Food Safety and Quality Management (Online), PGCert/PGDip/MSc
For professionals involved in the safe supply of food to consumers, this part-time online Master’s in Food Safety and Quality Management provides the knowledge and skills to advance your career.
If you work or are interested in the food supply chain, our online MSc Food Safety and Quality Management provides an ideal opportunity to consolidate your experience and learn more about the industry. You'll study safety and quality management systems following the 'farm-to-fork' approach, as well as the agents of foodborne illness and the control and enforcement measures that ensure our food is safe.
This online course is based upon the successful taught course, which has run since 2001. Benefit from the expertise and experience of the Natural Resources Institute's (NRI) food safety and quality management team, which has carried out research for over 40 years.
Interested in a different year?
Select your preferred
to view up to date information.
School
Location
Duration
3 years distance learning
Start month
September
2027/28 fees
To be confirmedWhat you should know about this course
What you will study
This course is being refreshed for 2027/8 building-in employability, real-world problem solving skills, and wellbeing initiatives for a future-focused learning experience. Modules shown are indicative topics and will be updated in Spring 2027.
About the course team
At NRI, we hold high professional standards and place the student experience at the heart of all we do. We have over 80 academics publishing work of internationally leading quality, with 22 professors involved in research leadership. Many of our staff have become Fellows, Senior Fellows and Principal Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in any subject.
We welcome applications from experienced professionals who may not hold a degree. Applicants with relevant professional qualifications and/or substantial professional experience in Food Safety, Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, and can demonstrate the ability to study at postgraduate level will be considered on an individual basis.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
If you are from outside the UK
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
It may be possible to consider your prior learning and experience, particularly if you have significant work-based experience in related subjects.
How you will learn
Learning experience
Experiential learning is supported by teaching and learning resources, including digital and broadcast media as well as traditional written materials. You will be supported to engage in a range of digital resources for the purposes of teaching, learning and assessments.
All teaching and learning activities are supported by online academic counselling, study skills tuition, and pastoral guidance by personal tutors to meet the university academic requirements.
Class sizes
The e-learning course does not take place in a standard classroom, but it is possible to correspond with others who are studying this course remotely.
Independent learning
The e-learning programme has been designed for technical staff working in the food supply chain who do not have time to attend the programme in the contact mode.
E-learning requires the discipline to study independently, so you will have to ensure that you make sufficient time to meet your requirements.
Overall workload
The e-learning course helps professionals working in the food chain to address your continuing professional development (CPD) needs while studying at times that fit around your professional lifestyle.
You can split your studies over a number of years to cope with the demands of postgraduate study alongside your other commitments.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a range of methods:
- Written case studies and reports
- Essays
- Presentations, some pre-recorded and narrated video presentations
- Online quizzes
- Blogs and graphics
- Research project, an industry style report and pitch.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June. You can begin the course in September or January.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
2027/28 fees
To be confirmed.Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
International Scholarship Award
International students can apply for the International Scholarship Award, which is a single year tuition fee discount up to £3,000 if they hold an offer to study at the University of Greenwich for September 2026.
International Scholarship Award
Greenwich Progression Bursary
£3,000 bursary for home fee paying University of Greenwich final year undergraduate students and Alumni.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
This qualification will help you accelerate your career in the food industry by supporting your applications for promotion to more senior roles.
Do you provide employability services?
It is anticipated that students will already be working in the food sector.
Accommodation
Medway campus in Kent
Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.
With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.
Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
All teaching and learning activities will be supported by online academic counselling, study skills tuition, and pastoral guidance by personal tutors based upon the university academic requirements.
Accessibility
This programme may offer a variety of learning experiences, including on-campus teaching, practical sessions, workshops, placements, and fieldwork.
The Student Wellbeing Service provides support for disabled and neurodivergent students (such as those with dyslexia, autism, or ADHD), students with long-term health conditions, and those experiencing mental ill health.
If you're applying, we encourage you to get in touch early to discuss your individual needs and explore reasonable adjustments. You can also visit our support pages to discover the full range of help available at the university.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Mode of study
Select from the dropdown below.
| Course level | |
| UCAS code | |
| Duration | |
| Location |