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Graduate Diploma Food Regulatory Affairs

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

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

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Grad Dip 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.
  • 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
  • Specify, design and construct particular courses of action in the short and long term on food regulatory affairs issues and communicate these to stakeholders
  • 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

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
FDSC40280 Farm to Fork Regulation of the Food Chain (UU) Spring  15
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Please select option modules amounting to 15 credits.
FDSC40310 Research Design & Statistics (UU) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Please select option modules amounting to 15 credits.
FDSC40320 Food & Health (UU) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Please select option modules amounting to 15 credits.
FDSC40560 Nutrition and Health Claims (UU) Autumn  5

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 Grad Dip 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 Graduate Diploma 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