Masters Degrees (Food Safety)

MSc Food Safety

The MSc programme Food Safety focuses on the technical aspects, as well as on the legal aspects of food safety and integrates these in Food Safety Management. The Food Safety programme of Wageningen University was the first MSc in Food Safety worldwide. The programme is unique, with a highly integrated approach to the field of food safety.

Programme summary

Wageningen University is one of the few universities in Europe able to offer education and research in all fields of food safety. This does not only include technical disciplines such as microbiology and toxicology, but also the legal, economic and communication aspects. The Food Safety programme at Wageningen University is one of the most modern and innovative in the world. Started in 2000 as the first of its kind, it is still the only two-year, full-time Master Food Safety programme offered in Europe and the only programme offering Food Safety Law. The programme prepares graduates for careers in the food industry, government or consumer organisations; the three key players in international food safety management.

The food industry is increasingly confronted with farm-to-table food safety measures, regulations, legislation and guidelines aimed at controlling food hazards. As a result, there is an increasing demand for managers with expertise in food safety evaluation who are able to survey and monitor the chemical, microbiological and physical parameters of product composition and product safety. Food safety experts are able to understand and analyse the variation in quality and safety of products. They are also able to assess the potential risks involved in the adoption of new production methods and processing techniques. Food safety evaluation concerns food constituents, agro-chemicals, environmental contaminants and natural toxins.

Food regulations are getting more and more complex, creating the need for regulatory affairs specialists in industry or in lobbying organisations. The programme is the only programme offering Food Safety Law for students with either a technical or a legal degree, thereby, fulfilling the need in society for such positions.

Specialisations

The programme offers three specialisations. All three specialisations have the courses on Food Safety Management and Food Law in common.

Applied Food Safety
This specialisation deals with the more technical (microbiology, toxicology, risk assessment) part of food safety. Food Safety Economics is also part of the programme. Thesis topics are also in these fields and graduates generally work in industry, universities and research institutes.

Food Safety Law
This specialisation is open for students with a technical or legal background. Courses focus on (international) food law, intellectual property rights and management. Theses are on food law. Graduates generally work as regulatory affairs specialists in industry.

Supply Chain Safety
This specialisation deals with safe food and ingredient supply. Globalisation leads to serious risks of contamination. In tropical countries, companies also face wars and political problems. Courses thus focus on Food Security, Risk Management in Food Chains and logistics, in addition to Microbiology and Food Law.

Your future career

The employment market is promising and all recent graduates found jobs with relative ease. The demand for university-trained professionals in this field is currently higher than the number of graduates available. Most recent graduates found jobs in the private sector, at universities or at food safety research institutes. Many graduates enter careers in government and go on to managerial positions. Due to the increased efforts of the EU in the development of national food safety organisations, there will be many more job opportunities in various European countries, both for technical as well as regulatory specialists.

Student Moath Almayman.
"The courses of the Master Food Safety consist of technical, managerial and legal aspects of food safety and are directly linked to real life situations. This in combination with the ability to perform extensive research and an internship at an international company to enhance my working experience, were reasons for me to choose this master. Even with a small population, Wageningen is a great cosmopolitan town. So many students from different backgrounds make it a very interesting place."

Related programmes:
MSc Food Quality Management
MSc Food Technology
MSc Nutrition and Health

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Course Overview

​The safety and quality of food is a major concern to consumers, retailers, manufactures and regulators. High profile incidents have highlighted the need for the effective management systems and regulatory frameworks for food safety at the local, national and international levels.

Increasingly, professionals within this field require specialised knowledge and skills to help them identify and effectively manage risks. In response to these challenges, this PgCert/PgDip/MSc has been designed to meet the development needs of UK and international food safety specialists working in commerce and industry and enforcement agencies.

The aims of the programme are to:
- Enable students to evaluate international, national and sector specific frameworks for the prevention and management of and crisis response to food safety risks

- Provide opportunities for students to develop academic and subject specific knowledge and skills of relevance to employment in the field of food safety

- Support the development of reflective practitioners who have the knowledge and skills to appraise, develop and evaluate responses to food safety risks​.

​Course Content​​

The programme utilises theoretical frameworks and practical case studies to enable students to identify potential hazards, assess risk and to develop and monitor risk management strategies. The teaching team has many years experience in policy development, research and consultancy working in industry and the enforcement of legislation. The team operates at the international level and this is reflected in the teaching sessions.

The taught element of the programme comprises the equivalent of 6 modules of 20 credit points each (comprising 4 half modules and 4 full modules).

The taught modules offered are as follows:
- Risk Perception and Communication (10 credits)
- Frameworks for the Assessment of Risk (10 credits)
- Research Methods (20 credits)
- Epidemiology (10 credits)
- Evaluating Global Food Safety Management Standards (20 credits)
- Implementing Global Food Safety Management Standards (20 credits)
- ​Food Safety Emergency Management (20 credits)
- Product Conformity and Labelling (10 credits)

The dissertation phase of the module is comprised of a number of components including the development of a research proposal, an in-depth literature review and presentation of the findings of self-directed research in the form of an academic paper. This phase of the studies allows students to develop specific knowledge in relation to a food safety issue of particular interest to them.

Upon completion of the Programme, students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate global and national policy, legal and sector specific frameworks for food safety management and propose evidence based approaches for best practice
- Appraise psychosocial factors impacting upon the perception, communication and response to food safety risks.
- Critically evaluate models of risk assessment and risk management
- Critically review relevant research
- Critically appraise approaches to the assessment and management of risk and inform the development of food safety management strategies and the implementation of food safety management systems.
- Evaluate and apply approaches to emergency preparedness and crisis response.
- Critically review relevant research
- Demonstrate the ability to design, plan, and undertake research in the discipline of food safety management and present the findings.
- Critically reflect on professional and personal practice, skills and competencies.​

Learning & Teaching​

​The teaching and learning strategy for the Programme places a strong emphasis on application of theoretical frameworks to real problems and situations. Teaching and assessment focuses on case studies and exercises and scenarios reflecting contemporary issues in food safety management.

The Learning and Teaching strategies adopted, encourages substantial input from students. Whilst lectures are seen as opportunities for imparting key information and pointing students in a particular direction for further study, they are also intended to be interactive and debate is encouraged.
Lectures are complemented by seminar sessions designed to encourage a more detailed examination of issues. In addition to enhancing understanding, these sessions are seen to be important as a means of helping students to develop analytical and critical appraisal skills.

Finally, case study and role-play sessions are scheduled. During these sessions, there is further opportunity not only to develop those skills appropriate for the achievement of learning outcomes but also to develop skills that will enhance performance within a workplace setting.

The Learning and Teaching Strategy emphasises the value of evaluating ones performance and developing approaches to maximize learning and the application of skills and knowledge. Assumptions underpinning the analysis of information and response options are explored and alternative interpretations (that are often based upon cultural orientations) are examined. It is the intention that students graduating from the programme will operate as reflective practitioners.​

Assessment

Students' performance is assessed via a course work of a variety of forms including essays and reports. Tutors will offer advice in relation to the development of assignments; each student is allocated a personal supervisor to support their dissertation phase of studies.

Employability & Careers​

The Programme is seen to be of particular relevance to those wishing to further their expertise in food safety management.

The programme is also of relevance to students with a general enforcement background or food industry background who wish to specialise in food safety. Expertise exists within the teaching team to support graduates of the programme who wish to embark on PhD studies.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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The MSc Advanced Food Safety programme at QUB is tailored towards students who aim to or currently work within the agri-food sector. It will offer the opportunity to obtain a unique qualification in the field of food safety delivered by research-active scientists within the Institute for Global Food Security.

The major focus of the programme will be on new and emerging issues within the diverse field of food safety and it will concentrate on developments in analytical approaches used to monitor and regulate food safety with the view to protect human health.

Key topics covered will include: food fraud and traceability and the analytical methods used to detect fraud and ensure food safety and authenticity; the links between environmental chemical contaminants and biological hazards present in animal feed and human food - highlighting new emerging technologies that enable rapid and early detection of food safety incidents and diagnosis of animal diseases.

QUB MSc Advanced Food Safety Video: https://youtu.be/TFxBDS9mb-k

Content

Advanced Food Bioanalysis
Bio-entrepreneurship and Advanced Skills
Agri-food Traceability and Fraud
Food Safety, Health and Disease
Foundations for Research in the Biosciences
Literature Review
Research Project (triple module)

Assessment

Continuous assessment of coursework, examinations, and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work related to private individual study. A MSc will be awarded with Distinction to students who achieve a dissertation and average mark both exceeding 70 per cent, and with Commendation for marks over 60 per cent.

Opportunities for Careers

Excellent opportunities exist within agri-food companies, diagnostic research companies and regulatory testing laboratories. Graduates will also be in a position to progress to further PhD level research study.

Special Features

A major component will include the completion of a laboratory-based, food safety related research project within the Institute for Global Food Security, offering the opportunity to gain practical experience in the use of conventional and emerging bioanalytical technology platforms.

Facilities and capabilities include:
Biosensor instrumentation
Cell culture and microbiological suites
GC, HPLC and UPLC systems
Proteomic and metabolomic profiling
ICP, GC, qToF and QqQ mass spectrometers
Spectroscopic analysis
Real time PCR and surface plasmon resonance biosensor technology

Additional information for International students

http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/InternationalStudents/

Applicants who are non-EEA nationals must satisfy the UK Border Agency (UKBA) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes, by providing evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

*Taken within the last 2 yrs.

Please see http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs for more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals.


Up to date information on course fees can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/finance/TuitionFees/

The University provides information on possible sources of awards which is available at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/PostgraduateCentre/PostgraduateFunding/

Information on the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/TheInstituteforGlobalFoodSecurity/


Visit the MSc Advanced Food Safety page on the Queen’s University Belfast web site for more details! (http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Course-Finder/PCF1718/PTCF1718/Course/AdvancedFoodSafety.html)

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This postgraduate course provides relevant, up-to-date experience of food safety management, which is of vital importance both to organisations and individuals in the food industry, enforcement and education. MSc Food Safety Management focuses on the important areas of foodborne disease, food safety hazards and the effective management of food safety through application of the risk management system Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). An online course, Food Safety Management provides learning units and support materials via a secure website. This includes individual and group activities, including live web-seminars, research tasks and case studies provide practical learning opportunities.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Detailed learning materials are all available online. Each topic of study involves a number of learning activities supported by asynchronous discussions, live web-cast workshops and chat activities. To take full advantage of the course, you will need the following software:
-Firefox web browsing software.
-Standard word processing and presentation software, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
-Standard electronic mail software, such as Outlook or Hotmail.
-Acrobat reader software.
-You will need to have signed up with an internet service provider. Broadband is recommended for full functionality, plus a webcam and headset/microphone

Assessment is done in a number of different ways including a report on an outbreak of foodborne disease, a personal portfolio, critical analysis of papers and case studies. There are no examinations.

PROGRAMME AIMS

To develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations and techniques used in food safety management for health and brand protection in the Global food supply chain.

To enable you to explore and extend an extensive knowledge base and critical appreciation of the control and management of foodborne disease in a global context.

To enable you to apply the principles of food safety management to develop effective management systems for the production of safe and legal food products, thus integrating theory with practice in your own and other food-related environments.

To provide a learning environment in which you are encouraged to achieve personal growth in terms of a wide range of transferable skills, including critical thinking and independence of thought, and communication of complex ideas to a range of audiences.

OPPORTUNITIES

Students on this course are normally working full-time or part-time in and/or go on to develop their careers in the food industry, local government and the private sector.

This course provides progression opportunities up to MPhil/PhD and DProf.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This unique course provides: relevant and up-to-date experience in foodborne disease, HACCP Development, HACCP Audit and Management, Research Methods for Food Safety, Current Issues in Food Safety including the opportunity to study specialist topics; development in essential transferable skills such as IT, communication skills, independent research, information retrieval, project planning and management; and the opportunity for career development and enhancement.

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**Accredited by the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), the leading qualifying body for food professionals in Europe.**

This programme provides graduates with an insight into measures that are required to provide a supply of safe and wholesome food to consumers globally. A wide spectrum of food safety and quality management issues are addressed following the farm to fork approach.

Topics covered include: good governance and national control systems; food inspection and testing services; legislation and private standards; and management of food safety and quality within the supply chain as well as in hotels and restaurants.

Students also acquire a knowledge of the design and management of safety and quality management systems based upon risk analysis, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 9001:2008 designed to meet the requirements of national and international legislation and private standards. Students sit the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing and are also given membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Individual courses are offered on a stand-alone basis. These are attended by professionals working in the food industry. Lectures are also delivered by experts currently working in the food sector. This gives our postgraduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn from a range of practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to apply for short placements in the food sector, which provides them with the all important experience that they need to demonstrate when applying for jobs.

The aims of the programme are:

- To prepare graduates for careers in the national and international food chain, e.g. food businesses, consultancy, research and development

- To equip graduates with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability

- To enrich graduates understanding of the dynamics of food safety and quality management systems and the context under which they operate at national and international levels.

Visit the website http://www.gre.ac.uk/pg/engsci/foodsaf

Food and Agricultural Sciences

The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) has an internationally-recognised academic reputation and provides taught postgraduate courses in a wonderful environment for students.

NRI provide research, consultancy, training and advisory services to underpin sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction. The majority of our activities focus on the harnessing of natural and human capital for the benefit of developing countries, though much of our expertise has proved to be of growing relevance to industrialised nations.

What you'll study

- Food Safety (30 credits)
- Food Safety and Quality Management (30 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Research Project (MSc only) (60 credits)
- Two or three optional courses chosen from a range of themes running across the programme (45 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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This course embraces the implications of food safety and quality management against the backdrop of food authenticity and sustainability within an increasingly globalised food industry. You will gain an in-depth understanding of regional, national, and international standards in regulatory processes, and the role of public institutions and policy makers in delivering safe, quality foods to consumers.

This course is designed for graduates and those working in the agri-food industries who are seeking to advance their knowledge and understanding of food safety and quality management, and progress their professional careers.

Structure

The course may be studied full-time over 12 months or part-time over two years.

You will study eight modules, followed by the Research Project, carried out over the summer to be submitted in September. It will be presented as a review paper and as a research paper.

If you do not wish to undertake the Research Project may choose to take a Postgraduate Diploma following successful completion of eight modules.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, group workshops and seminars, case studies, individual and student-led research, group projects, and field studies

Students are encouraged to participate in the RAU Enterprise Scheme where they can develop their entrepreneurial skills towards starting their own business.

This course is available to start in either September or January.

September entry

Students will study four modules in the autumn term followed by four modules in the spring term, and complete their Research Project by the end of September.

January entry

Students will study four modules in the spring term, complete their Research Project by the end of September, and study four modules in the autumn term.

Modules

• 4014 Food Chain
• 4075 Research Project
• 4206 Fundamentals of Food Science
• 4207 Systems for Food Safety Management
• 4209 Sustainability and the Food industry
• 4228 New Product Development (NPD) in the Agri-Food Industry
• 4237 The Politics and Policies of Food Assurance

Plus choice of TWO modules, selected from:

• 4040 Sustainable Management of Soil and Water
• 4084 Tourism and Development
• 4110 Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
• 4201 Poverty and Food Security
• 4211 Global Red Meat Chains
• 4212 Global White Meat Chains
• 4213 Global Dairy Food Chain
• 4238 Integrated Organic Systems

Modules will be taught in 10 week blocks.

Assessment

Modules are assessed through written examinations and coursework, including case study analysis, essay writing, oral and poster presentations, and assessed seminars. For the new product development (NPD) module, students are assessed against a food product which they develop and produce in small teams. To complete this module, students are given training in the CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing, which is beneficial to them post-graduation.

Career prospects

Graduates will be equipped with the education and industry experience to progress their career and become food safety and quality management professionals within:

• An international institution – UN (World Food Programme), IFAD, FAO, IFPRI etc.
• Government and statutory bodies – Defra, DflD, FSA etc.
• Business and industry – major agricultural and food supply companies, consultancy
• NGOs – local food associations, aid and development organisations
• Academia and research – lecturer, PhD

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.rau.ac.uk/STUDY/POSTGRADUATE/HOW-APPLY

Funding

For information on funding, please view the following page: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding

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The Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) MSc was established in 1992 with the Graduate Diploma (GDip)
program being introduced more recently in 2010. Both the MSc and GDip programs provide advanced training
in food safety and quality related disciplines.

Everybody eats! Why not be part of the solution for a growing worldwide demand for quality food that is safely produced, safely delivered, and safely prepared? Our programs provide advanced, career-oriented education and training for university graduates who are interested in designing, implementing and monitoring food quality and safety programs. Our graduates work in private and public sector careers in Canada and abroad to meet the goal of safe and nutritious food for all.

Why Guelph?

The University of Guelph has a worldwide reputation for its excellence in many aspects of agriculture and biological sciences. Our graduate programs in food safety and quality assurance are within the Department of Food Science of the Ontario Agricultural College and so our students “rub shoulders” with internationally-recognized faculty.

About the program

There are two graduate programs in food safety and quality assurance. The MSc is comprised of a selection of on-line courses such as Principles of Food Science, Food Safety Systems, Quality Management, Food Law and Policy, and Safety of Foods of Animal Origin. The student must also take a Seminar course and electives selected from a wide range of supporting disciplines. The program includes an applied research project which generally takes two semesters. The project may be designed by the student and arise from previous work experience, or may be part of an established project already being undertaken by a faculty member in the Department of Food Science.

There is no thesis requirement, but the project must be suitable for presentation at a conference or for publication in a scientific journal. The MSc is normally completed in 3 semesters. For students who are unable to physically attend the University of Guelph, we offer an innovative Graduate Diploma that consists of the five previouslymentioned on-line courses. The Diploma program does not have a research requirement and can be completed in 2 semesters.

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Research Strategies

This programme focuses on applied aspects of advanced and emerging analytical technologies to address current issues in food safety, nutrition and food supply. It covers the entire food chain from farm to fork and places a strong emphasis on the link between improved food safety and nutrition and improved public health.

Research Strengths

•Advanced and emerging technology platforms (biosensors and omics)

•Animal food and feed safety

•Animal health and disease diagnostics

•Food and nutrition metabolomics

•Food and nutrition quality measurements

•Food chemistry

•Food safety detection methodology

•Food traceability and authenticity

•Immunodiagnostics for food contaminant and toxin detection

•Natural compounds and their health applications

•Novel and functional foods

•Therapeutic biomolecules

Special Features

•Students will be based in modern, world-class laboratory facilities equipped with state-of-the-art, highly advanced analytical instruments.

•Students will gain excellent practical experience of advanced and emerging analytical techniques for food safety analysis and monitoring.

•The School has a wide range of strong, international links with governments, academia and industry.

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The programme in Food Safety and Control addresses the key issues of food control, from both the food producers and food law enforcement points of view, recognising the equally important needs of distributors, retailers and of course, consumers.

The course covers the knowledge and skills required for the successful introduction and implementation of systems of control, such as those based on the accepted principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and other international quality management standards.

The responsibility of assuring the safety of food lies primarily with government and the industry. In today's food industry, all aspects of the production, storage and distribution of food must be effectively controlled, not only to assure safety and wholesomeness, but also to ensure efficient and consistent manufacture at the lowest possible cost. Consumers are demanding a greater assurance of safety as well as more information on which to base their choices. Students are expected to take on demanding roles in a wide range of food control activities in both the private and public sectors upon graduation, while gaining an internationally recognised qualification.

EU study opportunity

EU study opportunities exist with the University of de Lorraine Nancy, France, and Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Valencia, Spain.

Excellent scholarship opportunity

Students who have accepted an offer for a place on this course are encouraged to apply for LSBU's Frank Brake scholarships. Find out more about the Frank Brake scholarship:

http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/scholarships/frank-brake-scholarship

Modules

Year 1:

All modules are assessed through a mix of formal examination and coursework. Each module represents 200 hours of learning time with up to 40 hours of class contact time.

Food regulation and sustainability
Food composition and safety
Food microbiology and hygiene
Food quality management
Food product development management
Food control operations
Research methods
Project

Teaching and learning

You'll make extensive use of the Virtual Learning Environment, so materials are available whenever you need them. Personal tutoring support, extraclinics offering support outside lecture and tutorial sessions are available.There's a major focus on the practical applications of knowledge, supported byhands-on laboratory exercises. Various assessment methods are used in modules across the course.

Placements

You'll be encouraged to undertake a work-based project or dissertation.

Professional links

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

Some members of the teaching team are registered trainers for the Charted Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). There is also a close association with Leatherhead Food Research and Campden BRI.

Employability

The programme covers the knowledge and skills required for the successful introduction and implementation of systems of control such as those based on the accepted principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and other international quality management standards. This opens up numerous and diverse opportunities in food safety and control.

You'll study all areas of food safety, ranging from microbiological, chemical and physical safety in the different modulesand throughout the programme.

The course will open up a wide range of career opportunities including roles in: product development; quality control; food safety and quality management; catering and retailing; technical auditing; and food law enforcement. Some of our graduates have gone on to PhD degrees.

Recent employers include Kerry Foods, Leathams, Bakkaver, Kraft Foods, Tesco, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Harrods and local authorities.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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This programme provides advanced academic training in food safety and food control. You will consider the relationship between food and public health, and examine the scientific, technical, managerial, political and legislative factors that influence food safety.

The course is particularly suitable for those with relevant food related knowledge and/or experience including:

Hygiene managers or supervisors already working in the food industry
Staff working in competent authorities or enforcement; for example, Environmental Health Officers or Food Safety Officers
Staff in diagnostic or food microbiology laboratories
Students who have completed relevant undergraduate degrees such as Food Technology and wish to find employment in the food industry or local government
Food hygiene and management trainers or consultants

Chemical Engineering is dynamic and evolving. It provides many solutions to problems facing industries in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, oil, energy and food and drink sectors. It is vital to many issues affecting our quality of life; such as better and more economical processes to reduce the environmental burden, and more delicious and longer lasting food due to the right combination of chemistry, ingredients and processing.

About the School of Chemical Engineering

Birmingham has one of the largest concentrations of Chemical Engineering expertise in the UK, with an excellent reputation in learning, teaching and research.
Investment totalling over £3.5 million in our buildings has resulted in some of the best teaching, computing and laboratory facilities anywhere in the UK.
We have achieved an excellent performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) – the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. 87% of the research in the School was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. It was ranked joint fourth overall in the UK for its research prowess and first nationally for research impact.
The enthusiasm that the academic staff have for their research comes through in their teaching and ensures that they and you are at the cutting edge of chemical engineering.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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This course offers graduates from food, nutrition or an appropriate science-related subject the opportunity to progress into careers in the important field of food safety. You will focus on food microbiology, inspection and analysis and learn to evaluate a range of food safety management systems in UK and global food control.

During the course you will examine the essential elements involved in the processing, preservation and packaging of food through analytical practical sessions. The course also gives you an understanding of the key areas of food law, regulation and policy, focusing on the enforcement of legislation relating to food.

Features and benefits of the course

-Student membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (http://www.ifst.org ).
-You will maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and international legislative trends.

About the Course

You will be provided with an in-depth knowledge of emerging issues within the area of food, nutrition and food safety. Throughout the course you will explore and learn to critically evaluate issues raised by the enforcement of regulations and legislation relating to food.

Upon completion of the course you will be able to compare and contrast methods of consumer protection from the UK and EU in relation to the sale, supply and production of food. You will also develop strong industrial links through the Manchester Food Research Centre. As a student of this course you will automatically be enrolled as a student member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (ifst.org) which will give you access to membership benefits, networking and career development opportunities.

Assessment details

Assignments including critical review articles, presentations, practical experiments and data analysis reports, case studies and an independent dissertation.

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This online distance learning Global Food Security (Food Safety) postgraduate programme will be delivered by leading research active staff within the internationally recognised Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) based at Queen’s University Belfast.

The programme will comprise modules focused on food safety and health, global food standards and legislation, analytical methods for food security, food integrity and fraud. Awards will be available at Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) level, and to Masters level following completion of a dissertation-based module.

This programme will be suitable for anyone who wants to know more about this increasingly important area, those working within the wider Agri-food industry sector including food production, processing and retail, regulatory and governmental control agencies, and research organisations.

Awards will be available at Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) level, and to Masters level following completion of a dissertation-based module.

Modern online technology and dynamic advanced audio and video tools will be employed to achieve a stimulating teaching and learning experience. This programme offers learners the opportunity to study this exciting and rapidly changing area taught by world experts within the field at their own pace (60 CATS per year) and within their chosen environment.

PgCert will cover the following modules:
- Food safety and health (30 CATS)
- Advanced analytical tools for food security (30 CATS)

PgDip will include modules in:
- Global food standards and legislation (30 CATS)
- Food integrity, fraud and traceability (30 CATS)

MSc Students will complete a research programme:
- Dissertation (60 CATS)

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This programme provides graduates with an insight into measures that are required to provide a supply of safe and wholesome food to consumers globally. A wide spectrum of food safety and quality management issues are addressed following the farm to fork approach.

Students aquire a knowledge of the technical and economic principles involved in the handling and storage of both durable and perishable crops. The programme provides an essential background for any graduate who will have responsibilities in managing postharvest strategies to maintain high quality food crops.

Students aquire a knowledge of the design and management of safety and quality management systems based upon risk analysis, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 9001:2008 and private standards, all designed to meet the requirements of national and international legislative requirements. Students sit the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing and are also given membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Individual courses are offered on a stand-alone basis. These are attended by professionals working in the food industry. Lectures are also delivered by experts currently working in the food sector. This gives our postgraduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn from a range of practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to apply for short placements in the food sector, which provides them with the all important experience that they can demonstrate when applying for jobs.

The aims of the programme are:

To prepare graduates for careers in the national and international food chain, e.g. food businesses, consultancy, research and development
To equip graduates with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability
To enrich graduates understanding of the dynamics of food safety and quality management systems and the context under which they operate at national and international levels.

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This programme provides you with an insight into measures that are required to provide a supply of safe and wholesome food to consumers globally. A wide spectrum of food safety and quality management issues are addressed following the farm to fork approach.

Increasing globalization of the food chain has resulted in many disputes about the safety and quality of food products. You will learn about the elements that make up an effective national food control system based on risk anlysis and acquire an understanding of the interactions between control systems and trade.

You will acquire a knowledge of the design and management of safety and quality management systems based upon risk analysis, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 9001:2008 and private standards, all designed to meet the requirements of national and international legislation. Students sit the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing and are also given membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Individual courses are offered on a stand-alone basis. These are attended by professionals working in the food industry. Lectures are also delivered by experts currently working in the food sector. This gives our postgraduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn directly from a range of practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to apply for short placements in the food sector, which provides them with the all important experience that they can demonstrate when applying for jobs.

The aims of the programme are:

To prepare you for careers in the national and international food chain, e.g. food businesses, consultancy, research and development
To equip you with the knowledge and skills that will enhance your employability
To enrich your understanding of the dynamics of food safety and quality management systems and the context under which they operate at national and international levels.

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Cattolica’s Cremona campus (part of Piacenza-Cremona campus) boasts one of the world’s most renowned teams of Agriculture academics, scientists and researchers; a team at the forefront of food innovation and technology, whose expertise extends to developing tracking systems for any product transported across the European Union. If you would like to study for a graduate qualification in the world’s fastest growing industry, then a beautiful city in the heart of the Italian food valley will open your doors to the world.

Learning objectives

The Agricultural and Food Economics program will prepare students to analyze the Agri-food system and to operate in the various functional areas of businesses and organizations. The program will develop your professional knowledge and skills with regards to:
● Analyzing traditional problems relating to agricultural markets and food, evaluating the implications of Agri-food and commercial policies

● Managing the liberalization processes and rules of free competition also within an international context

● Analyzing the behavior of final consumers with respect to agricultural and food products

● Understanding the different sectors of the Agri-food system, the vertical relations and the coordination of the various phases of the system (e.g. agriculture, food processing, and food retailing)

● Managing emerging issues in agricultural and food production, including the safety of foodstuffs and the environmental impact of agricultural activities, the role of quality, information and traceability, the management of technical innovations, in particular biotechnology, and of the industrialization of agriculture

● Dealing with corporate and logistical problems that affect business functions according to the peculiarities of agri- business companies.

Career opportunities & professional recognition

Graduates from the Agricultural and Food Economics program have various professional openings in:
● Agri-food corporations (multinational food companies, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), retail chains)

● Professional associations of agricultural and food companies service and consultancy firms for agricultural and food companies

● Entrepreneurial activities

● Academic or applied research

● International organizations

Curriculum

First year credits
● Management basics (8 ECTS/CFU)

● Technology for food health and safety:
○ Principles of food protection (5 ECTS/CFU)
○ Principles of food hygiene (5 ECTS/CFU)

● Economic fundamentals of the Agri-food system:
○ Economics of the Agri-food system (6 ECTS/CFU)
○ Agricultural and food legislation (4 ECTS/CFU)

● Quantitative methods:
○ Applied statistics for the Agri-food system (6 ECTS/CFU)
○ Applied agricultural and food economics (6 ECTS/CFU)

● Industrial organization (8 ECTS/CFU)

● Financial accounting and business evaluation (6 ECTS/ CFU)

● Optional courses* (8 ECTS/CFU)

● Seminars (1 ECTS/CFU)

Second year credits
● Agricultural and food market institutions (6 ECTS/CFU)

● Agricultural and food marketing (6 ECTS/CFU)

● Economics of agricultural and food markets (8 ECTS/CFU)

● Business planning and control (6 ECTS/CFU)

● Strategy and leadership (6 ECTS/CFU)

● Final dissertation (25 ECTS/CFU)

*Suggested optional courses:

● Topics in Agricultural and Food Economics I (4 ECTS/CFU)

● Topics in Agricultural and Food Economics II (4 ECTS/CFU)

● Cultura e Lingua Italiana (Italian Culture and Language) (only for non-Italian students) (2 ECTS/CFU)

Selected students can attend one or two semesters in the following partner universities:
● Technische Universität München

● University of California, Davis

● University of Connecticut

● North Dakota State University

● Iowa State University

● Wageningen University

Location

Cremona is located in the Lombardy Region, which in itself has over 53,000 agricultural businesses and contributes €113 billion to the Agri-food industry revenue. It is also the most advanced region in Italy with regards to biotechnology, with 78 companies operating in the sector.

The school

The course is organized by SMEA Postgraduate School at Università Cattolica. The School has almost 30 years of experience in graduate education, advanced scientific research and extension, in the field of agricultural and food economics and business.

Job ready

Studying Agricultural and Food Econom- ics in Cremona will give you the precious opportunity to combine the high stan- dard education delivered by our faculty and the managerial approach developed during internships and seminars with distinguished agribusiness company managers.

Global perspective

Università Cattolica offers its students the opportunity to study abroad, both during regular terms and the summer. Our exchange and summer programs allow students to earn credits while studying abroad in one of Cattolica’s prestigious partner institutions.

Candidates need to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement in order to submit their application.

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