SD4134 Transforming Food Systems

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Tue 10:00-13:00

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J M Hale

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Jo Mhairi Hale

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Students will critically examine key practices of regenerative food systems, emphasising equity, biodiversity, and climate resilience, while situating these within broader socio-economic and political contexts. This course is interdisciplinary and introduces relevant bodies of literature and theoretical lenses, including but not limited to: sustainable development, geography, sociology, political ecology, environmental justice, systems thinking, postcolonial theory, and feminist and intersectional theories. Through case studies, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary analyses, students will investigate how alternative food networks and grassroots initiatives can challenge dominant industrial models and contribute to more just, equitable, and ecologically sound food systems. A strong focus is placed on urban agroecology as a transformative approach. The module equips learners with both critical frameworks and practical insights for advancing systemic change.

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 3hr-seminar (x11 weeks), 1 1hr-fieldwork (fortnightly)

Scheduled learning hours

38

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

250

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Critically assess how regenerative practices address problematics with current local and global food systems, including inequalities in access, ecological degradation, and threats of climate change;
  • Apply interdisciplinary frameworks (e.g., systems thinking) to map and analyse real-world regenerative initiatives, integrating social, ecological, and economic dimensions.
  • Design a context-specific strategy that supports an aspect of the transition toward regenerative, just, and resilient food systems.
  • Communicate complex ideas creatively and effectively to academic, policy, and non-specialist audiences using appropriate written, visual, and oral formats.
  • Work collaboratively to investigate complex, real-world problems and propose innovative solutions.