Entry requirements
A level
Two science subjects including at least one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths. Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Food Technology, Home Economics.
Access to HE Diploma
including relevant science units.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Two science subjects including at least one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths. Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Food Technology, Home Economics.
Extended Project
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer. Eligible applicants would receive two offers, our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Two Higher Level science subjects at grade 5 including at least one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths. Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Food Technology, Home Economics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
including relevant science modules.
Scottish Higher
Two science subjects including at least one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths. Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Food Technology, Home Economics.
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
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.
Modules
Sample modules may include:
* Farm to Fork
* Microbiology of Food Spoilage and Preservation
* Composition, Properties and Analysis of Food
* Food Processing
* Food Product Development
Check our website for more details of the course structure.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
University of Reading
School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Food sciences
Teaching and learning
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Food & beverage studies
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Agriculture, food and related studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£23k
£25k
£27k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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