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A unique learning environment

At Reading, you will have opportunities that simply do not exist in other institutions.

Our department is the largest of its kind in the UK and offers a wider range of facilities than any other, making Reading a place to gain unique expertise. Of special note are the internationally renowned Hugh Sinclair Unit, specialist laboratories for assessing human gut microflora, and a large pilot plant for the development of food products.

Learn more about our facilities

Enhancing your career in food and nutrition

The food and nutrition sectors affect everyone from consumers to food producers and governments, so the need for food and nutrition specialists is growing. Highly qualified food specialists are in demand, and that demand will increase with the addition of a master's qualification to your resume. The subjects covered in our courses will build on the knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies so that you leave with high-level, market-relevant knowledge.

Overall, 95% of graduates from Food and Nutritional Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 90% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Food and Nutritional Sciences responders).

I plan to join the New Product Development Department of a food company in the future. I am learning skills such as team working, independent learning, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills to achieve my aspiration.

Liwen Zheng

MSc Food Technology - Quality Assurance student

Master's funding

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate study in the Department of Food and Nutritional studies.

Meet the team

Our expert staff engage in research that tackles key global challenges. They tailor their teaching to reflect the latest trends and technologies. 

Our research

Reading has a long-standing reputation for the quality of its research in food science. 95% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences).

Athena SWAN Silver Award