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Study in one of the UK's largest food and nutritional sciences departments, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research.
You will have the opportunity to learn from world-leading experts, giving you the best start to your career in food science.
Our understanding of food science has informed public health advice and helped the food industry to develop new products that deliver great taste in a healthy package.
Ben Hills
BSc Food Technology student
As well as strong links with industry and versatile facilities, we believe in a hands-on approach to learning. You will have extensive, regular contact time with professionals at the top of their field.
Our courses are accredited against the Institute for Food Science and Technology’s QAA Benchmark Statement for Typical Subject-Specific Knowledge and Understanding in Food Science and Technology.
Our programmes in nutrition, and nutrition and food science are also accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN).
All our courses offer professional placements, including opportunities with high-profile companies and institutions, ranging from household names to suppliers of branded and own-label goods to the food retail market.
Gain the experience and the practical and commercial skills you need to make you stand out and begin a great career.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students agreed our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things. 97% of our students said that teaching staff supported their learning well or very well. (All respondents studying in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.)
The food sector offers a variety of career paths, including:
Opportunities are also available in research.
Overall, 100% of Food and Nutritional Sciences graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21 includes first degree Food and Nutritional Sciences responders).
As a University of Reading graduate, you may earn more than food science graduates from other universities in the UK.
University of Reading Food Science graduates have the 3rd highest median salary of such graduates 18 months after graduation. Food Science students graduating in 2021 had a median annual salary of £26,000 within 18 months. This is £3,000 above the median salary for all Food Science graduates. (Based on analysis of The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024, graduate outcome data September, 2023.)
Learn in a supportive environment from world-leading experts through lectures, problem-based learning, group project work and hands-on practical work in the laboratory and pilot plant.
