Sustainable Food Safety Management - Conversion Course - Grangegorman

Course Title: Master of Science in Sustainable Food Safety Management

What is... Sustainable Food Safety Management?

Recent food crises highlight the essential need for professional, up to date training in Food Safety Management. This interdisciplinary, skills based MSc. Programme, focuses on the complex, national and EU regulatory and management systems in place to ensure Food Safety and consumer protection, and reviews the many proposed future changes in Food Regulation.



Successful completion of the course allows participants to progress to the next level in their career. Run on both a full-time and a part time basis, it is organised specifically to accommodate those working or wishing to work in the food industry. Past graduates now work in regulatory positions either nationally or in the EU as Environmental Health Officers, Veterinarians or Laboratory Analysts in the public sector. Others working in the private sector now occupy significant roles technical management in all of Ireland’s major food companies, including food producers, processors, caterers and retailers.



Course Content

The MSc in Sustainable Food Safety Management is a comprehensive and integrated program designed to provide students with a holistic understanding of sustainable food safety management. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of various modules, each contributing to a well-rounded education in the field. The program comprises three main stages of learning:



Stage 1: Course Lecture Programme

In this stage, students will explore into the fundamental aspects of food safety management.



Stage 2: The Integrated Food Safety Management Case Study and International Tour (Year 2)

In this stage, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-life situations through an Integrated Food Safety Management Case Study (ICS). They will conduct a food safety audit, develop control systems, and create a food safety management strategy. The ICS promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction among students and experts. Additionally, an International Study Tour provides insights into international best practices in Food Safety Management.



Stage 3: Completion of the Sustainable Food Safety Management Dissertation (Year 1-2)

For MSc students, this stage involves undertaking a research project in a relevant area. The dissertation is a significant requirement, reflecting the student's research efforts. It showcases intellectual and imaginative development, problem-solving abilities, and initiative. The research project is supervised by academic staff with expertise in Sustainable Food Safety Management, and supervision may extend to other schools within TU Dublin as needed.



TU236: 1 Year - Full Time Schedule

The programme is scheduled for two days each week, with in-class lectures held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 to 20:30. Additionally, for candidates who have made prior arrangements, such as those residing remotely, Hyflex delivery is available to accommodate their needs.



The programme includes occasional field trips of longer duration, and some of these trips may require foreign travel (once).



TU236P: 2 Years - Part Time Schedule

The programme is scheduled to run once a week, with in-class lectures taking place on different days for Year 1 and Year 2. In Year 1, classes will be held every Thursday, and in Year 2, they will occur every Wednesday, both running from 14:00 to 20:30. Additionally, for candidates who have made prior arrangements, such as those residing remotely, Hyflex delivery is available to accommodate their needs.



The programme includes occasional field trips of longer duration, and some of these trips may require foreign travel (once).

Module listing

Year One

Semester 1

• Food Hazards - Microbiological [Mandatory]

• Food Hazards – Physical/Chemical [Mandatory]

• Food Industry Sustainability [Mandatory]

• Food Processing and Allergen Management [Mandatory]

• Food Processing and Allergen Management [Mandatory]

• Food Safety Management Dissertation [Mandatory]

• Research Methodology [Mandatory]

• Safety Aspects of Primary Production [Mandatory]



Semester 2

• Food Safety Management Dissertation [Mandatory]

• Research Methodology [Mandatory]

• Food Law [Mandatory]

• Food Safety & the Consumer [Mandatory]

• Integrated Food Safety Management Case Study & International Tour [Mandatory]

• Food Safety Management Systems [Mandatory]

• Risk Analysis and Data Analysis [Mandatory]

• HACCP and Auditing [Mandatory]

Minimum Entry Requirements?

Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree or equivalent (minimum NFQ Level 8 honours degree with a 2.2 award or higher) in a discipline related to Sustainable Food Safety Management. Appropriate fields include food science, food technology, food engineering, veterinary science, law, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental health, or a related field. Additionally, individuals who already hold an MSc in another discipline and wish to specialize in sustainable Food Safety Management are encouraged to apply.



While it is expected that participants will have significant work experience and fit the profile of a manager or technical professional in a relevant field, we welcome applications from those who may not have extensive experience but demonstrate strong potential and a keen interest in sustainable food safety management.



Admission to this course is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Selection is based on academic credentials and potentially relevant work/life experience. Interviews may be conducted if necessary.



If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency score of 6.0 overall (or an equivalent qualification), with no individual component scoring less than 6.0.



Please note that this programme is limited to Irish and EU applicants or those from non-visa-required nations.

Applications will open in February 2025.



The following documents are required for application:

• A copy of your passport

• Your Curriculum Vitae

• A motivation letter detailing your interest and suitability for the course

• Transcripts of all academic degrees

• Proof of English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)



Non-EU Students

Non-EU students, not resident in Ireland, are not eligible to apply for part time programs that are delivered on-campus. Applications for part time courses that require on-campus attendance will not be processed and the application fee will not be refunded.

Assessment methods will include examinations, assignments, case studies and a dissertation.

Method of Delivery: Blended:

TU236: 1 Year - Full Time

TU236P: 2 Years - Part Time

Commencement Date: September 2025