Bsc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Harper Adams University

Program Overview

Harper Adams University’s BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation is perfect for students who are curious about how food works and passionate about creating innovative products for the market. The program blends scientific principles with hands-on experience, preparing you for careers in product development, quality assurance, or sustainable food systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations in Food Science and Innovation
In your first year, you’ll explore the science behind food and the way it connects with consumers and the industry. Modules like Food, Industry and Consumer Insights, Academic and Professional Skills, and The Science of Food help you build a solid understanding of food properties, industry dynamics, and essential academic skills.

Year 2: Advanced Food Science and Product Development
The second year takes you deeper into food formulation and processing, giving you practical skills in creating and refining food products. Modules such as Food Formulation and Ingredients, Food Product Processing, and Food Quality and Safety teach you how to develop safe, high-quality products while understanding the science behind them.

Year 3: Strategic Innovation and Industry Application
In the final year, you’ll focus on leadership, innovation, and real-world applications. With modules like Managing People and Processes, Food Product Innovation, and an independent Research Project, you’ll gain experience leading projects, creating innovative products, and conducting research that can make a real impact in the food industry.

Focus Areas: Food science, Product development, Quality assurance, Sustainability, Consumer behavior

Learning Outcomes: Apply scientific principles to food formulation and processing, Ensure quality and safety in food products, Lead product development projects, Understand consumer preferences and market trends, Conduct independent research in food science.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is aligned with industry standards, giving graduates the skills and recognition needed to succeed in food science and innovation roles.

Reputation: Harper Adams University is highly regarded for its strong connections with industry and focus on employability, with most graduates moving into careers or further study within 15 months of finishing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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.

Program Key Stats

£16,500
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.2 - 3.0
32 - 30
75

N/A
N/A
6.5
88

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Food Technologist
  • Product Development Manager
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Food Safety Auditor
  • Food Scientist
  • Research and Development Executive
  • Food Innovation Consultant
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Production Manager
  • Sustainability Officer

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