5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation program at Harper Adams University is perfect for students who are curious about the science behind food and eager to drive innovation in the industry. The course combines classroom learning, practical labs, and a full-year industry placement, giving you the confidence, skills, and experience to launch a successful career in the food sector.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year
This year is designed to help you get ready for the full degree. You’ll develop essential academic skills, gain a solid grounding in food science, and learn about the food industry through modules like Foundation in Food Science, Academic and Professional Skills, and Introduction to Food Industry Practices.
Year 1: Building a Strong Foundation
Your first year focuses on the basics of food science and how it connects to business and society. Modules such as Principles of Business and Food, Vocational Skills Portfolio, and Global Challenges – Local Impact introduce you to key scientific principles, industry practices, and global issues affecting food systems.
Year 2: Deepening Knowledge and Practical Skills
In year two, you’ll get hands-on and explore more applied aspects of food science. Modules like Food Quality and Safety, Academic and Professional Development, and Food Product Innovation teach you how to assess quality, ensure safety, and design innovative food products.
Year 3: Placement Year
This is your chance to step into the real world with a full-year placement in the food industry. You’ll apply your knowledge in a professional setting, build networks, and gain valuable insights that will set you apart when you graduate.
Year 4: Specialization and Industry Application
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced topics and prepare for leadership roles. Modules such as Food Product Processing, Managing People and Processes, and Food Industry and Consumer Insights help you apply your learning to real-world challenges and refine the skills you need for a career in food science and innovation.
Focus Areas: Food quality, safety standards, product innovation, business principles, global food challenges, industry insights
Learning Outcomes: Assess food quality and safety, create innovative food products, understand global food challenges, apply business principles in the food sector, analyze consumer insights
Professional Alignment: The program is aligned with industry standards to ensure graduates are highly employable and recognized by employers
Reputation: Harper Adams University is well-known for its strong focus on agriculture and food sciences, with programs that are highly regarded by industry professionals
At Harper Adams University, the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation program is designed to give you more than just classroom knowledge — it’s about learning by doing. You’ll gain hands-on experience in modern facilities, work on real-world projects, and even spend time in the industry to see how food science comes alive in practice.
The program includes a one-year work placement, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in a real food business, develop professional skills, and build valuable connections that can jumpstart your career. Alongside this, you’ll use specialized labs, digital tools, and collaborative projects to explore innovation, quality, and sustainability in food.
Here’s what experiential learning looks like in practice:
Food Academy: A dedicated hub with food processing facilities and sensory evaluation rooms where you can practice real food science techniques.
Specialist Laboratories: Access to cutting-edge labs for experiments, research, and product development.
Industry Placement: A full-year placement in the food sector to gain professional experience and insights.
Research Centres: Opportunities to work with teams focusing on sustainable food and farming, exploring current challenges and innovations.
Digital Tools and Software: Hands-on use of industry-standard software for data analysis, product development, and project management.
Collaborative Projects: Work in groups to solve real-world problems and develop teamwork and leadership skills.
Field Trips and Industry Visits: Explore food production sites, research institutions, and industry events to see theory in action.
These experiences ensure you graduate not only with knowledge but with practical skills, industry awareness, and confidence to make an impact in the food science field.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation program at Harper Adams University are well-prepared to step into exciting careers in the food industry. The combination of academic learning, practical experience, and industry exposure equips students to pursue roles such as food technologist, product development manager, quality assurance specialist, and food safety auditor.
The university also provides strong support to help you succeed in your career:
Careers and Employability Service: Personalized career guidance, CV and interview workshops, and ongoing support to help you secure your first role.
Industry Placement Support: Assistance in finding meaningful placements that bridge classroom learning with real-world experience.
Networking Opportunities: Events and alumni connections to help you build a professional network.
Employment Stats & Industry Insights:
Nearly 97% of Harper Adams graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation.
Graduates report competitive starting salaries, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in food science and innovation.
University–Industry Partnerships:
Regional Food Academy: Collaboration with local food businesses for consultancy, training, and hands-on experience.
Partnerships with leading food companies provide students with real-world exposure and opportunities for innovation.
Accreditation & Career Value:
The program aligns with industry standards, ensuring your skills are recognized and valued by employers, helping secure long-term career growth.
Graduation Outcomes:
Graduates are ready for diverse sectors, including product development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and food innovation.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies to specialize or advance your career:
MSc Food Industry Management: Develop advanced managerial skills for the food sector.
MSc Food Innovation: Focus on creating innovative solutions for the food industry.
PhD Opportunities: Engage in research on food safety, sustainability, consumer behavior, and other cutting-edge topics.
These postgraduate options let you deepen your knowledge, explore new areas, and enhance your career prospects.
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