Veterinary Public Health (Food Regulatory Affairs) PgDip/MSc

Program Overview

The Food Regulatory Affairs program at Ulster University combines veterinary public health, international food law, and food policy to prepare veterinary professionals for careers in food regulation. Delivered online part-time, the program offers a Master's thesis option and emphasizes applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. Graduates are eligible for leadership roles in government, industry, and research organizations focused on food regulation.

Program Outline

However, based on the course title and description, we can infer that the program's overview likely focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of Food Regulatory Affairs, combining science, law, and food/health policy within the context of the food chain. Additionally, the program is likely designed to meet the educational needs of veterinary professionals interested in advancing their careers in this field while also fulfilling the additional training requirements for official veterinarians as outlined in European Regulation 854/2004.

Outline:

Content:

• Veterinary Public Health with a Regulatory Focus
• International Food Regulatory Affairs
• Risk Analysis
• Food and Health Policy
• Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation
• Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition

Structure:

• Part-time program delivered online
• Two semesters per year
• Four modules each semester
• Optional modules available
• Master's thesis required for MSc students

Course Schedule:

• Fall Semester:
• Risk Analysis
• International Food Regulatory Affairs
• Veterinary Public Health 1 - Regulatory
• (Optional Module) Food and Health
• Spring Semester:
• Veterinary Public Health 2 - Applied
• Food Regulatory Affairs Research Project
• (Optional Module) Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe
• (Optional Module) Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition

Module Descriptions:

• Risk Analysis: Provides students with a foundation in risk analysis principles and applies them to practical situations
• International Food Regulatory Affairs: Explores global food regulation and equips students with relevant knowledge about international food law
• Veterinary Public Health 1 - Regulatory: Focuses on understanding regulations underpinning food regulatory policy and prepares students for the specialized elements of VPH in the next module
• Veterinary Public Health 2 - Applied: Integrates concepts in VPH and explores the full spectrum of food chain regulation
• Food Regulatory Affairs Research Project: Involves research or scholarship to investigate a chosen topic in the food regulatory or VPH domain
• Food and Health: Introduces basic nutritional concepts and their role in food and nutrition policy development
• Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe: Examines complexities of Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation, including authorization and legal aspects
• Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition: Develops research skills and explores research methods within the field of food and nutrition

Assessment:

• All modules assessed through coursework assignments, including essays, reports, presentations, and data analysis
• Emphasis on applying knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios
• Self-assessment tools offered to support student learning
• Assessment feedback provided for continuous improvement

Teaching:

• Online lectures and discussions
• Collaborative group work for interaction and knowledge sharing
• Access to expert faculty with backgrounds in veterinary, food science, law, economics, and policy

Careers:

• Government and non-government organizations focused on food regulation
• International agri-food industry
• Opportunities in research, policy development, and implementation
• Potential for leadership roles within regulatory bodies

Other:

• Students with a degree in veterinary medicine from the UK, Ireland, or an equivalent international institution are eligible to apply
• A minimum of one year of post-qualification experience is typically required prior to program commencement
• Demonstrated competence in written and spoken English is also required (GCSE grade C or equivalent)
• The program awards a Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Science degree upon completion