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We offer a range of courses that enable you to pursue your interests within the food sector, whether you are keen to study it from a technological, nutritional, or business perspective. 

Our courses are accredited by the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST), the professional body for food scientists and technologists in the UK. Our courses are accredited against the QAA Benchmark Statement for Typical Subject-Specific Knowledge and Understanding in Food Science and Technology. Our programmes in nutrition, nutrition and food science, and nutrition with food consumer sciences are also accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), which only recognises university courses that deliver evidence-based nutrition education to a professional level.

Students who are successfully completing Year 1 of the Bachelor of Food Science (Honours) Taylors University course will be encouraged to apply for advanced entry (Year 2) on either the BSc Food Science, BSc Food Technology with Bioprocessing or BSc Nutrition and Food Science University of Reading course. Those students who are offered a place on the relevant University of Reading course will follow a course of study as designed and delivered by the University of Reading and outlined in the relevant programme specification.

The University of Reading will provide Students with a ten percent (10%) discount off published BSc Food Science, BSc Food Technology with Bioprocessing and BSc Nutrition and Food Science University of Reading Course fees for each year of the relevant University of Reading Course.

What will you study?

At Reading, you will gain an impressive understanding of the principles, science, research and practical skills that will be invaluable through your degree and beyond. You will also be introduced to our Food Processing Centre – an excellent environment to learn new skills with industry grade equipment.

Sample modules:

  • Farm to Fork
  • Introduction to Food Microbiology
  • Fundamental Biochemistry in Food and Nutrition
  • Introduction to Human Physiology and Nutrition
  • Introduction to Food Processing and Engineering.

Career prospects

We place great emphasis on employability skills and experience to help set you apart from other graduates. Overall, 98% of graduates from Food and Nutritional Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 88% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Food and Nutritional Sciences responders).

The food and nutritional sciences allow you to work in an industry which is much more varied than most people realise. It can be creative if you choose product development and marketing. It can be highly analytical, in the fields of quality testing and nutrition. This is a field which spans from academic study to industrial management. The importance of food science is increasing all the time: you will always have strong prospects.

Why study food at the University of Reading?

We are 11th in the world for Food Science (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Agriculture & Forestry – including Food and Nutritional Sciences). You'll study in one of the UK's largest food and nutritional sciences departments, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research.

At Reading, you will have the opportunity to learn from world-leading experts, giving you the best start to your career in food and nutritional sciences. Our understanding of these subjects has informed public health advice and helped the food industry to develop new products that deliver great taste in a healthy package.

As well as strong links with industry and versatile facilities, we believe in a hands-on approach to learning.  You will have the opportunity to gain industry experience, with a placement year during your programme. The diversity of employers we work with means that we can find relevant placements for most food-related career paths. We have a history of placements with world famous brands such as Allied Bakeries, Mars Food, Nestle, Marks & Spencer, Hovis and more.

International student support

As a student from Taylor's University, under the 1+2 programme, you will be awarded the Partnership Scholarship, which is equivalent to 10% of the international student fee.

With the 1+2 arrangement between Taylor's University and the University of Reading, you can start your programme at Taylor's University and seamlessly transfer to the University of Reading for Part 2. 

We offer pre-arrival support, along with a dedicated international student tutor to provide both academic and pastoral support throughout the course. We provide a specialised induction programme, dedicated library, careers sessions and law language teaching to all our international students.

Campus life and support

Our campus

The School is located within our beautiful, award-winning Whiteknights campus, a vibrant community with a wide range of facilities to help you study, have fun and relax. We have a newly refurbished Co-op supermarket on campus in addition to a variety of places to eat, drink and socialise.

Our award-winning Students' Union runs over150 clubs, societies and volunteering activities. In addition, you will have access to the extensive sports facilities on offer. You can also join our strong community of Thai students by joining our popular Reading Thai society.

The University is within walking distance to the town centre and there are also regular buses from campus.

We offer a wide range of accommodation options on and around our main campus.

Learn more about student life

Take a tour of Whiteknights Campus

The international student experience

Coming to another country is a big change in your life. It's important to make sure that you are happy in your new home. You will thrive in our lively academic environment developed from cross cultural collaboration – both our students and staff communities are made up of people from all around the globe.

Our team of advisers are available to offer support on issues such as money matters, visa queries, accommodation and even help with defining words that might be unfamiliar to you. You can also benefit from the Reading University International Mentoring Scheme, matching you with a current student mentor at the University.

Read about the University's international student support

Find out more

To learn more and find out how to apply, get in touch with us. 

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Assosiation for Nutrition
Athena SWAN Silver Award
Institute of Food Science and Technology