Applicants for the PgD/MSc must hold an Honours or non-Honours degree with a pass mark or equivalent standard (e.g. Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate) in a relevant subject area from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard, or demonstrate ability to undertake the course through accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL).

Applicants for the PgCert must hold an Honours or non-Honours degree with a pass mark of 50% or equivalent standard. Relevant subject degree areas include Human Nutrition, Food Science, and Agriculture/Biological/Biomedical Sciences/Veterinary Medicine. Other degrees (e.g. Law) will also be acceptable provided that the applicant can demonstrate experience in food regulatory affairs.

Applicants are also to demonstrate evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Start Date: September 2025

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Career options
The academic content of the programme helps students to develop knowledge and understanding of legislative, policy and scientific aspects of food regulatory affairs as well as to acquire skills to disseminate and implement knowledge in practice. This leads to excellent employment opportunities in government (EU and international) and non-government organisations, and in the European and international agri-food industry.