Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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This course has been designed for people who have a passion for food safety, inspection, regulation and global food developments and want to make a difference to the quality of the food we eat.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

D600

Start date

September 2024
January 2025 - condensed


Course overview

The Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons) encompasses a variety of food issues with both a UK and international focus.

Designed to meet the needs of the food industry and regulatory agencies, it covers skills including how to assess food safety risks, advise on food hygiene and safety, inspect food and food premises, and understand and apply legislation relating to food. Successful students will:

  • Meet the academic requirements of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) syllabus towards the completion of the Higher Certificate in Food Control (HCFC).
  • Be competent in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of scientific data.
  • Develop as graduates with the skills and capabilities to inspect food and food premises and recommend actions and legal enforcement measures.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • No.7 for Food Science in The Complete University Guide 2023.
  • This course incorporates the academic content of the Higher Certificate of Food Control, the baseline qualification for food hygiene and standards, official controls and the inspection of food premises within the UK.
  • We use simulation to develop the skills you will need in industry, for example preparing and presenting a court prosecution case.
  • Expert staff and guest lecturers who have or are working practitioners bring the subjects to life using real life examples and scenarios. Our current industry and local authority experienced teaching staff aim to bring a range of professional and research experience to their teaching. Having worked as food scientists, public and environmental health professionals and nutritionists for both governmental and local councils as well as working in the food industry, they maintain links with major external organisations to ensure you receive up-to-date information and help you begin to establish your professional networks. We have also welcomed highly specialised guest lecturers2 from areas such as Animal Health Protection Agency, Port Health Authorities and pest control.
  • Our multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in food safety, inspection and analytical techniques4.
  • If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

Eligibility for membership of the CIEH upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Food Control academic content, Competency Development Portfolio and professional discussion. Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body CIEH for details. Affiliate membership of the CIEH is available for students during their study.


I’ve found this course very interesting because I can have a lot of hands-on experience.

Cheuk In Samantha Chan, Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons) current student, 2021
Outside view of the Alison Gingell building looking up

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

  • Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons)
  • Food Science BSc (Hons)
  • Nutrition and Health BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with food microbiology, food production methods, food inspection, food standards, food law and hygiene management systems, among others.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a research project in an area of your interest.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

The course utilises a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and practical skills sessions in the maintenance and improvement of food quality and safety, for example, food microbiology laboratory sessions, food processing sessions and practical kitchen inspections. These will be taught in our SuperLab4 and in the kitchen, where you can work with a range of ingredients and use food processing equipment. We also incorporate the use of specific nutrition-based software, such as Nutritics and shelf-life assessment software such as ComBase. 

Formative and summative assessments provide you with feedback to ensure that you are supported in your learning. A teaching and learning approach including asynchronous materials, online synchronous and face to face sessions will delivered via the virtual learning environment.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

Depending on the year of study you will typically have been 9 - 18 hours of structured weekly teaching and learning hours which may include activities such as workshops, laboratories, online tutorials, seminars and lectures. This will be supported by a weekly course programme hour with your tutors. In addition, you will be expected to undertake around 18 hours of self-directed study each week.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Food safety practice takes place in higher education institutions, regulatory bodies and industry throughout the world. This international perspective is reflected in a number of modules on the course, which deal with issues of global importance, such as epidemiology and food borne illness, food fraud, food inspection and global food security and sustainability.

There may also be opportunities for you to apply to spend your optional enhancement year in an international setting2. In addition, there are may also be opportunities to attend an international food safety conference2. The course may also provide the opportunities for online collaboration with overseas institutions on a joint problem-based learning assignment (subject to availability).

Throughout my three years at Coventry my tutors have been very supportive and encouraged me to achieve my best work. The course has included some brilliant guest lecturers and it has been a privilege to meet and learn from some giants of industry. The Alison Gingell Building has cutting edge facilities and is a great place to study or just hang out with fellow students. Coventry has an amazing library that runs lots of support sessions to underpin your learning and there is a huge amount of online material available to access.

Barbra Will, Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons), current student, quoted in 2022
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

 

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A Level BBC to include Biology or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies.
BTEC DMM in the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in a Biological or Chemical Science based subject. Excludes Health and Social Care.
IB Diploma 30 points to include 5 points in Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and two science subjects.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits above Merit of which 15 must be at Distinction in Biology or Chemistry units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this degree in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the degree in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

This course is taught at the Coventry University campus, primarily in the Alison Gingell building4.

SuperLab

SuperLab

Our state-of-the-art SuperLab can hold up to 250 students at one time and has facilities for cell and microbial culture and equipment for microscopy, DNA, RNA and protein extraction and analysis.

 

 

specialist equipment

Analytical Chemistry Suite

The Analytical Chemistry Suite is a dedicated space for chemistry-based teaching. Students can complete ‘wet’ chemistry and preparatory work, complemented by a comprehensive suite of analytical equipment which includes ICP-OES, uHPLC, HPLC, Fluorescence Spectrometers, UV Spectrometers, GC, and GC-MS.

 

kitchen facilities

Kitchen facilities

You will use the kitchens for a variety of tasks where you develop understanding of food processing relevant to industry and local authority food inspection, including how risks are controlled, such as sous vide, investigating gas analysis of modified atmosphere packed products, and conducting a mock kitchen inspection.


Careers and opportunities

This course is designed to meet the needs of the food industry and regulatory agencies by covering skills including how to assess food safety risks, advise on food hygiene and safety, inspect food and food premises, and understand and apply legislation relating to food.

We aim to share knowledge about how technologies will aid the food quality assurance process, and the problems of maintaining a sustainable global food chain. In addition, there will be opportunities for you to develop skills in problem solving, teamwork and effective communication that may be applicable to non-discipline specific graduate career routes. This must be supplemented with a Competency Development Portfolio (which may be completed during an appropriate placement year2 or after graduation) and professional discussion to meet the requirements of the CIEH (additional costs may apply).

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

There are a wide range of food safety management and technical management roles that are available to students within the food industry as well as local authority or government bodies such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Graduates of this course have the opportunity to work in a range of environments related to food control, either in ensuring safety standards or enforcement.

I did a placement, which allowed me to further my education. I think it’s important to further your confidence in a competitive environment. 

William Tutt, current Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons) student, quoted in 2021
female and male in lab suits in a food science lab

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
HLSU253

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

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