Study Mode:
Full time: 1 – 1.5 Years
Part time: 2 – 2.5 Years
Delivery:
FULLY ONLINE
Administrative Unit:
Department of Food Production
Email: food.production@sta.uwi.edu
Phone: 1(868) 662 2002 ext. 83989
Programme Overview
The overall objective of this programme is to provide quality and relevant education, training and research in food safety and quality to graduates who are farm managers, food processors, food service managers, nutritionists, regulators, public health inspectors, policy makers, importers and exporters regionally and worldwide who want to upgrade their skills. The programme therefore seeks to:
- Adopt a holistic approach to agri-food safety that encompasses the whole food chain- from farm or sea to plate and those aspects of food safety related to quality;
- Apply tracing techniques from the primary producers, animal husbandry, through post-harvest treatment, food processing, marketing of products, export trade and distribution to the consumers;
- Adopt a risk-based approach to agri-food control systems;
- Assess the current agri-food safety standards and food safety management programmes throughout the food chain;
- Examine strategic elements such as rick analysis, scientific advice, consumer education in food and agriculture;
- Foster interactive exchange of information and opinions throughout the risk analysis process concerning hazards and risks, risk related factors and risk perceptions among risk assessors, risk managers, consumers, industry, the academic community, policy makers and other interested parties.
Programme Breakdown
The Diploma programme is comprised off the courses as follows:
SEMESTER 1
FOSQ 6001 Agri-Food Safety
FOSQ 6003 Food Quality Assurance and Evaluation of Agri-Food Policies
FOSQ 6011 Research and Statistical Skills for Food and Agriculture
SEMESTER 2
FOSQ 6002 Project Management in Food and Agriculture
FOSQ 6004 Agri-Food Safety Risk Analysis
FOSQ 6005 Epidemiology and Food-borne Diseases
FOSQ 6006 International Trade and Agri-Food Legislation
SEMESTER 3 (SUMMER)
FOSQ 6010 Research Project on Agri-Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Entry Requirements
In order to be admitted to the MSc programme, candidates must normally have a first degree (minimum grade of a lower second class honours or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agri-Business, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Human Ecology, Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Food Sciences, Veterinary Medicine or any related areas.
Students with a pass degree may gain entry to the MSc programme subject to Departmental support and completion of qualifying courses.
NOTES:
- Candidates who have successfully completed the requirements for the Diploma in Agri-Food Safety and Quality Assurance may apply to upgrade to the MSc degree. In the event that such candidates are unable to complete the requirements for the MSc, the post-graduate diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the prescribed courses.
- MSc students who have been unable to complete the requirements within the maximum time but who have met the requirements for the Diploma may be awarded the Diploma.
- Persons initially admitted to the post-graduate Diploma and wishing to transition into the Master’s without being awarded the Diploma must complete 24 credits required for the Diploma plus the additional 12 credits from the compulsory courses as required for direct entry into the Master’s.
- Persons who apply for admission to the Master’s within 5 years of the award of the post-graduate Diploma will be exempted from not more than 50% of the credits required for the Master’s on the basis of credits earned from the Diploma.