Food Safety & Regulatory Science

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.



What Will I Learn?

• 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 programme is delivered entirely online.



NFQ Level: 9 (30 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Professional Diploma

Stage 1 Core Modules

FDSC40720: Food Risk Analysis

FDSC40740: Food Regulation

FDSC40730: Science & Standards of Food Safety

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 (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

1 year part-time

Delivery: On Campus

D092: Food Safety & Regulatory Science

Professional Diploma



Part-Time: Commencing January 2025

Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

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.