Full Time: 4 Years
Develop the technical skills needed for a career in food manufacturing, and enhance your CV with a training year in industry.
Food technologists are innovative, with an in-depth knowledge of food raw materials and of methods for producing safe and healthy products. You will develop your scientific knowledge and technical skills, whilst exploring the role of technology within the food sector and addressing issues such as quality assessment. Our department has strong links with industry, and you will gain valuable professional experience through a year-long paid training placement.
The University of Reading is a world authority on human nutrition, food chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology and food law. Our staff are actively engaged in world-class research and will tailor their teaching to reflect changing trends and emerging technologies within the sector.
You will study the fundamental science behind food and nutrition, the processes involved in production, and human physiology. You will also gain experience of using key technical skills through sensory evaluation, laboratory-based practicals and work in our pilot-scale food processing plant.
The final year will give you the chance to pursue your own interests by undertaking an original research project. You can also develop your teamwork skills through our "Product Development" module. You will be given a brief by industry and work as a team to produce an original product, which you will showcase at an end-of-term trade show. You will also study advanced modules in integrated food processing, economic manufacturing and the sensory evaluation of food.
Graduates of this course are recognised as professional food technologists by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Placement
Between your second and final year you will carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting a year. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and occasionally take place abroad. You can expect to earn between £15,000 and £20,000.
In recent years, students have taken on a variety of roles, including quality assurance officers, food technologists, product development scientists and in consumer work. Some placements take place at large multinational organisations, such as Kraft or Unilever, but you could also choose to work in a small independent manufacturing or research company.
You will be given advice and guidance on finding the ideal placement, writing a CV and interview skills by our Head of Industrial Training.
Quick look entry requirements A Level AAB-ABB | IB 32-34 pts overall
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £9250* per year
New international students: £19330 per year
* UK and EU Fee Changes
Subject to the Government passing legislation to raise the minimum fee cap, we will raise undergraduate tuition fees from £9,000 to £9,250 for new UK/EU students applying to start courses in the 2017/18 academic year. You will not be affected by this rise if you have deferred entry to the 2017/18 academic year. The Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.
Information on this page is based on 2018/19 figures and is likely to change slightly for 2019/20 entry. We will publish up-to-date information about 2019/20 entry as soon as it becomes available.
For further information, please see our webpage on the Teaching Excellence Framework and future tuition fees.
Additional Costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
* UK and EU Fee Changes
Subject to the Government passing legislation to raise the minimum fee cap, we will raise undergraduate tuition fees from £9,000 to £9,250 for new UK/EU students applying to start courses in the 2017/18 academic year. You will not be affected by this rise if you have deferred entry to the 2017/18 academic year. The Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.
The tuition fee will remain £9,000 per year for the full duration of this course if you start in the 2016/17 academic year or have accepted an offer but deferred your entry until the 2017/18 academic year. This is unlike other institutions who are planning to raise fees midway through courses.
For further information, please see our webpage on the Teaching Excellence Framework and future tuition fees.
Additional costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
What career can you have?
What career can you have?
Food is Europe's largest and most buoyant industry, and there is a constant demand for graduates who possess strong scientific and technical skills, combined with a knowledge of how to improve products.
As a graduate of this course, you will be recognised as a professional food technologist by the Institute of Food Science and Technology. You can embark on a career within the food industry or a related sector, working for companies such as Kraft, Mars, Marks & Spencer and GlaxoSmithKline.
Additionally, you may decide to move into other areas, such as teaching, accountancy and environmental health. You will also be well placed to move on to further study.