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Master Research Unit Agroecology and Food Systems for the MSc Environment and Natural Resources

Would you like to contribute to sustainable changes in our food system? If so, the Agroecology and Food Systems specialisation might well be for you, allowing you to develop new solutions "from field to plate".

"Movie Master ENR - Agroecology and Food Systems"

The food system is facing enormous challenges. Inequalities, environmental degradation, scarcity and overabundance characterise the conventional system. Alternative forms of food production and distribution as well as changes in eating habits are urgently needed. In the Agroecology and Food Systems specialisation, you will come to know different approaches to sustainable food production and nutrition. The focus is on approaches from agroecology, regional value chains and fair trade relationships. The close interactions between humans and the environment are an integral part of the course. With the research groups of the ZHAW, and thanks to the collaboration with the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), you have a wide range of specialisation options to choose from.

Competencies

As a Master of Science ZHAW in Environment and Natural Resources specialising in Agroecology and Food Systems...

Course content

In this specialisation, you will get to know different approaches for sustainable food production and nutrition. The focus is on approaches to agroecology, regional value chains and fair trade relationships.

You will consider the following questions throughout the course:

We were also concerned with these questions during the international summer school on the subject of agrobiodiversity:

Master’s Studio

In the Master's Studio, you specialise in sustainable value chains or in consumption, in different areas of agriculture, rural development or tourism. You benefit from our network in industry and research, and have the opportunity to carry out projects abroad with industry partners in the field.

As part of the Master's thesis, you develop your ideas and concepts for solving scientific challenges. This enables you to tackle complex issues independently in your subsequent professional occupation.

Examples from previous Master's theses in the Agroecology and Food Systems specialisation:

Research groups

The central aspect of your Master's degree is your participation in your chosen research group. This individual specialisation makes up half of the degree programme and gives you in-depth insights into research and development work. In this way, you already build up a professional network during your studies.

"The research group supports us as students and integrates us into the processes of their daily team life. This work experience and the opportunity to plan individual modules with the research groups is what makes the degree so interesting and career-ready."

Jonathan Blank, Graduate Environmental Planning Research Group

Sustainable agricultural systems

Value chains, food systems and consumption

Regions, tourism and rural development

Unsure which research group to choose for your master's degree? Come to an info event on campus, we will be happy to advise you.

"Be part of the transformation of food systems, whether at IUNR, FiBL, or through the Double Degree Program at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, whether in production, consumption or tourism. Where does your potential lie? Write me an email."

Roman Grüter, Head of MRU Agroecology and Food Systems