Foods and Meals for a Sustainable Future 7.5 credits

About the course
Hey trailblazers! Ever wondered how what’s on your plate today could shape tomorrow’s world?
Foods and Meals for a Sustainable Future dives deep into how food, nutrition, and culinary science intersect with sustainability and our future. You’ll explore how different disciplines—like food science, policy, ethics, and culinary creativity—each tell their own version of the same story.
Through a problem-based learning approach, you’ll tackle real-world scenarios, break down barriers to sustainable eating, and forge innovative, plant‑forward solutions. Working in teams, you’ll grasp the power of systems thinking to not only analyze but redesign how we eat.
What makes this course truly electric? It’s co-created with prospective students—so you're learning in a space built by you for you. Split into three dynamic modules:
- “Understanding Food Systems,”
- “Transforming the Food and Meal System,”
- “Is Plant‑Based Eating a Responsible Consumer Behavior?”
Each part challenges you to rethink and reimagine.
By the end, you’ll not only understand how unsustainable systems arose, but also design strategies and bold proposals for more equitable, resilient food futures.
Whether you're aiming to lead in food innovation, policy, entrepreneurship, or just want to save the planet one meal at a time—this course empowers you with the practical, interdisciplinary superpowers to do it.
Apply
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Spring 2026
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Foods and Meals for a Sustainable Future
Spring 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
Starts24 March 2026
Ends7 June 2026
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursMixed
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-F2810
Eligibility 90 ECTS in one subject including at least 7,5 ECTS thesis. English for basic eligibility for higher education.SelectionAcademic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 August 2025. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 20,800
Total fee: SEK 20,800
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Foods and Meals for a Sustainable Future
Spring 2026 / Ortsoberoende / English / Web-based (online)
Show more Show less
Starts24 March 2026
Ends7 June 2026
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesWeb-based (online)
Mandatory meetings10
Other meetings10
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursMixed
Study locationOrtsoberoende
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-F2811
Eligibility 90 ECTS in one subject including at least 7,5 ECTS thesis. English for basic eligibility for higher education.SelectionAcademic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 August 2025. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 20,800
Total fee: SEK 20,800
-
Foods and Meals for a Sustainable Future
Spring 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
Application opens 15 September 2025Show more Show less
Starts24 March 2026
Ends7 June 2026
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursMixed
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-28103
Eligibility 90 ECTS in one subject including at least 7,5 ECTS thesis. English for basic eligibility for higher education.SelectionAcademic credits
ApplicationThe online application opens 15 September 2025 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 October 2025.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 20,800
Total fee: SEK 20,800
-
Foods and Meals for a Sustainable Future
Spring 2026 / Ortsoberoende / English / Web-based (online)
Application opens 15 September 2025Show more Show less
Starts24 March 2026
Ends7 June 2026
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesWeb-based (online)
Mandatory meetings10
Other meetings10
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursMixed
Study locationOrtsoberoende
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-28105
Outline for distance courseThe course will be provided in hybrid format; online and in person at Umeå University. Internet access, webcam, and headset/microphone are required.
Eligibility 90 ECTS in one subject including at least 7,5 ECTS thesis. English for basic eligibility for higher education.SelectionAcademic credits
ApplicationThe online application opens 15 September 2025 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 October 2025.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 20,800
Total fee: SEK 20,800
-
How to apply
Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
Explore your future at Umeå University
Join a vibrant academic community where high-quality education meets groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts. At Umeå University, you will learn from passionate, expert teachers and benefit from a close connection between research, education, collaboration, and innovation.
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World's most satisfied international students
#1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.
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A university with health at its core
Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.
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