BSc Food Science
About this course
BSc in Food Science and Nutrition, combining food chemistry, microbiology and human physiology. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Statistics, Research Methods and Communication & Writing. The programme is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and includes hands-on work in a pilot-scale food processing facility. A final-year research project allows students to design and conduct either a laboratory-based or theoretical study.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB including B in two sciences (at least one must be a core science)* *Core sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, Food Science and Nutrition. Accepted additional sciences: Food Technology, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Home Economics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Physical Education, Marine Science, Sports Science/Studies, Sociology, A-level Design and Technology: Product Design. IB: 32 points overall including at least 5 in one core science subject (as listed above) and one second science subject* at higher level.
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What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 35%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 10%
- South East: 30%
- South West: 15%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology
- Food and Nutritional Chemistry: A Practical Approach
- Food Microbiology
- Food System Challenges
- Introduction to Sustainable Food Manufacturing
- General Chemistry A
- Composition and Properties of Foods
- Food Processing and Quality Assurance
- Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards
- Sensory and Consumer Science
- Nutrition Research and Practice
- Securing a Job: Recruitability and Employability
- Advanced Food Quality and Safety
- Food Chemistry and Perception
- New Product Development
- Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Food Science at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £47,500. The £36,000 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Food sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Food Science at University of Reading do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Food Science at University of Reading?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Food Science at University of Reading?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 118 UCAS points.
Is BSc Food Science at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
Does BSc Food Science at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Food Science at University of Reading?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.