Nutrition and Food Science with Professional Training BSc (Hons)

University of Reading

The role of nutritionists within the food industry is increasingly important, as consumers grow more aware of the importance of healthy eating. Our BSc Nutrition and Food Science will help you to understand the processes of food production and how these can be amended to create healthier products. The Department has strong links with industry, which means that you can choose from a wide range of training placements at renowned companies and organisations. Additionally, the course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition. After graduating you will be eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) via the direct entry pathway, providing a clear and respected marker of your status as a nutrition professional.

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.

During the first year you will study the fundamentals of human nutrition, food chemistry, food microbiology, cell biology, genetics, human physiology and psychology. You will then be able to build upon this knowledge by exploring areas such as public health nutrition, food choice and regulation, and the development of new products.

You will also gain experience of using key technical skills through sensory evaluation, laboratory-based practicals and working in our pilot-scale food processing plant. During your final year you will carry out an original project as part of one of our existing research groups, enabling you to work alongside world authorities in areas such as food and human health. We achieved an overall student satisfaction score of 91% in the National Student Survey, 2019, in BSc Nutrition and Food Science with Professional Training.

Placement

Between your second and final year you will spend a year on a paid industrial training placement. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK and occasionally take place abroad. You can expect to earn between £15,000 and £20,000.

In recent years, students have taken on a variety of roles, including quality assurance, consumer work, food technologists and product development scientists. Some placements take place at large multinational organisations, such as Kraft or Unilever, but you could also choose to work in a small independent manufacturing or research company.

You will be given advice and support on finding the ideal placement, writing your CV, and interview skills by our dedicated placement coordinator.

Careers

Food is Europe's largest and most buoyant industry, and nutritionists with food science training work at the forefront of product development and package design.

As a graduate of this course, you can become a registered nutritionist. Our graduates embark on careers within the food industry or a related sector, working for companies such as PepsiCo, Mondelēz, Nestlé, Marks & Spencer, Mars, Unilever and McCormick. Alternatively you could use your degree for a career in nutrition education and promotion, or work for a government department concerned with public health.

Additionally, you may choose to move into other areas, such as teaching, accountancy and environmental health. This degree can also be a stepping stone for an MSc or PhD in the area of food and health.