Study Food Science, Why & How To Study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Food Science?

2. What Food Science degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Food Science degree?

4. What topics does a Food Science degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Food Science?

7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Food Science?

8. What do Food Science graduates earn?

9. What jobs can you get as a Food Science graduate?

10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

11. Similar subjects to Food Science

12. Have any questions?

What’s Food Science? 

Food Science is the study of the physicality and chemical natures of food and the principles behind the making of the food we eat today. 

Take a look at the university league table for Food Science.

What Food Science degrees can you study? 

Undergraduate degrees in Food Science can encompass nutrition or dietetics. Examples include: 

• Food Technology BSc 
• Food and Human Nutrition BSc 
• Physiology, Nutrition and Sports Science BSc 
• Food Science BSc 
• Dietetics BSc 

Options may involve an integrated foundation year or master’s, or professional placement year. Study abroad is also possible. 

What do you need to get onto a Food Science degree?  

Must have 

Entry requirements for a Food Science degree at a university range from 96–165 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications below: 

• A Levels: AAB–CCC 
• BTECs: D*DD–MMM 
• Scottish Highers: AAABB–BBBC 
• International Baccalaureate: 35–28 
• Universities will usually ask that you have studied biology, chemistry, physics or home economics at A Level (or equivalent) 

Good to have 

• Work experience in a related area like catering, or with a food manufacturer or business 
• Further research on topics of interest such as TED talks, podcasts or online courses 
• Reading more about the business, for example on the Grocer or Food Matters Live websites 

What topics does a Food Science degree cover? 

Typical modules for courses in this subject include: 

• Agri-food supply chains 
• Analysis of food 
• Culinary skills with food science 
• Food commodities and sustainability 
• Food processing from farm to shop 
• Food quality assurance 
• New food product development 
• Physicochemical properties of food 
• Principles of human physiology and nutrition 
• Psychology of consumer behaviour and innovation 

How will you be assessed? 

Courses are assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the module and degree: 

• Case studies 
• Coursework 
• Essays 
• Exams 
• Group projects 
• Management reports 
• Lab reports 
• Poster presentations 
• A dissertation or research project may be a final year option 

Why study Food Science? 

Career-specific skills: 

• Technical skills in the research, development and manufacture of safe food, including lab skills 
• Understanding of human nutrition, the human body and food chemistry 
• Knowledge of the latest scientific developments, plus the regulatory environment 

Transferable skills: 

• Communication 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Numeracy and IT skills 
• Problem solving 
• Presentation 
• Research 

Professional accreditation and organisations: 

• Degrees may be accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) or the Association for Nutrition (AfN) 
• Degrees with dietetics must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) if you wish to work in the NHS, and may be accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) 

Read more in our five reasons to study Food Science.  

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Food Science?  

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage diversity so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs. The National Health Service (NHS) may also offer financial support if your degree is in dietetics. More details on their website.  

What do Food Science graduates earn? 

Food Science graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £20,500–£28,000. 

With experience, a food technologist could earn £26,000–£45,000. If you work in quality control, an average salary for a food quality assurance manager is around £45,000. If you become a nutritionist, you might have an income between £34,000 and £68,000.

Read more on what graduates do and earn. 

What jobs can you get as a Food Science graduate? 

• Food buyer 
• Food technologist 
• New product development technologist 
• Personal trainer 
• Procurement assistant 
• Production supervisor 
• Quality assurance auditor 
• Research assistant 
• Sustainability manager 
• Teacher 

What are the postgraduate opportunities? 

Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include: 

• Food Security MSc/MPhil/PhD 
• Food Quality and Innovation MSc 
• Food Science MSc 
• Brewing and Distilling with Entrepreneurship MSc 

Similar subjects to Food Science 

If you’re interested in the investigative application of science, you could also consider these subjects: 

• Biomedical Sciences 
• Dietetics 
• Forensic Science 
• Materials Technology 
• Nutrition

Search for undergraduate Food Science courses now!

Have any questions?

Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying Economics. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

The shortcut to your uni shortlist

Make your university search faster and less stressful.
Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you.

GET STARTED