Ranking
5th
Complete University Guide 2025
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Gain a Higher Certificate in Food Control in one year with our Postgraduate Certificate in Food Safety, Hygiene and Management. On graduation, you'll be certified to deliver official controls for the Food Standards Agency and for Local Authorities.
The Higher Certificate in Food Control is the baseline qualification set by the Food Standards Agency for officers who deliver the full range of official food controls and enforcement sanctions.
Officers with the Higher Certificate in Food Control can deliver the full range of official controls in food premises for the FSA and for Local Authorities.
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
This version of the PG Certificate has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health as fulfilling the academic part of the Higher Certificate in Food Control.
I decided to undertake postgraduate studies in the UK because I was seeking a new academic challenge, I wanted to increase my knowledge, professional expertise and skills and also to develop my research skills, and finally I wanted to experience life in a different country at a university abroad.
Course Structure
The course is part time and comprises 60 credits of taught material. Each module is of one week duration. You will be required therefore to attend 6 weeks of formal tuition, plus home study and assessment.
In Term 1 you'll complete compulsory modules in Food Production and Food Enforcement. You'll learn the principles of food manufacturing technology, highlighting core processing unit operations used by the industry and the equipment used to deliver these processes.
You'll also cover the application of official controls to food premises, especially those in manufacturing, food service and retail.
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Course highlights
If you are a Veterinary Surgeon delivering Official Controls in slaughter houses or cutting plants, this course will help you towards the Higher Certificate in Food Control, enabling you to work in other food premises.
The PG Certificate in Food Safety, Hygiene and Management shares taught elements with the MSc and PG Diploma in Food Safety Hygiene and Management. The PG Certificate includes two new specialist 10 credit modules to meet the requirements of the Higher Certificate in Food Control.
This programme has been designed as a fast track qualification for EU Veterinary Surgeons who already have experience in the delivery of official controls in UK slaughter houses, game handling establishments and cutting plants.
- Learn from a multidisciplinary team of leading specialists having applied knowledge and strong links with the government authorities and the food industry
- Develop transferable skills that can be used for many aspects of food safety and security
- Study in a School with a first class reputation in learning, teaching and research, based in a vibrant multicultural city
Study a programme accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
We are ranked 5th for chemical engineering in the Complete University Guide 2025
Course delivery
Teaching on the course will include formal lectures, problem based case studies, tutorials, directed learning, e-learning and, in some modules, laboratory/practical sessions.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
- Participate in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Lecture
Tutorial
Practical assignments
Laboratory
Module information
This part-time course comprises 60 credits of taught material. 30 credits are compulsory modules, with an additional 30 credits of optional modules. Each module is of one week duration.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26
For information about the spread of the following modules over the duration of the programme please contact us.
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Food Enforcement (Vets) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Food Production (Vets) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Food Standards | 10 | Semester 2 |
Optional modules
Any combination of the following can be taken to provide a total of 60 credits:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Contamination of Food and Water | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Food Inspection | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Applied Food Microbiology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Food Chain Security | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Food Fraud | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Food Processing and Manufacture (thermal processing) | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Food Safety Management Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Investigating Food Borne Outbreaks | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Novel Food Processing | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Principles of Nutrition | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Water and Health | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Sustainability in the Food Industry | 10 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A recognised veterinary qualification
as detailed in Directive 2005/36/EC annex 5 point 5.4.2. A minimum of two years relevant experience in the UK. Competency in English (IELTS 6 with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent).
Fees and scholarships
- £3,913
Fee per year of study starting in September 2025
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
This version of the PG Certificate has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health as fulfilling the academic part of the Higher Certificate in Food Control. As an Officers with the Higher Certificate in Food Control. You'll be qualified to deliver the full range of official controls in food premises for the FSA and for Local Authorities.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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