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The University of Reading is a world authority on nutrition, food chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, and food law.

Join us and study in one of the UK's largest food and nutritional sciences departments and benefit from our extensive range of dedicated food and nutrition teaching facilities.

Our staff are actively engaged in world-class research and will tailor their teaching to reflect changing trends and emerging technologies within the sector.

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Professional accreditation

Our programmes in nutrition, and nutrition and food science are accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). The AfN only recognises university courses that deliver evidence-based nutrition education to a professional level.

Graduates from AfN-accredited programmes are eligible to apply for direct entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists at Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) status.

Our courses are also 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.

Industry experience

All our courses offer professional placements. Depending on your areas of interest, placement opportunities could include working with high-profile food manufacturers, large-scale catering companies, or in a public health setting. You could also undertake clinical experience to help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to help you on the path to becoming a dietitian.

Placements allow you to leave university with the practical skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career.

Why you will stand out?

“The University of Reading is reputable across the Food Industry. When I see that name on a CV, it really resonates to me,” said Natalie Bond, Category Technical Manager at Waitrose and a BSc Nutrition and Food Science graduate of Reading. Watch her video to learn more.

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.

Investing in your future

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.

Student satisfaction

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.)

Multiple paths into the nutrition sector

The nutrition sector offers a variety of career paths, including nutritionists and consumer scientists, as well as opportunities in research.

Our nutrition courses are an excellent starting point to becoming a dietitian. After your degree, you can study a two-year postgraduate dietetics programme to meet the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration requirements.

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).

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.

Our facilities

We have a large range of specialist food teaching facilities, including a pilot plant, our Flavour Centre, and the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition. 

Nutrition placements

Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. Opportunities include year-long and summer placements.

Athena SWAN Silver Award
Assosiation for Nutrition