Food Regulatory Affairs - Sligo

An increasingly complex regulatory environment, along with Brexit and potential regulatory divergence between EU and UK led Food Drink Ireland Skillnet to partner with the Regulatory Affairs in Food Drink Ireland/IBEC and ATU Sligo to develop this programme. The programme is part of a suite of programmes developed to respond to the Food and Drink industries’ needs while also being compliant with new policy and regulations in the area of Food and Drink Regulatory Affairs. At the end of the programme, graduates will have a thorough understanding of the theory and best practice relating to Food and Drink sector regulatory structures and proceduresand will be able to apply independent thinking and research skills in workplace decisions regarding relevant food and drink regulatory frameworks.



Who should apply?

This programme is suitable for those employed in the Food and Drink sector, working in technical areas such as quality, food safety, regulatory affairs or R&D, who need to be able to interpret regulations and understand their implications to their business. Participants may have a variety of backgrounds, including food science, food engineering, home economics, and microbiology, however, may have not had any formal training in food regulations.

What will I study?

Postgraduate Certificate:

Framework of Food Regulations

Food Processing Regulations

Claims and Labelling - Food to Market

Supply Chain Integrity

Professional Development in Food Regulatory Affairs

A Level 8 Degree or Level 9 in other areas with sufficient work experience as assessed by ATU. Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognition Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.



For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

1 year part-time, online delivery.



Study Hours

Students can expect to allow for 7 hours per week, consisting of 2 hours evening lectures and 5 hours independent learning and project work.



On-Campus Attendance

Pre-dominantly live online lectures, supported by face-to-face seminars and self-directed learning.

Progression Pathways

Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.