- Describe Global Food Regulatory Systems and how this shapes policy
- Understand the regulatory context and requirements of Food and Nutrition Labelling and health claims
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of key stakeholders in the Food Regulatory environment.
- Describe key food safety issues and management strategies across the food chain.
- Demonstrate knowledge of potential hazards and strategies to minimise them.
- Understand the role of food industry standards in the management of food safety.
- Understand the components of risk analysis: Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Risk Communication in the context of the food supply.
- Describe the tools used to validate risk assessment strategies
- Appreciate the value of a risk analysis approach to guiding global food safety policy.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
Food Safety is an essential Public Health issue without which there is a significant threat to health from foodborne disease. Understanding the legislation, policy and science behind maintaining a safe food system is essential for regulatory bodies, government and the agri-food industry.
This Professional Diploma integrates science, law and food policy from pre-harvest to the consumer and brings experts together from UCD and beyond to helps students to develop knowledge and understanding of food risk and regulation and acquire skills to disseminate and implement knowledge in practice.
This programme is delivered entirely online.
About This Course
On completion of this programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills relevant to Food Safety and Regulatory Science within the food industry and beyond which will develop your deep discipline specific knowledge. This can enhance your career options, progression and capabilities within the food industry, regulatory body, or within your own business.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FDSC40720 | Food Risk Analysis | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FDSC40740 | Food Regulation | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FDSC40730 | Science & Standards of Food Safety | Summer | 10 |
Orla O'Driscoll - Graduate View
Once I completed my undergraduate in Food Science with UCD, I began work as an Operations Associate with the Tirlán graduate program. I wanted to further my knowledge on food processing and food systems which led me to begin the MSc in Sustainable Food Processing. I felt that this course aligned with my professional interests and it has elevated my knowledge on the systems used in the food industry and what we need to do to futureproof our agri-food industry.
I joined Kilkenny Cheese, a joint venture between Tirlán and Royal-A-Ware that is striving to be the most sustainable continental cheese plant in Europe and this masters has enabled me to contribute to the commissioning process of the plant in an informed and positive manner.
The flexibility of completing the course over 2 to 4 years allowed me to complete the masters around my personal and professional life. I was able to balance my modules across semesters where I knew I would have more availability for the workload. The staff of UCD have always been incredibly accommodating and easy to communicate and work with which has added a personal element to this online course. I would recommend this course to anyone who's looking to elevate their knowledge on food processing systems and how we can make rise up to global food challenges in a sustainable manner.
This course is designed for science graduates with no previous formal background in Food Science or Nutrition who want to develop expertise in this rapidly evolving field.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum Second Class Honours degree in Science, Engineering, or related discipline (or international equivalent)
- Applicants with other qualifications but substantial relevant work experience will be considered
- Those without a Science qualification but holding a Level 8 Honours degree may still be eligible - submit for assessment
All applications are evaluated individually by the Programme Director.
Applicants who would like to take a stand-alone module may do so through the Microcredentials route. More information on the UCD Agriculture and Food Science Microcredentials is available here at Agriculture and Food - UCD Micro-credentials
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
The programme is suitable for graduates with no formal educational background in food science or nutrition, who wish to up-skill and become competent and employable in this increasingly important and rapidly evolving field.
It is aimed at graduates from a variety of disciplines and the programme is suitable for both science and non-science graduates.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Prof Dip Food Safety & Regulatory Science:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | D092 Prof Dip Food Safety & Regulatory Science Professional Diploma Part-Time Commencing January 2026 Graduate Taught Opens 01 Oct 2025 |
* you can change options at the top of the page