Full Time: 3 Years
On BSc Nutrition with Food Consumer Sciences you will broaden your knowledge of nutrition whilst discovering the psychology behind consumer choices and how you can influence them.
Consumers are growing increasingly aware of the effects that diet can have on health, and nutritionists play an important role in ensuring that the information available to them is scientifically sound. They help to ensure that food products are nutritionally beneficial and analyse consumer responses to them. Our BSc Nutrition with Food Consumer Sciences course blends nutritional sciences with training in the psychological aspects of cognition and consumer choices. If you are interested in working as the interface between companies, health professionals, policy makers and consumers, then this is the degree for you.
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.
During the first year you will study the fundamentals of human nutrition, food chemistry, food microbiology, cell biology, genetics, human physiology and psychology. You will then be able to build upon this knowledge by exploring areas such as public health nutrition, the psychology of food choice, consumer behaviour and marketing, and new product development.
You will also gain experience of using key technical skills through sensory evaluation, laboratory-based practicals and working in our pilot-scale food processing plant. During your final year you will carry out an original project as part of one of our existing research groups, enabling you to work alongside world authorities in areas such as food and human health.
The course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). After graduating you will be eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition via the direct entry pathway, providing a clear and respected marker of your status as a nutrition professional. This course is also accredited by the Institute of Food Science & Technology.
You have the option of studying this degree over four years with a placement year in industry.
Typical offer A Level AAB-ABB | IB 32-34 pts overall
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £19,815 per year
* UK and EU fee changes
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK and EU** students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
From 2020, the UK government may link tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
**EU students
For more information on fees, loans and grants for EU students, see fees and funding for home/EU students.
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?
Food is Europe's largest and most buoyant industry, and nutritionists with food science training work at the forefront of product development and package design. As a graduate of this course, you can become a registered nutritionist. Our graduates embark on careers within the food industry or a related sector, working for companies such as PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Nestlé, Marks & Spencer, Mars, Unilever and McCormick.
Alternatively you could use your degree for a career in nutrition education and promotion, or work for a government department concerned with public health. Additionally, you may choose to move into other areas, such as teaching, accountancy and environmental health. This degree can also be a stepping stone for an MSc or PhD in the area of food and health.