Course description
The programmes are designed to provide postgraduate training in European Food Regulatory Affairs for individuals employed in the food sector or those who wish to develop their career in this field but who are unable to study full time. They will benefit individuals employed in food and beverage industries, regulatory agencies, government departments, and trade organisations.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
Part time - distance learning.
PGCert - two academic semesters
PGDip- one calendar year and one academic semester
MSc - two calendar years
Structure and Content
The courses provide focused programmes of study in Food Regulatory Affairs. They are interdisciplinary and encompass elements of Science, Law, and Policy, as applied to the regulation of the entire food chain, the 'Farm to Fork' system.
Students enrolled for the PGCert in Food Regulatory Affairs, take modules to a total of 60 credit points. Students enrolled for the PGDip take modules to a total of 120 credit points. Students who have passed all of the taught modules and whose research proposal has been approved, will progress to the MSc (60 credit points).
Modules of Study for PGDip in Food Regulatory Affairs
Introduction to the European Union and Food Regulatory Affairs.Introduction to the developments in the European Union from its foundation to the present from the perspective of food regulation. (PGCert and PGDip)(30 credits. Semester I, Year 1).
Risk Analysis. Concept of risk and the nature of risk in the food supply. The elements of risk analysis: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication (PGDip 15 Credits. Semester I, Year 1).
International Food Regulatory Affairs. The global regulation of the food supply including regulation in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia. Role of international organisations including FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius. (PGDip) (15 Credits. Semester II, Year 1).
Farm to Fork Regulation of the Food Chain: A broad overview of the Farm to Fork approach to the regulation of the food chain, from primary agricultural production, through manufacture, packaging distribution, and retail. (PGCert and PGDip) (30 Credits. Semester II, Year 1).
Research Design and Statistics: Design of experimental investigations, use of statistical methodology and preparation of a research proposal (PGDip) (15 credits, Semester 1, Year 2).
Food and Health**: Examine the nutritional aspects of the relationship between food and health; examine the relationship between diet and chronic diseases cancer, cardiovascular disease and obesity, Examine EU food and nutrition policy. (PGDip) (15 Credits. Semester I, Year 2) Optional Module.
Current issues in European Food Regulatory Affairs**: Study and present major food regulatory issues of concern in Europe (PGDip)(15 Credits, Semester II, Year 2) Optional Module.
** Students must take either Food and Health or Current Issues
MSc Food Regulatory Affairs
After the successful completion of the required modules students will be awarded either a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Food Regulatory Affairs. Students who have a module average score of 50% or over, may proceed to register for the MSc and undertake a research project.
MSc Research project (60 credit points): undertake a project, relevant to current research in Food Regulatory Affairs with the guidance of an academic member of staff and a work based supervisor.
Teaching and Learning Teaching is through online lectures, online discussions, individual support, Internet links with staff and e-mentors, independent learning, small groups.
Assessment Assessment for individual modules is through cumulative assessment. Cumulative assessment will be a combination of essays, critical reviews, preparation of briefing documents, online presentations and group work, class participation and case studies. The MSc European Food Regulatory Affairs is based on successful completion of the MSc research project and report.
