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Enhance your employability, gain professional experience and build your network with a work placement.

We offer different opportunities, including year-long industrial placements and summer placements.

Placements across the sector

We work with a diverse range of employers, which enables us to find relevant placements for most nutrition-related career paths.

Placements have included roles in public health and clinical settings, and large retail chains and food manufacturers.

Placements usually occur in the third year of a four-year programme.

Finding the fit for your future in nutrition

The University of Reading is in the top 10 universities for food science in the UK (we are 7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).

As a leading food and nutritional sciences department, many companies are keen to work with our students. We'll help you find the right placement and give you the training and support you need, before you start your role and whilst you are there.

The Competitive edge

Georgia completed a placement at Ecotone, an organic and natural food company.

Watch her video to find out how her year in industry has helped give her a competitive edge when applying for graduate schemes.


My tutor came to visit whilst I was on placement to check my performance and ensure the company was providing me with the best opportunities to expand and apply my knowledge. Reading also provided support on writing CVs, cover letters and completing online applications, which culminated in this fantastic opportunity with Graze

Ellie Read

BSc Nutrition and Food Science with Professional Training

World-class support

You'll receive:

  • dedicated help from our placement coordinator to find the right placement
  • comprehensive CV preparation and application skills training
  • a chance to meet a wide range of companies through a range of central University and departmental events and fairs, and also during your departmental-based placement training.

Our dedicated placement coordinator will also:

  • write to your preferred companies on your behalf and arrange interviews
  • ensure that employers have a suitable programme of work ready for you
  • make sure that placements adhere to the Department's Code of Practice.
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Why study nutrition?

Study in a world-class institution on a course accredited by both the IFST and AfN and gain real-world experience with a placement.

Careers in nutrition

As a graduate from an AfN-accredited programme, you are eligible to apply for direct entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists at Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) status.

How you'll study

Learn from world-leading experts in a supportive environment - through lectures, problem-based learning, group project work and hands-on practical work in the laboratories, clinical skills suite and test kitchens.

Athena SWAN Silver Award
Assosiation for Nutrition