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MSc Food Regulatory Affairs

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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MSc Food Regulatory Affairs covers the regulation of the entire food chain from “farm to fork”.  
  • These programmes are designed to provide postgraduate training in Food Regulatory Affairs for individuals employed in the food sector or those who wish to develop their career in this field but who are unable to study full time.
  • The programme is entirely distance taught and Internet delivered.
  • European and global experts in science, law, economics, and policy contribute to the course
  • The awards are granted jointly between Ulster University (UK), and University College Dublin.
    Applications are direclty with University of Ulster. Queries on Application and Entry Requirements should be directed to University Ulster

About This Course

  • Acquire, organise, critically analyse, interpret and present information relating to issues in Food Regulatory Affairs.
  • Apply the principles of scientific enquiry to design, plan and undertake a hypothesis driven research project
  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of principles relating to scientific integrity and ethical issues in food regulatory affairs
  • Demonstrate at professional level an ability to communicate scientific information to peers, colleagues and others as appropriate
  • Display an advanced knowledge of the application of key food regulatory principles to public health
  • Integrate knowledge of key principles underlying the modern risk based, food chain approach to food regulation
  • Present competent scientific report suitable for submission to a relevant peer-reviewed journal, prepared in a format required for (i) a review article and (ii) an original research paper.
  • Think independently, evaluate and reflect, set tasks and select appropriate and reasoned approaches to solve problems and construct and defend reasoned conclusions
  • Use the principles of scientific inquiry including evidence-based practice, audit and evaluation to research a particular food regulatory issue that merits a detailed research investigation.
  • Utilize library, computer and other resources to acquire, apply and disseminate scientific knowledge in reports, presentations, and coursework

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.

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Core Modules
FDSC40270 Introduction to the European Union and Food Regulatory Affairs (UU) Autumn  15
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Core Modules
FDSC40290 Risk Analysis (UU) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Core Modules
FDSC40300 International Food Regulatory Affairs (UU) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Core Modules
FDSC40310 Research Design & Statistics (UU) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Core Modules
FDSC40280 Farm to Fork Regulation of the Food Chain (UU) Spring  15
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must select one of the following two modules:
FDSC40320 Food & Health (UU) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must select one of the following two modules:
FDSC40560 Nutrition and Health Claims (UU) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students MUST select this module
FDSC40340 Research Project (FRA)(UU/UCC) Autumn  30

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).


Dr. Colm Moran | Chief Regulatory Officer at Alltech

The course has provided me with an excellent overview of the field of food regulations (particularly EU) which enabled me to transition from my former research career within my company to a role in the regulatory affairs department. The course materials provided me all the information I needed and to understand the background to food law/regulations in the EU. The initial investment in education has definitely paid off in the long-term.

Dr Maxine Bonham Monash University, Melbourne

I undertook the MSc Food Regulatory Affairs to gain an understanding of the requirements and regulations surrounding the supply of food to the consumer. The course was well structured and a number of the lecturers are quite prolific in the area of food regulation so I found a lot of the content to be very current and topical. Although I have a strong background in nutrition the legal and political aspects behind food regulation were challenging to deal with and I learnt a great deal. Initially I undertook the course out of interest rather than to further my career, however it has turned out to be an extremely useful qualification as I now teach food regulation at Monash University, Melbourne.

Please contact the school for fee information

Applications are direclty with University of Ulster. Queries on Application and Entry Requirements should be directed to University of Ulster

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


This MSc Food Regulatory Affairs  is designed to provide postgraduate training in Food Regulatory Affairs for individuals employed in the food sector or those who wish to develop their career in this field but are unable to study full time. The programme will benefit individuals employed in food and beverage industries, regulatory agencies, government departments, and trade organisations.

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Food Regulatory Affairs:

ROWCLASS Apply to

Currently, there are no forthcoming intakes for this course that are open for application

* you can change options at the top of the page