Master in
World Food
Studies
Study gastronomy through diverse cultures
FORMAT
Mandatory attendance (except for part-time students)
LANGUAGE
English
DURATION
1 year
CREDITS
60 ECTS
START
October 20, 2026
SCHOLARSHIPS
Available
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ADMITTED PARTICIPANTS
30
The Master's in World Food Studies trains professionals capable of reading food as a cultural, geopolitical and social phenomenon, and of operating with competence in international contexts where food choices intertwine with questions of identity, sovereignty and sustainability.
Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates food history and anthropology, studies of world gastronomic cultures and analysis of global food systems, the program develops the ability to interpret gastronomic cultures in their complexity. Study trips and farm-to-table dinners transform education into direct experience, bringing students into contact with diverse food realities across tradition, socioeconomic context and production practices. Graduates acquire the tools to operate in fields such as gastrodiplomacy, international organizations, sustainable tourism promotion and food policies.
World-class faculty from 6 different countries
+30 required courses
3 study trips
4 farm-to-table educational dinners
WHY UNISG?
- A program that approaches gastronomy as a cultural, political and economic system from a global perspective
- An international faculty with expertise ranging from food anthropology to sustainable development policies
- An educational experience that alternates analytical rigor with direct immersion in the gastronomic cultures of the world
- A student community from over 80 countries, enriching the program with radically diverse perspectives and backgrounds
Study Plan
The curriculum offers an immersive exploration of a wide range of disciplines, from food history and anthropology to public health, advocacy and sustainability, providing students with valuable frameworks for understanding the complexity and richness of global food systems.
The technological aspects of some food productions and sensory analysis sessions enrich the practical knowledge base. This well-rounded education provides students with a broad spectrum of skills, opening up a wide range of opportunities in the gastronomic sector.
Courses may be subject to change.
Food History (w/ field trip and Didactic Lunch)
Food Anthropology
Food and Sustainability
Agroecology and Sustainable Farming (w/ field trip)
Food Sovereignty: Food Justice, Activism, and Social Movements
Global Food Governance
Food Psychology
Food, Health, and Community
Food Ethnobiology: Perspectives from the Balkans and the Greater Middle East (w/ foraging and Didactic Lunch)
North American Foodways: Mobilities and Diversities
Chinese Cuisines and Food Cultures (w/ Didactic Lunch)
Indian Cuisines and Food Cultures (w/ Didactic Lunch)
Food Cultures and Food Systems of Ethiopia (w/ Didactic Lunch)
Latin American Cuisines and Food Cultures (w/ Didactic Lunch)
Foodways and Food Systems of the Arab Mediterranean
Food, Mobilities, and Memories in Modern Italian History (w/ field trip)
Honey Workshop (w/ tasting)
Food Writing
Eating Netflix: Food, Media, and Cultural Politics
Introduction to Sensory Science
The Politics and Practice of Food Education (w/ cooking workshops)
Cooking Sessions: Sustainability, Inclusiveness, and Innovation – Food Lab (w/ cooking workshops)
Cooking Sessions: Fermentation and Baking (w/ cooking workshops)
Cheese: History, Processing Techniques, and Taste (w/ tasting)
Olive Oil: History, Processing Techniques, and Taste (w/ tasting)
Wine: History, Processing Techniques, and Taste (w/ tasting)
Sake and Tea Workshop (w/ tasting)
From World Food Cultures and Systems
- Didactic Lunch: Balkans and the Greater Middle East — paired with Food Ethnobiology, including a foraging session
- Didactic Lunch: Chinese Cuisines and Food Cultures
- Didactic Lunch: Indian Cuisines and Food Cultures
- Didactic Lunch: Food Cultures and Food Systems of Ethiopia
- Didactic Lunch: Latin American Cuisines and Food Cultures
From Introduction to Food Studies
- Didactic Lunch: Food History — paired with a field trip
Career Opportunities
The Master's in World Food Studies trains professionals capable of operating in international contexts where food intertwines with cultural, economic and geopolitical dynamics. The combination of gastronomic sciences, anthropology, ecology and food sociology, reinforced by immersive experiences and study trips, prepares graduates to competently address the complexities of global food systems. Upon graduation, graduates find placement in fields such as international trade, cultural mediation and sustainable development in the roles of Food Specialist, Export Manager and Gastronomy Business Developer.
Action Learning
Action learning activities are an integral part of the programme, offering direct contact with the reality of the agri-food sector. By going beyond the classroom, students meet professionals, observe food systems in real contexts and apply the knowledge they have acquired. These experiences strengthen critical thinking, collaborative skills and the preparation needed to competently address the challenges of the global food system.
Faculty
The Master's in World Food Studies faculty brings together academics and researchers with expertise ranging from food anthropology and history to the sociology of food movements, from diaspora studies to food sovereignty policies, with an authentically international perspective.
Coordinators: Elena Fusar Poli, Claudia Sbuttoni
Scientific Director: Prof. Simone Cinotto
Admission Requirements and Procedures
For all information about admission requirements, language requirements, how to register for the competition, the competition tests, important dates, admission criteria, and registration procedures, download the document Admission Requirements and Procedures.
Follow the steps below to submit your application through UNISG's ESSE3 portal, the student records system used by Italian universities.
- Click the Apply Now button at the top right of this page.
- Click Web Registration and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
- Open ESSE3 di UNISG portal in your browser.
- Select Login from the top right menu.
- Enter your username and password to access your account.
- From the top right menu, click Registrar Office.
- Click Admission Process.
- Select your desired program from the list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.
CALENDAR
Opening of applications
1 dicembre 2025
Early Admission:
March 16, 2026 – 10% early bird discount
Second Admission:
June 15, 2026
Start Date:
October 20, 2026
Visit UNISG
We offer a range of in-person and online events designed for prospective students who are considering joining the UNISG community. Whether you prefer to visit our campus or connect with us virtually, these are the perfect opportunities to explore our academic programs, meet our faculty and staff, and get a real feel for life at UNISG.
Find out more about our Orientation Days, Open Days and individual campus visits.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The university fees for the Master program amount to 16,500.00 Euros and include the following:
- all academic activities, including conferences, tastings, and seminars
- study material (in digital format)
- all study trip expenses as programmed, including travel, food and lodging
- participation in all UNISG and Slow Food events as included in the Master program
- access to Career Office services (food sector job placement)
- enrollment certificates, receipts of payment, official transcripts.
Candidates admitted in the early admission session who pay the deposit within 8 days of the online publication of results are entitled to a 10% discount equal to € 1,650, applied to the second installment.
The discount cannot be combined with UNISG scholarships. Candidates who intend to apply for a scholarship must submit their application before the general application deadline.
All UNISG students who are currently completing or have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or a First-level Master’s degree at our University are eligible for a €2,800 tuition fee reduction. The reduction will be applied upon payment of the second installment.
All students who attended UNISG Summer Schools are eligible for a reduction of 500 euro from the university fee.
UNISG offers 1 total scholarship in the amount of € 16,500, including Student Housing and Academic Tables, for citizens from low-income countries or lower-middle-income or upper-middle-income countries.
Students can apply for a university fee exemption if they meet all the following requirements:
- income and property situation does not exceed the limits indicated in the public announcements;
- have been admitted to the Master program for the 2026/27 academic year with a minimum admission score of 80 out of 100;
- are in possession of a minimum level of English language equivalent to a C1-level.
Scholarship Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
Scholarship Ranking List to be published by: June 22, 2026
Scholarship announcement, 2026/27 a.y.
Attachments:
2_Citizens coming from Particularly Poor Countries: Documents requested
- Recipients: Italian Students residing in Italy (fee-exemptions assignees or not).
- Partner Bank: Intesa Sanpaolo (official website).
- Guide to “Merit Loan- Prestito per Merito” (downloadable here)
Students with United States citizenship are eligible to apply for American financial aid through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Note that for all UNISG programs, loan applications must be initiated by the student and received at UNISG electronically.
Maximum Loan Amounts
Direct Stafford Loans are need based (subsidized) and non-need based (unsubsidized) and are subject to annual limits. The loan calculation is based on information from your FAFSA, information about other financial aid you are receiving and the cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses) which is set by the university.
PLUS loans (for parents of dependent students) and Grad PLUS loans (for independent students in the UNISG Master program) are also available.
Several steps are involved in applying for financial aid. Ensure that you start the process early in order to complete all steps in accordance with both the US Department of Education and UNISG deadlines.
As loans of all kinds involve serious financial commitments, UNISG requires that students be fully responsible in ensuring accurate and timely submission of their FAFSA. Although in some cases a student’s parents may help with completing the form, the student is considered ultimately responsible for his or her application process.
Applying
To apply for a Direct Loan, you must:
1. Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). In completing the FAFSA, you must indicate the UNISG Federal School Code (also called the Title IV Code): G41391.
2. E-Sign an MPN (Master Promissory Note).
3. Email the UNISG Financial Aid Office, indicating the total amount of subsidized loan, unsubsidized loan, and PLUS loan you are applying for. Also indicate any other financial aid or scholarships you are receiving, as well as any other documentation or information you wish to transmit that was not included in your FAFSA. All amounts should be shown in US dollars and you should indicate the UNISG program you are applying for.
4. Complete entrance counseling, if you are a first-time Stafford Loan applicant.
Deadlines
– FAFSA submission: within five days of the UNISG Registrar’s announcement of accepted candidates.
– Acceptance of UNISG admission offer and payment of initial deposit: within five days of receipt of loan confirmation from UNISG Financial Aid.
Disbursement of Funds
FSA funds are not disbursed directly to the student. Disbursements are made to UNISG and applied to the student’s university account. Funds in excess of the student’s university fees will be disbursed to the student’s personal bank account once the student arrives at UNISG. All currency exchange rates are based on the rate in effect on the day of deposit of funds.
All students receiving US federal financial aid must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (SAP) during their UNISG program, according to the university’s SAP policy. Additional details regarding SAP will be provided to students upon enrollment.
For more information, contact: UNISG Financial Aid Office
UNISG Federal School (Title IV) Code: G41391
CALENDAR
| Payment | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | €2.000 | Within 8 days of admission notification |
| 1st installment | €8.500 | September 30, 2025 |
| 2nd installment | €6.000 | March 31, 2027 |
Scholarship evaluation deadline
June 15, 2026
Recipient notification
June 22, 2026
Where does a UNISG graduate work?
UNISG graduates build careers across diverse sectors of the food industry. The interdisciplinary training, which integrates technical, cultural and methodological expertise, prepares students for roles in business, innovation, public institutions and entrepreneurship. Our alumni apply the skills acquired during their studies to address complex challenges in the food system and society.
Graduates work in product development and brand strategy for food companies, beverage brands and retail organizations. Their understanding of food systems, consumer behavior and market dynamics enables effective product positioning and brand value creation in competitive markets.
Our alumni work as:
- Global Brand Manager
- Export sales manager
- Global Communication Manager
UNISG graduates work as specialized journalists, content creators and communication managers for media outlets, companies and organizations. They communicate complex topics to diverse audiences, addressing sustainability, culture and science through editorial content, visual media and digital platforms.
Our alumni work as:
- Food & Sustainability Journalist
- Content Strategist – Media and Corporate Communication
- Communication Manager – Food and Environmental Organizations
Some graduates launch businesses in the food sector: restaurants, food production, agritech ventures and specialized startups. Their interdisciplinary training in business, innovation and food systems provides the tools to develop innovative concepts and scale enterprises.
Our alumni work as:
- Founder & CEO – Food Startup
- Owner – Innovative Food & Beverage Project
- Agritech Entrepreneur
UNISG graduates contribute to policy development and program implementation in government agencies, NGOs and international organizations. They work on food policy, agricultural development, nutrition and sustainability, addressing food security and systemic change at both local and global levels.
Our alumni work as:
- Food Policy Officer – NGO or International Organization
- Programme Coordinator – FAO / UN Agencies
- Agricultural Development Consultant – Government Bodies
Consulting firms employ UNISG graduates to support food companies, retailers and organizations on strategy, sustainability, supply chain management and innovation. Their multidisciplinary perspective enables them to assist clients in navigating complex operational and strategic challenges.
Our alumni work as:
- Sustainability Consultant – Agrifood Sector
- Gastronomic Heritage Advisor – Cultural and Territorial Institutions
- Sustainability & Supply Chain Advisor – Food & Beverage Industry
Universities, culinary schools and professional training organizations employ UNISG graduates as lecturers and trainers. They teach food systems, sustainability, culture and innovation through academic and specialized programs.
Our alumni work as:
- Lecturer in Food Systems & Sustainability
- Curriculum Developer – Culinary Schools and Professional Programs
- Trainer – Food Education Programs
The hospitality and food service sector employs graduates in management roles: restaurant management, menu development, culinary operations supervision and team coordination. They apply their gastronomic, cultural and managerial expertise to create distinctive dining experiences.
Our alumni work as:
- Restaurant General Manager
- Food & Beverage Director – Hospitality Venues
- Culinary Operations Coordinator
Work on Real Projects
With Industry Leaders
The Strategic Partners Club is an international network of organizations, businesses, and professionals operating in over 50 industry sectors: from production to distribution, from catering to food packaging. The partners recognize Pollenzo as a center of excellence in transdisciplinary research and innovation in the world of food, and collaborate with the University on concrete projects: corporate training, innovation initiatives, and shared research pathways. It is a network that students begin engaging with as early as their first year of study.
