BSc Food and Consumer Sciences

At Abertay, this program is all about giving you practical skills that you can take straight into the workplace. From modern labs to real-world placements, you’ll get hands-on experience working with food, understanding consumers, and developing innovative products. Every year, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn in real situations — preparing you to hit the ground running after graduation.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Work Placement (Year 3): A 12-week full-time placement where you can gain professional experience, build industry connections, and see how food science works in the real world.

• Consumer Experience Laboratory: Access Scotland’s only sensory analysis lab with 12 controlled booths, where you can study how consumers respond to food and drink products.

• Food Innovation @ Abertay (FIA): Collaborate with this dedicated service to solve real food and drink industry challenges, using specialist equipment and expert support.

• Dedicated Laboratories: Practice in well-equipped labs within the Department of Built Environment and Life Sciences, covering everything from food chemistry to product testing.

• Scholarships with Industry Placements: Programs like the Macphie Scholarship offer financial support and a paid summer placement, giving you valuable industry experience.

• Independent Research Project (Year 4): Undertake a 40-credit project to explore a specific topic in depth and contribute to new insights in food and consumer science.

With all these opportunities, you won’t just study food science — you’ll experience it, experiment with it, and see the real-world impact of your work.

Graduates from this program are ready to step straight into the food industry with confidence. With strong skills in food science, product development, and understanding consumer behavior, alumni often find themselves in roles such as Food Product Developer, Quality Assurance Manager, Sensory Analyst, or Consumer Insights Specialist — positions where they can really make an impact.

Here’s how Abertay supports your journey from student to professional:

• Work Placement Opportunities: A full-time, 12-week placement during January–April gives you hands-on experience in the food industry, helping you build real-world skills and connections.

• Scholarships with Industry Placements: Programs like the Macphie Scholarship provide financial support along with a paid summer placement, giving you a valuable start in your career.

• Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading food companies, such as Macphie, give you the chance to work on real projects and network with professionals.

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), ensuring your degree is recognised and valued by employers.

• Graduate Success: Over 90% of graduates find employment within 15 months, demonstrating the program’s strong relevance and the employability of its alumni.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies through postgraduate programs that suit your career goals:

• MSc in Food Science and Innovation: Specialise in developing new food products and innovative solutions.

• MSc in Public Health Nutrition: Focus on nutrition’s role in improving public health and shaping policy.

• MSc in Business Management: Gain leadership and management skills for careers in the food sector.

These pathways give you the opportunity to deepen your expertise, take on advanced roles, or even lead projects that shape the future of the food industry.