Food Risk Analysis

This micro-credential has been designed for professionals who are currently working in, or who have previous experience of, the food and beverage industry, regulatory bodies, government departments or trade organisations, who wish to learn from leading UCD academics and industry experts in the areas of food safety and regulatory science.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this micro-credential, you will be able to:

• 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 micro-credential will begin by looking at the risk analysis framework and expanding on each of the components: risk assessment, management, and communication. We then conduct a comprehensive examination of hazard exposure, and how hazards are tracked in the food chain. We will cover all associated regulations in food. We will also look at how we can utilise food consumption data sets, and mathematical methods, to assess and calculate intake and exposure risk.  We will explore the theory, and some examples, of food safety management and risk communication.

Topics covered: 

• The Risk Analysis Framework
• Risk Assessment of Biological and Chemical Hazards
• Risk Management Theory and Practice
• Risk Communication and role of EFSA in EU Food Safety
• Public Perceptions of Food Risk

On completion of this micro-credential, you will be equipped with key knowledge and skills relevant to Risk Analysis within the food industry, and will have developed deep, discipline-specific knowledge. Such specific learnings can enhance your career options, progression and capabilities within the food industry, regulatory body, or within your own business.

This micro-credential has been developed with up-to-date input and expertise from industry, food law experts and enforcement agencies such as Food Safety Authority of Ireland, as well industry voices in scientific modelling, data analytics and computing enterprise.

The European Union recently amended the food hygiene regulation with the publication of Commission Regulation 2021/382.  This new Regulation requires food business operators to establish and provide evidence of an appropriate food safety culture. These micro-credentials are very relevant upskilling courses - the overarching goal of a food safety culture is that everyone involved in the food business is responsible for food safety. It requires a multi-disciplinary, multi-level approach that can respond and adapt to an organisation's needs over time. 

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of online lectures, videos, interactive learning, discussion boards and virtual classroom environments. A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student you will have full access to the library. This micro-credential includes tutorials to support your learning, and there will also be interviews with guest speakers from the world of food safety and regulatory science.

This is a 10 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 200 hours of learner effort, including online lectures, tutorials, required reading and autonomous learning.

Applicants are required to hold an NFQ level 8 Honours degree (minimum 2nd Class Honours Lower) or equivalent. Ideally, applicants should be currently working in, or have previous experience of, the food and beverage industry, regulatory bodies, government departments or trade organisations.

Applicants who do not hold a NFQ Level 8 Honours degree or equivalent may be admitted on the basis of having considerable relevant work experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• An essay or PowerPoint presentation describing all steps in the risk analysis of a food safety issue – 80%
• Two Multiple Choice Questionnaires - 10% each

A grade will be provided for the Multiple-Choice Questionnaires and feedback via marking rubric will be provided for the essay or PowerPoint presentation.

Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application. 

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only from March 2024 until October 2025. Funded places are limited and course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis.

Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.    

Related micro-credentials that might be of interest to you include Food Regulation and Science and Standards of Food Safety. These micro-credentials are also modules on the Professional Diploma in Food Safety and Regulatory Science.

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.