According to the Institute of Food Technologists, Food Science is 'the discipline in which the engineering, biological, and physical sciences are used to study the nature of foods, and the improvement of foods for the consuming public'. In short, it's the academic study of the physicality and chemical natures of food and the principles behind the making of the food we eat today.

What qualifications do you need?

Requirements differ depending on the university, but most will ask for A Levels (or equivalent) in Biology and Chemistry. Always confirm the grades and other requirements for the particular university/course you're interested in.

What degrees can you study?

BSc Food Science and Microbiology BSc Nutrition and Dietetics BSc Physiology, Nutrition and Sports Science BSc Food Science

Study Food Science, Why & How To Study

Q: Why study Food Science?

A Food Science degree will offer you up a diverse and dynamic career where you could be working towards improving the food industry. During your degree, you'll gain the skills and knowledge required to understand food processes and how to meet the demands for safe, sustainable food products. You'll learn about nutrition and the human body and be on top of the latest scientific trends and developments.

Q: What jobs can you get as a Food Science graduate?

Particular job areas include nutrition, animal nutrition, food technology, brewing, toxicology, horticulture, production management, quality control, sales and retail.

Q: How will you be assessed?

Depending on where you choose to study, your degree will be assessed on various weightings towards lectures, tutorials, practical lab work, workshops, written exams, independent study and personal tutoring. A final year dissertation is also quite common.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include a straight MA in Food Science as well as master's courses in Advanced Dietetic Practice, Advanced Food Safety, Food Innovation, Food Policy, Food Security and Development, and Nutrition.

By studying Food Science you can indulge your interests in flavours or chemistry, and turn your passions into a lucrative career path.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 12 Aug 2022

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girl in the laboratory of food quality tests

CONTENTS

What’s Food Science?
What Food Science degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Food Science degree?
What topics does a Food Science degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Food Science?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Food Science?
What do Food Science graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Food Science graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Food Science

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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.

What Food Science degrees can you study?

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

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 here.

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 £17,000–£24,000.

With experience, you could earn £40,000 or more. If you work in quality control, an average salary for a food quality assurance manager is around £45,000.

Read more on what graduates do and earn here.