Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of ReadingThis degree is perfect if you’re curious about how the food industry really works — from creating products to getting them onto supermarket shelves. You’ll explore business management, marketing strategies, and the global forces that shape what people eat, all while developing practical skills that prepare you for a career in this dynamic sector.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year (International Foundation Year)
The foundation year gives you a strong starting point in business, economics, and marketing. Modules like Introduction to Business, Fundamentals of Economics, and Introduction to Marketing help you build the skills and confidence you’ll need for the full degree. Think of it as your launchpad into higher-level study.
Year 1
In your first year of the degree, you’ll dive into the food industry itself. Modules like The Food Business, Fundamentals of Management and Marketing, and Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects show you how food companies operate, how sustainability and global trends influence decisions, and how to think strategically in the sector.
Year 2
Year 2 is about focusing on your skills and applying what you’ve learned. You’ll study Consumer Behaviour, Food Policy and Regulation, and Digital Marketing in the Food Sector, giving you insight into what drives consumer choices and how regulations shape the industry. Projects and case studies give you hands-on experience in solving real-world problems.
Year 3 (Placement Year)
This is your opportunity to get real-world experience. You’ll spend a year in a paid placement in roles such as product development, brand management, or marketing strategy. Reading’s placement support team will help you find a role that fits your goals, giving you practical skills, professional contacts, and confidence before you graduate.
Final Year
Back at university for your final year, you’ll tackle advanced modules like Food Chain Challenges, Food Consumer Behaviour and Policy, and Strategic Marketing in the Food Industry. You’ll also complete an independent research project, letting you dive deeply into a topic that interests you while showcasing the knowledge and skills you’ve gained throughout your degree.
Focus areas: food business strategy, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, sustainability, food policy
Learning outcomes: graduates will be able to analyse food markets, design effective marketing strategies, interpret consumer trends, and apply business tools to real-world food industry challenges
Professional alignment (accreditation): accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving exemptions towards professional marketing qualifications
Reputation (employability rankings): Reading is ranked 1st in the UK for graduate salary in Agriculture, Food & Related Studies five years after graduation (average £36,500)
At Reading, learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world. From your foundation year through to your final year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice what you learn, work with industry professionals, and develop the skills employers are looking for.
Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the program:
Foundation Year skills – you’ll build essential academic, business, and marketing skills to set yourself up for success in the main degree.
Group projects & case studies – work closely with classmates on real-world problems, presenting solutions and developing teamwork and communication skills.
Industry insights – attend guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with food and marketing professionals, giving you a first-hand view of the sector.
Placement opportunities – a full-year placement later in the degree gives you hands-on experience in roles like product development, marketing strategy, or brand management.
Research and lab access – the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences has modern facilities where you can explore experiments, food analysis, and applied projects.
Digital tools & data analysis – learn how to use industry-standard software for marketing analytics, consumer research, and business strategy.
Field trips and visits – experience food supply chains and business operations up close through visits to companies and industry sites.
These experiences are carefully designed to ensure that when you graduate, you’re not only confident in your knowledge but also in your practical skills, ready to make an impact in the food business and marketing world.
Graduates from this program leave Reading ready to step confidently into the food industry. With a strong grounding in marketing, business strategy, and the economics of the food sector, alumni have gone on to roles such as Brand Manager, Marketing Analyst, Product Development Specialist, or Supply Chain Coordinator — showing just how versatile this degree can be.
Here’s how the program supports your career journey:
Career Development Centre – personalized guidance on CVs, interview prep, and career planning.
Industry networking events – connect directly with professionals and potential employers in the food sector.
Placement opportunities – gain real-world experience with internships and work placements before you graduate.
Alumni mentorship program – get advice and insights from graduates who’ve already navigated the industry.
In terms of outcomes, Reading ranks 1st in the UK for graduate salary in Agriculture, Food & Related Studies, with an average salary of around £36,500 five years after graduation — significantly higher than the national average for this field.
The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving professional recognition and exemptions for further marketing qualifications, adding long-term value to your career.
Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you can continue your studies with a Master’s in Food Economics, Marketing, Agricultural Economics, or Business Administration. For those interested in research, a PhD in areas like food industry innovation, marketing strategies, or consumer behaviour is an option. Professional certifications from bodies such as CIM can also help you advance and specialize further in your career.
AS or A levels : CCD to DDD in three subjectsGCSE : Grades 9–4 (A*–C) in five subjects, or equivalent qualificationsIB: 24 points from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or International Baccalaureate Certificate.Indian boards : Higher Secondary School Certificate (Standard XII) with average scores 60%American : High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5IELTS : overall score of 5.5 in IELTS, with no component below 5.5TOEFL : Overall score of 88 with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in SpeakingBrand Manager Marketing Analyst Product Development Specialist Supply Chain Coordinator Digital Marketing Executive Food Business Consultant 
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