Food Law and Regulatory Affairs Specialisation (Distance/Campus)
Wageningen, Netherlands
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Introduction
A unique programme to prepare you for an exciting career in the food domain
Background of the specialisation Food Law
The food domain is strictly regulated, at international, EU and national levels. Food regulation covers all aspects of production, “from farm to fork”, including safety, hygiene, labelling, packaging, and many other aspects. It also relates to special foodstuffs, including organic products, genetically modified organisms, novel foods, food supplements and many more.
Over the last decades, the complexity of these laws has developed in line with ever-more technical food production processes and increasingly sophisticated consumer demands. It is increasingly difficult for the food industry, regulators and consultancies to keep up to date with all regulatory developments, mitigate legal exposure, and ensure compliance.
And that's where graduates in Food Law and Regulatory Affairs are needed! They will acquire all the knowledge required not only to react to legal changes in the food sector but also to be ready to navigate future food laws.
Gallery
Ideal Students
The Master is open to students with an undergraduate degree in Law or Food Science, but also students with a background in European Studies, Governance & Policy, as well as Nutrition and Health, Agricultural or Environmental Sciences, or other related programmes. Due to the range of previous degrees that qualify for the course, students with a legal background can learn from students with a technical background and vice versa. For graduates, it is of utmost importance that they can understand both the legal and the technical aspects of the food domain.
Moreover, we are proud to have an incredibly diverse student body from all over the world, bringing a range of experiences and cultural perspectives.
Admissions
Curriculum
Wageningen University is the only university worldwide offering a Master programme that combines food law expertise with technical food safety components.
First year
The core programme in the first year consists of courses in food law, food quality management, and food safety management. Depending on your background and preferences, you will follow additional mandatory and optional courses.
Elective courses outside of the specialisation might not be taught online.
| Course | Natural science students | Law/non-technical students |
| Food Quality Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Food Law | ✔ | ✔ |
| Food Safety Management | ✔ | ✔ |
| Introduction to Law for the Life Sciences | ✔ | |
| Food Safety Economics | ✔ | |
| Basics in Food Technology | ✔ | |
| Food Hazards | ✔ | |
| Law and Regulation in Food Value Chains | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intellectual Property Rights | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comparative Food Law: PR China and the USA | ✔ | ✔ |
| Global Trade Law | ✔ | ✔ |
Second year
The second year of the programme consists of independent research. During the first part of the year, you will write a research thesis, supported by faculty at the Law Group. During the second part of the year, you will undertake an internship in the field of food law at a company or organisation.
Our internships typically take place with international food companies, international organizations or consultancies. International internships are supported by the programme.
Master Thesis – Law Group Database
Career Opportunities
At the moment there is an urgent need for food law experts. Our graduates work all over the world in the food industry, as consultants (in legal and food areas), in governmental organisations (including EU, WHO, EFSA), food inspection services and (specialised) law firms. Some also continue into academic careers.