BSc Nutrition
-
UCAS code
B5D7 -
Typical offer
ABB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Learn about the links between nutrition and health, both on an individual and societal level, with our BSc Nutrition course.
The science of nutrition is vital to our individual and collective wellbeing. As consumers grow more aware of the importance of healthy eating, nutritionists become increasingly important to the food industry and society as a whole.
On our BSc Nutrition course, you will:
- learn how diet can influence health and the likelihood of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and dementia
- discover the impact that nutrients have on cells, tissues and organs
- learn how public health advice is underpinned by clinical evidence.
In your first year of study, you will focus on fundamental science modules such as physiology, chemistry and microbiology. These modules will provide the scientific knowledge that underpins your later studies.
In your second year, you’ll develop your understanding of nutritional sciences and key methodologies. Modules will cover a wide range of topics, such as fundamental nutrition, issues in food choice, and links between nutrition and health on an individual and societal level.
Your final year of study will provide the opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams – for example, in the development of a new food product or healthy living assessments.
Throughout your degree, you will study an integrated approach to the scientific disciplines related to nutrition and health. You will also:
- undertake research into the science of diet and health
- develop your ability to critically evaluate research into the science of food and health
- learn how scientific knowledge in nutrition, diet and health can be applied to the needs of consumers, industry and food regulators.
Professional accreditation
Our BSc Nutrition course has gained accreditation by the Association for Nutrition and Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
This accreditation will enable you to become an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) after graduation, and a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with approximately three years of professional experience.
Your learning environment
We offer a supportive environment where you will learn from world-leading experts, through lectures, problem-based learning, group projects, and hands-on practical work in the laboratory.
Our staff are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and will tailor their teaching to reflect changing trends and emerging technologies in nutritional science.
The University of Reading has one of the largest Food and Nutritional Sciences departments in the UK, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research. Our facilities include:
- Laboratory space – including a chemical analysis facility with NMR spectrometers, mass spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction facilities
- The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition – a leading facility for research into the effect of diet on vascular health and body composition
- Flow Cytometry Suite – a technological suite that enables us to assess the impact of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, such as antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics.
Placement opportunities
If you are interested in undertaking a professional placement before your final year of study, we offer a BSc Nutrition with Professional Training course.
The Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences has well-established links with high profile placement providers, ranging from household names to suppliers of branded and own-label goods.
Overview
Learn about the links between nutrition and health, both on an individual and societal level, with our BSc Nutrition course.
The science of nutrition is vital to our individual and collective wellbeing. As consumers grow more aware of the importance of healthy eating, nutritionists become increasingly important to the food industry and society as a whole.
On our BSc Nutrition course, you will:
- learn how diet can influence health and the likelihood of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and dementia
- discover the impact that nutrients have on cells, tissues and organs
- learn how public health advice is underpinned by clinical evidence.
In your first year of study, you will focus on fundamental science modules such as physiology, chemistry and microbiology. These modules will provide the scientific knowledge that underpins your later studies.
In your second year, you’ll develop your understanding of nutritional sciences and key methodologies. Modules will cover a wide range of topics, such as fundamental nutrition, issues in food choice, and links between nutrition and health on an individual and societal level.
Your final year of study will provide the opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams – for example, in the development of a new food product or healthy living assessments.
Throughout your degree, you will study an integrated approach to the scientific disciplines related to nutrition and health. You will also:
- undertake research into the science of diet and health
- develop your ability to critically evaluate research into the science of food and health
- learn how scientific knowledge in nutrition, diet and health can be applied to the needs of consumers, industry and food regulators.
Professional accreditation
Our BSc Nutrition course has gained accreditation by the Association for Nutrition and Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
This accreditation will enable you to become an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) after graduation, and a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with approximately three years of professional experience.
Your learning environment
We offer a supportive environment where you will learn from world-leading experts, through lectures, problem-based learning, group projects, and hands-on practical work in the laboratory.
Our staff are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and will tailor their teaching to reflect changing trends and emerging technologies in nutritional science.
The University of Reading has one of the largest Food and Nutritional Sciences departments in the UK, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research. Our facilities include:
- Laboratory space – including a chemical analysis facility with NMR spectrometers, mass spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction facilities
- The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition – a leading facility for research into the effect of diet on vascular health and body composition
- Flow Cytometry Suite – a technological suite that enables us to assess the impact of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, such as antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics.
Placement opportunities
If you are interested in undertaking a professional placement before your final year of study, we offer a BSc Nutrition with Professional Training course.
The Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences has well-established links with high profile placement providers, ranging from household names to suppliers of branded and own-label goods.
Entry requirements A Level ABB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
ABB including B in one core science and one additional science subject.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including at least 5,5 in one core science subject (as listed above) and one second science subject at higher level.
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
Other information
Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Food Technology, Home Economics, Computer Science, IT and PE.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI1S1 | Introductory Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
CH1FC3 | Molecular Studies for the Life Sciences | DR Silvia Baldanza |
FB1AG2 | Farm to Fork | DR Emma Bennett |
FB1BFN | Fundamental Biochemistry in Food and Nutrition | DR Anisha Wijeyesekera |
FB1EP2 | Introduction to Food Processing and Engineering | DR Colette Catherine Fagan |
FB1MB1 | Introduction to Food Microbiology | PROF Dimitris Charalampopoulos |
FB1PN | Introduction to Human Physiology and Nutrition | PROF Jeremy Spencer |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
CH1FC1 | Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry 1 | DR Silvia Baldanza |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FB2FQS | Food Quality and Sensory Science | DR Stella Lignou |
FB2IFC | Issues in Food Choice | PROF Lisa Methven |
FB2MF1 | Microbiology of food spoilage and preservation | DR Kimon-Andreas Karatzas |
FB2MF2 | Microbiological Hazards in Foods | DR Marie Lewis |
FB2NED | Nutritional Epidemiology and Dietary Assessment | PROF Gunter Kuhnle |
FB2NS | Nutritional Science | DR Charlotte Mills |
FB2PUB2 | Public Health Nutrition | DR Miriam Clegg |
FB2PYA | Industrial Training Preparation | DR Emma Bennett |
FB2SEN | Sports and Exercise Nutrition | PROF Jeremy Spencer |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FB2C20 | Composition and Properties of Foods | PROF Richard Frazier |
FB2C30 | Composition, Properties and Analysis of Foods | PROF Richard Frazier |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Christa Gray |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | DR Emma Aston |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MRS Daniela Standen |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Alice Christensen |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Veronica Heath |
MM2101 | Founder Dilemmas | DR Norbert Morawetz |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO2GPH | Global Politics and History | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Christoph Arndt |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR Charlotte Newey |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP3A105 | Global Issues in Nutrition and Health | DR Mondira Bhattacharya |
FB3COM | Nutrition Communication | DR Orla Kennedy |
FB3FPD | Food Product Development | DR Maria Oruna-Concha |
FB3LNP | Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
FB3NDH | Nutrition in Health and Disease | PROF Julie Lovegrove |
FB3PFB | Research Project | PROF Gunter Kuhnle |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
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 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.
Careers
Careers for BSc Nutrition graduates
As a graduate of our BSc Nutrition course, you’ll be well-equipped to work in a varied and exciting food industry. Your career could be creative, if you choose an area like product development or marketing, or it could be highly analytical, in the fields of quality testing or nutrition.
Graduates from our food science and nutrition courses have embarked on careers within the food industry or a related sector, working for companies such as PepsiCo, Nestlé, Marks & Spencer, Mars and Unilever. 98% of our graduates were in work and/or study within 15 months of graduating.
Outside of the food industry, you could use your degree for a career in nutrition education or work for a government department concerned with public health. Alternatively, you may choose to move into other areas, such as teaching or environmental health.
[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Food and Nutritional Sciences.