Module manager: Fran Pontin
Email: F.L.Pontin@leeds.ac.uK
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the complex UK food system and the spatial processes driving inequalities in food accessibility and consumption at a range of spatial scales (e.g. neighbourhood, local authority, national and international). We cover spatial accessibility to food, food security, food environments, food consumption, and the environmental impact of food using a range of spatial analysis and evaluative approaches. You will also learn about the range of political responses and potential solutions at different scales, linking directly to the UK National Food Strategy, and how to assess the effectiveness of national and international food policies driving inequalities in the UK food system.
This module aims to provide students with:
- an understanding of the key components of the food system and complexities within the UK food policy spaces
- understand the role of government, charities, agriculture, grass roots and commercial organisations in the food system
- knowledge of the processes driving inequalities in the UK food policy system at a variety of spatial scales
- an ability to apply spatial analysis to identify area-based inequalities in the food system
- an understanding of spatial data sources and spatial tools and techniques that link needs/demand and food provision through measures of accessibility
- an ability to effectively communicate information for different audiences
- employability skills relevant to a range of public and private sector organisations and for ongoing research within this application area
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1) Demonstrate an understanding that the UK food system is complex and shaped by a range of stakeholders at a range of spatial scales which have an impact on food accessibility and consumption for individuals
2) Apply knowledge of the factors and processes that influence food accessibility and consumption for different geodemographic groups
3) Demonstrate an understanding of a range of spatial data and spatial analysis techniques that can be used in the analysis, planning, and evaluation of food systems
4) Apply spatial analysis tools to evaluate food accessibility and consumption and its relationship with geodemographics
5) Critique the application of spatial analysis techniques to evaluate food accessibility and consumption at different spatial scales
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1) Systems thinking: Identify the different competing aspects of the food system and explain how these are embedded within different domains and scales.
2) Critical thinking: Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
3) Technical/IT skills: Use technology appropriately and ethically to enhance efficiency, identifying appropriate technologies for tasks (e.g. use of Excel, QGIS etc).
4) Academic language: Use, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency needed to be able to learn effectively and demonstrate understanding.
5) Apply commercial, ethical, sustainable, digital and inter-disciplinary literacies.
6) Digital literacy.
7) Time management: Plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Seminar | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 172 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Recap quiz for each unit (in lectures x 10)
Seminar discussions (2 x 2 hour sessions)
Individual support in practical classes (6 x 2 hour practical classes)
Assignment drop-in session (2 hours)
Post assignment 1 generic class feedback
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 30 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 24/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team