BSc Nutrition and Food Science
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UCAS code
BD46 -
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
Explore the chemistry of food and its effects on health and qualify as a registered nutritionist with BSc Nutrition and Food Science.
The role of nutritionists within the food industry is increasingly important, as consumers grow more aware of the importance of healthy eating. Our BSc Nutrition and Food Science course will help you to understand the processes of food production and how these can be amended to create healthier products. It combines training in the science of nutrition with areas of food science and consumer studies. Additionally, the course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), and after graduating you will be eligible to apply to become a registered associate nutritionist with the AfN via the direct entry pathway, providing a clear and respected marker of your status as a nutrition professional.
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, food choice and regulation, and the development of new products.
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. 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.
For more information, please visit the Food and Nutritional Sciences website.Overview
Explore the chemistry of food and its effects on health and qualify as a registered nutritionist with BSc Nutrition and Food Science.
The role of nutritionists within the food industry is increasingly important, as consumers grow more aware of the importance of healthy eating. Our BSc Nutrition and Food Science course will help you to understand the processes of food production and how these can be amended to create healthier products. It combines training in the science of nutrition with areas of food science and consumer studies. Additionally, the course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), and after graduating you will be eligible to apply to become a registered associate nutritionist with the AfN via the direct entry pathway, providing a clear and respected marker of your status as a nutrition professional.
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, food choice and regulation, and the development of new products.
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. 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.
For more information, please visit the Food and Nutritional Sciences website.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
At admission, students whose first language is not English must have English Language requirements appropriate to an AfN Accredited programme, which must not be less than 6.5 IELTS (or equivalent), with no individual section less than 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 |
---|---|---|
CH1FC1 | Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry 1 | DR Silvia Baldanza |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
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 |
---|---|---|
FB2EFA | Food Processing A | DR Julia Rodriguez-Garcia |
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 |
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 |
FB2SEN | Sports and Exercise Nutrition | PROF Jeremy Spencer |
AP2EM6 | Food Retail Marketing | DR Giuseppe Nocella |
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 |
---|---|---|
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 |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FB3AFC | Advanced Food Chemistry | DR Maria Oruna-Concha |
FB3AFQ | Advanced Food Quality, Safety and Sensory | DR Nikos Mavroudis |
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
Food is Europe's largest and most buoyant industry, and there is a constant demand for graduates with knowledge of technical skills and ways to tackle the latest consumer issues.
As a graduate of this course, you will be recognised as a professional food scientist 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 PepsiCo, Marks & Spencer, Mars, Unilever and McCormick. 98% of our graduates were in work and/or study within 15 months of graduating [1].
Additionally, you may decide to move into other areas, such as teaching, accountancy and environmental health. Our degrees are also a stepping stone to MSc or PhD study.
[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Food and Nutritional Sciences.