Food Science BSc (Hons)

Learn from world-leading authorities on food and discover how to tackle the exciting challenges facing Europe's largest industry on our BSc Food Science course.Food science is the study of the quality, safety and nutritional purposes of foods. This course aims to give you the scientific skills and knowledge base needed to understand food processes and meet society's demands for safe and sustainable food products. 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.You will study the fundamental science behind food and nutrition, the processes involved in production, and human physiology. 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 have the chance to put these newly learned manufacturing skills to the test in our "Product development" module. You will be given a brief by industry and work as a team to produce an original product, which you will showcase at an end-of-term trade show. Graduates of this course are recognised as professional food scientists by the Institute of Food Science and Technology. Additionally, their final year projects are often finalists in the National Science, Engineering and Technology awards.**Careers**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.Additionally, you may decide to move into another areas, such as teaching, accountancy and environmental health. Our degrees are also a stepping stone to MSc or PhD study.