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2023/24
2024/25

BSc Nutrition and Food Science

  • UCAS code
    BD46
  • A level offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 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. 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).

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.

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.

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 (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Food and Nutritional Sciences).

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.