Careers & Employability
There are excellent job prospects for graduates in food and projections for graduates in this discipline are extremely positive. At a time when the importance of the link between food and regulation is becoming increasingly evident, this programme will provide graduates with the skills necessary to function in technical, advisory and management roles in the food industry, public sector and regulatory agencies.
Within the food industry graduates will work in areas such food regulatory affairs, food labelling, product development and innovation, research and development, technical sales, product quality enhancement, with the distinct advantage of bringing a regulatory perspective to each of these roles.
Vision and Values Statement
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 Graduate Diploma is designed to provide postgraduate training in Food Regulatory Affairs for individuals who wish to pursue a career or are currently employed in the food sector, regulatory agencies, government departments, and trade organisations. The programmes provide students with broad knowledge and understanding of food regulatory affairs and promotes their ability to assess available evidence and data, make sound judgements and communicate findings effectively to all stakeholders in the food chain producers, regulators, industry and consumers. Relevant EU food regulatory policy is integrated within the lectures and translated into a coherent regulatory framework so that students will grasp the complex idea of total regulation of the food chain from primary production through to consumer health issues. All the courses in the programme are entirely Internet delivered and are offered on a part-time and full-time basis. Core material will be delivered through lectures and online discussions and tutorials, complemented by group tutorials, case study oriented problem based exercises, private study and module assignments Lectures, online tutorials, case studies, problem based learning, and self-directed learning . Structured coursework will assess outcomes and facilitate learning and the integration of knowledge and will include including problem solving, case studies, critical reviews, preparation of presentations and preparation of briefing documents. The awards are granted jointly between the University of Ulster (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. Teaching is through online lectures, online discussions, individual support, video and internet links with staff, independent learning, and work in small groups.
Programme Outcomes
Integrate knowledge of key principles underlying the modern risk based, food chain approach to food regulation
Display an advanced knowledge of the application of key food regulatory principles to public health
Demonstrate a critical awareness of principles relating to scientific integrity and ethical issues in food regulatory affairs
Think independently, evaluate and reflect, set tasks and select appropriate and reasoned approaches to solve problems and construct and defend reasoned conclusions
Utilize library, computer and other resources to acquire, apply and disseminate scientific knowledge in reports, presentations, and coursework
Demonstrate at professional level an ability to communicate scientific information to peers, colleagues and others as appropriate
Specify, design and construct particular courses of action in the short and long term on food regulatory affairs issues and communicate these to stakeholders
Acquire, organise, critically analyse, interpret and present information relating to issues in Food Regulatory Affairs.
