Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT

BSc Food Science with Business

  • UCAS code
    D690
  • Typical offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2022/23 See 2021/22 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Gain a competitive edge in the food industry by combining specialist food science skills and business expertise, with our BSc Food Science with Business degree.

Taught by experts from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Henley Business School, this three-year degree will prepare you for managerial, commercial or technical positions in the food sector.

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).
  • 85% of our research impact is rated outstanding (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
  • 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).

Study with experts at Henley Business School

  • Henley Business School is part of an elite group of business schools to hold triple-accredited status from the UK, European and US accrediting bodies (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB).
  • Ranked 5th in the UK for graduate prospects in Business, Management & Marketing, Guardian University Guide, 2021.
  • Top ten UK university for research quality, Complete University Guide 2021.

You'll combine the essentials of business with the fundamental science underpinning food and nutrition, including:

  • food processing and engineering
  • food product development
  • human physiology
  • microbiology
  • economics
  • marketing
  • financial management.

At Reading, you’ll also develop key technical skills through laboratory-based practicals, sensory evaluation, 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, and embark on a venture project within Henley Business School.

Professional accreditation

Our BSc Food Science with Business 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

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 could opt for our four-year BSc Food Science with Business 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: £23,700

*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 [1].

Food is Europe's largest and most buoyant industry. There is a constant demand for graduates with a combination of technical skills and business knowledge.

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:

  • PepsiCo
  • Nestlé
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Mars
  • Unilever.

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