Cert HE Food Control

Overview & facilities

This course is aimed at those wanting to be recognised and registered to undertake inspection of high-risk food premises, as well as those wishing to undertake food standards enforcement. It has been developed specifically to meet the educational requirements of the professional body (Environmental Health Registration Board – EHRB) and other professional competency standards.

The programme consists of a number of modules:

• Law & Environmental Health Professional Practice
• Environmental and Health Stressors
• Food Law and Food Safety
• Practical Food Inspection.

Professional skill development, and in particular the transferrable skills that are required in the workplace, are a key feature of the programme.  Teaching is flexible and uses elements of resource based learning to limit the actual time spent in the University.  Thus, students, in general will normally attend on a one day a week basis over an academic year, although there will be periods where attendance is also required on another day as well, in order to access specialist teaching in a laboratory setting.

The course consists of 130 credits, which is equivalent to ⅓ of a degree.  Successful students are actively encouraged to consider further study on one of our degree programmes.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Environmental and Health Stressors (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Enables the student to develop an understanding of the nature and important of micro-organsims; the cycle of disease transmission and role of immunology, demography and epidemiology in ill-health and appreciate the role of vectors of disease; the physical chemical, biological, social and psycho-social stressors commonly dealt with by environmental health practitioners, and their reporting mechanisms. Practical skills in aseptic technique and micro-biological methods. In addition students will spend part of the module focusing on pests commonly found in the UK.

  Food Law and Food Safety (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Develop a detailed knowledge of the properties of foodstuffs and their relationship with safety, fitness, and quality. Provide an understanding of significant zoonoses and how food production methods may affect their prevalence and distribution. Explore the responsibilities of organisations, food business proprietors, employees, and other persons in ensuring food safety. Introduce relevant statutory provisions and examines the role of the enforcement officer and investigates relevant factors in determining the most satisfactory course of action for securing compliance. Provide an understanding of how systems and process audit can help achieve compliance with appropriate compositional and legislative requirements. Although this is a Level 2 module, it has been designed so that it starts with Level 1 and then progresses learning through the year to reach Level 2.

  Law and Professional Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To develop an appreciation of governance and the legal systems, including legal doctrines applicable to criminal, evidence and civil law. The professional practice element focuses upon the assessment of risk upon which further risk management skills can be developed. Students will gain understanding of the breadth of professional practice, including the processes involved in inspection, audit and compliance. The module aims to develop appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress. In addition the module explores concepts issues and policies associated with social policy in contemporary societies and focuses global and national institutions, their ideologies and some of the current policy issues they are currently involved with.

  Practical Food Inspection (10 Credits) - Compulsory

  In this module students will be expected to: Identify and evaluate a range of food stuffs, state their condition and recognise unfit food. Explore a range of possible food safety interventions and recommend the most satisfactory course of action in order to achieve public health food safety. Evaluate the relevant statutory provisions and appraise the role of the enforcement officer and other relevant factors in determining the most satisfactory course of action to improve food safety.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

Entry requirements

We normally require 200-280 tariff points for entry onto undergraduate courses. However, some degrees may require additional entry requirements, for example a portfolio or an audition.

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

The programme is designed for those wishing to undertake inspections of high-risk food premises on behalf of local government.  However the skills developed are transferable into other organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors. At present there is a nationwide shortage of holders of this qualification.