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  • Philosophy
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  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

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  • Zoology

BSc Food Science

  • UCAS code
    D610
  • Typical offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • 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 (joint 5th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).
  • 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).

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.

Overview

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 (joint 5th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).
  • 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).

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.

Learning

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.

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.

Core sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Maths.

Accepted additional sciences: Food Technology, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Home Economics, IT, Computer Science, PE.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including at least 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, including comparable science modules (one science must be a core science) 

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

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.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

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.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • General Chemistry A 
  • Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology 
  • Food and Nutritional Chemistry: A Practical Approach 
  • Food Mcirobiology
  • Food System Challenges 
  • Introduction to Sustainable Food Manufacturing

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Composition and Properties of Foods
  • Food Processing and Quality Assurance
  • Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards
  • Sensory and Consumer Science
  • Nutrition Research and Practice
  • Securing a Job: Recruitability and Employability

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

  • Advanced Food Quality and Safety
  • Food Chemistry and Perception 
  • New Product Development 
  • Research Project

The University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. Further information about the content of final approved modules will be available between May and July 2023. We suggest that you regularly revisit this webpage during this time to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the modules offered on this programme.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

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.

Careers

98% of our graduates were in work and/or study within 15 months of graduating [1].

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.

[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Food and Nutritional Sciences.

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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