Students attending the Level 9 programmes of Food Regulatory Affairs and Sustainable Food Systems will attend this specific module. The learners will be exploring how sustainable food production is impacted by the current legislation. They will also be able to discuss the challenges from a regulatory point of view when exploring more sustainable food production practices.

1. Interpret the farm-to-fork strategy and its contribution to EU Green Deal towards the production of sustainable food

2. Appraise the ways circular bio-based economy can contribute to sustainable food production

3. Appraise the contribution of regulations associated with primary productions to the achievement of goals of the farm-to-fork strategy towards the production of more sustainable foods

4. Investigate how labelling of products can contribute to sustainable food choices

5. Review the impact of regulations on sustainable packaging

6. Analyse the impact of novel food regulation on the farm-to-fork strategy and towards sustainable food production

By completing this module, learners will be able to formulate a research question, develop a research proposal that could potentially form part of their MSc thesis, and select appropriate methodologies to answer their research question. They will consider ethics in research, they will become familiar with different research methodologies and data analysis methods, they will learn how to critically evaluate scientific documents and conduct a review of the literature and disseminate their research using a variety of methods.

1. Develop a research proposal in order to answer a research question or test a hypothesis.

2. Critically review the scientific literature related to food regulatory affairs or sustainable food production and generate a literature review on a research topic

3. Apply an appropriate research methodology while adhering to ethical considerations, in order to answer a research question or test a hypothesis.

4. Communicate effectively the research outcomes using a variety of methods (written or oral).

The UN classifies sustainability as spanning environmental, social and corporate governance principles- supporting an approach to environmental challenges that is precautionary, that promotes initiatives to bring about greater environmental responsibility, and encouraging the development and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies.

Businesses can often feel challenged by the practicalities of implementing such values into their business models, especially in the case of the international expansion of business, which invariably involves global supply chains.

Sustainable policies in a company as it expands into new markets may have a focus on environmental changes to the way in which the company operates, from reducing emissions, reducing water and energy usage or operating greener supply chains. Social considerations may involve ensuring that there are improvements in health and safety policies, equal opportunities and an improved work/life balance. On the Corporate Governance side, more due diligence may be put into supply chains to identify potential sources open to exploitation to ensure that raw materials and services provided come from suppliers who are providing their workers with a living wage.

This module will aim to provide students with the necessary skills to analyse the environmental, social and corporate governance issues within their business, and implement changes to facilitate the international expansion of their business in a sustainable way.

1. Investigatethe various sustainabilty schemes in international markets to determine their compatability with the EU single market.

2. Evaluate tools to monitor sustainability across international markets

3. Investigate green procurement as a lever in sustainable change

4. Apply stakeholder assessment tools to evaluate communication needs for their organisation in context of sustainability

5. Appraise the potential risks pertaining to sustainability practices within global markets/trade

6. Investigate the various international sustainability trends and divergences and how they can impact international trade.

The aim of this module is to help the students critically evaluate the relevant Food Sustainability Systems processes and, using the best evidence-based practices, to develop the methodology to significantly improve the implementation of Sustainable Food Systems.

1. Reflect on and identify his/her own learning, identify information gaps and propose a continuing professional development plan
2. Critically review a selection of published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and compare and contrast with a range of guidelines on publishing scientific papers
3. Devise an appropriate methodology to carry out an industry based Sustainable Food Systems Review and select appropriate Objectives and Targets

4. Devise an appropriate strategy to establish, document, implement, maintain and continually improve on Sustainable Food Systemssuitable for a range of different organisations

This module requires the learner to pursue research on an appropriate topic in food regulatory affairs or sustainable food systems, develop a research question or test a hypothesis, apply the appropriate research methodology, integrate research findings and articulate the key considerations of the specific investigation. The learner will use knowledge skills and competencies acquired at earlier stages of the programme. The learner will be allocated a supervisor who will advise on the direction of the work through regular meetings. Moreover, the student will be given the opportunity to disseminate their findings in oral or written format to their peers. They will develop their project management skills and time management skills by managing their research project. At completion of the module, the learners will present the findings of their research project by submitting a thesis and by presenting it in the form of an oral presentation.

1. Critically evaluate academic literature and information from a variety of sources to compile a critical review in order to help them identify the gaps in the literature and form a research question or test a hypothesis

2. Develop a research methodology in order to answer a research question or test a hypothesis

3. Manage an independent research project with support by an academic supervisor

4. Develop professional skils such as research project management and time management

5. Collect, collate and analyse relevant data using the appropriate data analysis methods

6. Evaluate and synthesise the main findings of the study and develop appropriate recommendations and conclusions to present these in Presentations, Draft Reports and finally in their Dissertation