Food Regulatory Affairs - Online

Overview

Food Regulatory Affairs is an interdisciplinary subject area - integrating science, law and food/health policy as applied to the regulation of the entire food chain from pre-harvest to the consumer. International perspectives on Food Regulatory Affairs have become increasingly important, particularly since the formation of the World Trade Organisation and the international acceptance of Codex Alimentarius standards. This programme is designed to provide postgraduate training in Food Regulatory Affairs for individuals employed in the food sector, regulatory agencies, government departments, and trade organisations as well as those who wish to develop their career in this field.



The awards are granted jointly between Ulster University (UK), and University College Dublin (IRL), in association with University College Cork (IRL). European and global experts in science, law, economics, and policy contribute to the courses.



Work placement / study abroad

Full-time students will be advised to explore the possibility of taking a short placement in food companies and Ulster University will facilitate such placements for students who are based in Northern Ireland.

F/T Programme:

Year one

Introduction to the European Union and Food Regulatory Affairs

Risk Analysis

International Food Regulatory Affairs

Farm to Fork Regulation of the Food Chain

Food Regulatory Affairs Research Project

Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe



Optional Modules

Food and Health

Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition



P/T Programme:

Year one

Introduction to the European Union and Food Regulatory Affairs

Risk Analysis

International Food Regulatory Affairs

Farm to Fork Regulation of the Food Chain



Year two

Food Regulatory Affairs Research Project



Optional:

Food and Health

Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe

Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition

Applicants for the PgD/MSc must hold an Honours or non-Honours degree with a pass mark or equivalent standard (e.g. Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate) in a relevant subject area from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard, or demonstrate ability to undertake the course through accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL).



Applicants for the PgCert must hold an Honours or non-Honours degree with a pass mark of 50% or equivalent standard. Relevant subject degree areas include Human Nutrition, Food Science, and Agriculture/Biological/Biomedical Sciences/Veterinary Medicine. Other degrees (e.g. Law) will also be acceptable provided that the applicant can demonstrate experience in food regulatory affairs.



Applicants are also to demonstrate evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme provided that



(a) they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level in respect of a Master’s award and at least 50% of the credit value of the award in respect of a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate award;



(b) for the master’s award no exemption shall be permitted from the research project.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

This course is taught online so you can study where you want, when you want.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The academic content of the programme helps students to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative, policy and scientific aspects of food regulatory affairs as well as to acquire skills to disseminate and implement knowledge in practice. This leads to excellent employment opportunities in government (EU and international) and non-government organisations, and in the European and international agri-food industry.