Course summary

MPhil and PhD supervision covers a number of topics supported by research active academic staff. We conduct research in all areas of food and society, including subjects which require collaboration between the social and natural sciences, and translate research into policy recommendations. Our research primarily involves food systems, food consumption and food marketing: •consumer studies in food, food provisioning and behaviour change •perceived risk associated with food and food production •food supply chains and territorial development •international political economy of food and agriculture •risk-benefit communication •acceptance of novel food and technologies within the value chain Opportunities are available for postgraduate research in the following areas. Understanding and measuring societal and individual responses to risks and benefits •food, nutrition and healthy dietary choices •sustainable consumption and the reduction of food waste •food safety and authenticity throughout the supply chain •emerging food technologies Developing new methodologies for assessing socio-economic impacts of food risks and communication strategies and other public health interventions related to food choice •systematic review •evidence synthesis •systems thinking •Bayesian networks •rapid evidence assessment Employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to understand attitudes and behaviours related to food •microbiological food hazards •personalised nutrition •food authenticity •societal and consumer responses to emerging food production technologies •behaviour change in relation to food •food waste Stakeholder analysis and effectiveness of public engagement •research agenda setting •policy and governance, in the area of emerging food technologies •food and agricultural policy issues Integrating social and natural science into the development of predictive models of food security to provide evidence for policy translation in the agrifood sector. •Bayesian networks •systems thinking Find out more about the work of the Agr-Food and Society research group. DELIVERY: We offer a number of different routes to a research degree qualification, including full-time and part-time supervised research projects. We attract postgraduates via non-traditional routes, including mature students and part-time postgraduates undertaking study as part of their continuing professional development. Off-campus (split) research is also offered, which enables you to conduct trials in conditions appropriate to your research programme. FACILITIES: NU-Food Food and Consumer Research Facility: The NU-Food Food and Consumer Research Facility has undergone a £700,000 refurbishment and now boasts a culinary training suite, a sensory laboratory and food handling facility, all supported by multi-functional rooms and a reception. Centre for Rural Economy: The Centre for Rural Economy is a Newcastle University Research Centre specialising in interdisciplinary social science, researching rural development and policy, food and society, and the wellbeing of rural communities.