Designed for those who wish to become Food Safety Inspectors or Auditors by covering the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s (CIEH) Higher Certificate in Food Control (HCFC).

• You will have the opportunity to study food regulation and law, food microbiology, food standards and food inspection, hygiene management systems and current issues affecting the food chain.
• Study in the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building which features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience.
• Develop transferable skills in accessing, evaluating and reporting scientific information, decision-making, teamwork, entrepreneurship and communication.

 

Why you should study this course

This course has been developed in response to the growing demand for food safety inspection and audit specialists. Applications are encouraged from those with food industry experience looking for a career change or to enhance their current food safety knowledge in the roles they currently occupy, or people with an interest in developing their career in this area. 

 

The safety and authenticity of the food we eat and the hygiene of food premises that prepare and serve food are of paramount importance. This is reflected in the work of the government agencies, regulatory bodies and local councils that have responsibility for monitoring and enforcing food safety standards.

 

Individual food producers, suppliers and catering outlets also require appropriate knowledge and understanding of the legal requirements and their responsibilities to the communities they serve. 

 

Alongside the academic content relating to the Higher Certificate in Food Control (HCFC), the course also aims to develop students’ transferable skills in accessing, evaluating and reporting scientific information, decision-making, teamwork, entrepreneurship and in communicating in diverse situations, thus preparing students for their future careers.

 

The course team currently includes practitioners in food and food premises inspection who bring their knowledge and professional experience to the classroom. Thus, the course aims to produce competent people who are ready to further their careers within the food industry, especially with regulatory bodies as food safety inspectors. The course also offers the opportunity for practical industry visits and fieldtrips such as visits to food manufacturers2.

 

Seminars by our practitioner staff and visiting lecturers (subject to availability) will bring you the latest on a wide range of food safety-based research topics, which have previously included a food safety packaging seminar from food manufacturers and Local Authority inspectors. 

 

Our Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge food safety, inspection and analytical techniques.

 

Entry on to the course is available for those who have experience of working in the food industry or have sponsorship or employment within a Local Government Environmental Health Department. The academic content of the HCFC must be supplemented with a Competency Development Portfolio prepared during a minimum of 6 months practical training, plus a professional discussion for competency with the CIEH. Although the university does not provide the placement position for the experiential logbook requirement, the university's Talent Team will assist where possible, in supporting students in contacting local authorities and in applications for placements2.