but we retain a global outlook and the concepts covered are transferable to other cultures and countries .
Structure
The MSc Gastronomy consists of six 20-credit modules plus a 60-credit dissertation or project completed in one year ( Sept-Aug ) for full-time study or over two years for part-time study . A Postgraduate Diploma ( PgDip ) can be achieved with six 20-credit modules . You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD .
Teaching , learning and assessment
All modules involve a mix of lectures , seminars , practical workshops , self-directed study , research , group work , student assessments , tastings , field trips and site visits . Class sizes are normally around 20 students . This ensures that students receive dedicated support from tutors and benefit from sharing experiences with a close-knit cohort .
Teaching hours and attendance
If studying full-time over one year , you can expect to spend at least two days each week in classes with self-directed independent study on at least two further days each week . If studying part-time over two years , you can expect to spend at least one day each week in classes with self-directed or independent study on at least one further day each week .
Industry links
We have developed and validated the course in collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders involved in the food and drink industry so you can expect unique opportunities to make contact with , and interact with , food producers and processors , regulators and researchers , campaigners and chefs , amongst others .
Careers
You will be in the enviable position of gaining exposure to a wide range of food-related experiences and contacts , and a broad range of contemporary food issues . You will graduate with the ‘ gastronomic ’ skills required to gain relevant employment , develop new ideas and projects , and make interventions and transformations in a wide variety of areas . These include further study , business , education , campaigning and advocacy , media and marketing , policy development , tourism and hospitality , and more .
Modules
Food and Culture */ Food Production / Food Communication / Food and Drink in Scotland */ The Food System / Research Methods ( all 20 credits ).
If studying for an MSc , you will also complete a Gastronomy Project module ( 60 credits ). This takes the form of either a 12,000-word Dissertation , a Business
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