Hybrid Master in Local Food Policy

Empowering Local Food Innovators for Global Challenges

This Master’s program, jointly conferred by UNISG and its primary partner, CIHEAM Bari, specializes in cultivating expertise in local food systems and policies. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to drive significant advancements in food policy analysis, sustainable food management, and advocacy for equitable food practices. By focusing on local initiatives with global impacts, the course opens pathways to roles in food policy analysis, sustainable food planning, and innovative food enterprise management.

Start date: January 2026

Partial and total scholarships available

Understanding Global Impact through Local Practices

The program examines the mechanisms of local food systems, offering insights into sustainable management and ethical practices. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students learn to navigate and influence the food policy landscape. 

The curriculum is enriched with subjects like:

• Local and Global Food Systems
• Sustainable Food Production and Consumption
• Stakeholder Engagement in Food Policies
• International Cooperation for Sustainable Food Systems
• Innovation in Food Policy

Balancing Education with Professional Growth

The program’s blended format, which merges online with intensive in-person sessions, offers a versatile learning structure designed to cater to a wide array of students, from those just starting their careers to experienced professionals seeking further education. This methodology not only accommodates working professionals but also enhances learning through diverse delivery modes, fostering a more enriching educational experience.

Lessons will be structured as:

• First distance learning phase (phase 1) – January – April
• Intensive classes in presence (phase 2) – end of April – July
• Second distance learning phase (phase 3) – July – August
• Internship or personal research (phase 4) – September – December
• Thesis or final report (phase 5) – September – December

Crafting Tomorrow’s Food Ethics Today

Sustainability and ethical considerations are at the heart of the course. It explores how sustainable and ethical dimensions can be integrated into food policymaking and innovation, aiming to equip future leaders with the capability to spearhead a transition to more sustainable and equitable food systems.

Pioneering Revolution, One Change at a Time

Graduates are prepared for a broad spectrum of career opportunities, including roles in governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, international agencies, consultancy, and academia. The program positions students to be influential voices in the development of sustainable food policies and practices across the globe.

Career Opportunities:

• Food Policy Analyst
• Food System Innovation Manager
• Sustainable Food Systems Specialist

Connecting with Leading Food Institutions

The Master’s program benefits from a robust network of collaborators, including CIHEAM Bari, Slow Food, Està, the World Farmers’ Markets Coalition / Campagna Amica, the Italian Network of Local Food Policies, the University of Turin (Department of Cultures, Politics and Society), and the Consulta Nazionale dei Distretti del Cibo. Students gain access to valuable resources, diverse case studies, and expert knowledge from across the field of local food policy.

Join a diverse network of professionals from around the world, united by a shared passion for shaping the future of food. Our global alumni network supports lifelong learning and collaboration, ensuring graduates remain at the forefront of food policy innovation.