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2023/24
2024/25

BSc Food Science

  • UCAS code
    D610
  • A level offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Develop the expertise to meet society's demand for safe and sustainable food products with our accredited BSc Food Science degree.

Led by experts from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, this three-year course will equip you with a full understanding of food production processes.

You'll gain essential knowledge and skills in:

  • food microbiology
  • biochemistry and metabolism
  • food processing and engineering
  • product development
  • human physiology and nutrition.

At Reading, you'll also develop key technical skills through laboratory-based practicals, sensory evaluation, and work in our pilot-scale food processing plant.

Become a food science specialist at the University of Reading

  • Top ten UK university for Food Science (7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
  • 95% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences).
  • Our food science graduates have the second-highest median salary of such graduates six months after graduation (The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019, based on analysis of 2017 graduate salaries).
  • In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students agreed our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences).

Professional accreditation

Our BSc Food Science course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), the industry’s leading professional body.

Accreditation provides an assurance that your degree meets the standards expected by the food industry, helping you to stand out in a competitive job market. You'll also be recognised as a professional food scientist by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Teaching and research facilities

The University of Reading has one of the UK's largest Food and Nutritional Sciences departments, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research.

  • The Food Processing Centre is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the UK, with a floor space of 1100 square metres. The Centre contains processing equipment for food product development work, allowing you to simulate and recreate industry conditions.
  • The Flavour Centre analyses the chemistry of flavour, which is crucial to developing successful new products.
  • The Sensory Science Centre provides high-quality sensory evaluation data, offering valuable insight into how we perceive flavour, taste and texture in food.
  • The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition explores the relationship between diet and the risk of chronic disease.

Our research expertise feeds directly into the topics you will study throughout your degree, giving you access to the latest developments in food science.

Depending on the modules you choose, you will also have the opportunity to use our versatile facilities in your studies.

Industrial placements with BSc Food Science

Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. Opportunities include year-long and summer placements.

Previous students from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences have undertaken placements with:

  • Mars Food
  • Graze
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Bakkavor.

Learn more about professional placements with the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.

Alternatively, you can opt for our four-year BSc Food Science with Industrial Training degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third year.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £27,650

*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.

98% of our graduates were in work and/or study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Food and Nutritional Sciences).

Your degree will provide the essential subject-specific and transferable skills required in the food industry. Our graduates typically find employment in food product development, quality management, food technology, and nutritional science.

Recent graduates from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences have gone on to work for:

  • Bakkavor
  • Douwe Egberts
  • Ferndale Foods
  • Innocent Drinks.