Food Regulatory Affairs PgCert/PgDip/MSc

Program Overview

The "Food Regulatory Affairs - PgCert/PgDip/MSc" program at Ulster University provides intensive online training in food regulation, covering both legal and scientific aspects. It offers flexible part-time study options through a modular format, catering to both experienced professionals and those seeking to start their career in this field. The program is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and prepares graduates for various roles within the food industry, regulatory agencies, and government departments.

Program Outline

• Overview: The program focuses on the field of food regulatory affairs, offering intensive online training through a modular format.
It caters to both individuals who have prior experience in food regulatory affairs and those who are looking to start their career in this field.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip individuals with expertise in food regulation, covering both legal and scientific aspects.
This expertise empowers graduates to take on a range of roles within the food industry, regulatory agencies, and government departments.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program comprises postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, and master of science (MSc) pathways.
Each pathway requires students to take modules of varying credit values, ultimately leading to the completion of either a 60 credit PG Cert, a 120 credit PG Dip, or a 180 credit MSc degree with a mandatory research project.
• Modules: The program includes diverse modules under 7 levels.
Modules in the PG Cert pathway focus on introducing students to various aspects of the regulatory environment and providing basic understanding of core concepts in risk analysis. On the other hand, modules in the PG Dip pathway delve deeper into specific areas such as international food regulatory affairs and the complexities of the "farm to fork" concept. Finally, the MSc pathway provides further opportunities for specialization with modules including "Food Regulatory Affairs Research Project" and "Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe".
• Course Schedule: The program is conducted entirely online through Ulster University's dedicated eLearning platform, BBLearn.
This makes it suitable for part-time study, allowing students to access lectures, tutorials, and discussions while balancing work and personal commitments. The exact schedule may vary depending on student intake and availability of specific modules each semester.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program employs a range of assessment methods across its modules, including written coursework assignments, individual presentations, and active participation in online discussions.
Timely feedback ensures that students can implement this feedback during the ongoing modules to further strengthen their learning process.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program integrates diverse teaching methods to maximize student engagement and facilitate knowledge acquisition.
This includes online delivery of lectures and case studies, regular online discussions, and group tasks that encourage collaborative learning and problem-solving skills.
• Faculty: The program features experienced professionals from across academia and the food industry.
The diverse pool of instructors ensures that students are exposed to the practical experiences and the latest theoretical understanding of food regulations.
• Uniqueness: The program prides itself on offering an eLearning environment that combines academic rigor with flexibility.
It is specifically designed for busy professionals seeking to acquire expertise in food regulation while continuing their career responsibilities. Additionally, the program's modules incorporate real-world examples and case studies, ensuring that students gain a clear understanding of how the learned concepts apply to challenges within the industry.

Careers:

• Career Options: Completion of the program opens doors to various career paths within the food industry, government agencies, and other related organizations.
This can include roles within departments focused on food safety, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, nutrition and labeling, research and development, as well as consulting and advocacy.
• Opportunities: This program enhances student employability in various sectors, such as government ministries responsible for food regulation, public health organizations, agencies overseeing food labeling, research institutes, and private food corporations.

Other:

• Professional Recognition: The program boasts accreditation by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), signifying its adherence to industry standards and the high quality of its curriculum.
• International Reach: While the program operates through an online format, it allows for a broader reach and engagement of students from diverse backgrounds and global locations.
This promotes cross-cultural learning and facilitates networking with peers working in different environments within the food regulatory field.