Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of ReadingThis degree is perfect if you want to understand both the business and consumer sides of the food industry. You’ll explore how companies develop new products, how brands connect with shoppers, and how big issues like sustainability and health shape the market — while building strong marketing and management skills.
Curriculum structure
Years 1–2: Building your foundation
You’ll start by getting to grips with the basics of business and marketing while linking them directly to the food sector. Modules like The Food Business, Fundamentals of Management and Marketing, The Economic Environment, and Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects introduce you to how food supply chains work, what drives consumer behaviour, and how global challenges influence the industry. Group projects and case studies help you put these ideas into practice from the start.
Year 3: Placement year in industry
This is where you step out into the workplace and gain real-world experience. With a full year in a paid placement, you could be working in product development, category management, or marketing strategy for a major food company. The university’s dedicated placement support team helps you secure a role that matches your interests, giving you practical skills and industry contacts before you even graduate.
Final year: Specialisation and research
Back at Reading, you’ll deepen your expertise with modules like Food Chain Challenges and Food Consumer Behaviour and Policy. You’ll also take on an independent research project or applied marketing project — your chance to explore a topic you care about, whether that’s sustainable branding, consumer food choices, or digital marketing trends. This final year ties together your business knowledge, marketing insight, and real placement experience.
Focus areas: food business, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, sustainability, supply chains, entrepreneurship
Learning outcomes: graduates will be able to analyse food markets, design marketing strategies, interpret consumer trends, and apply business tools to solve real industry problems
Professional alignment (accreditation): accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving you 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 about food business and marketing isn’t just theoretical — it’s hands-on from day one. You’ll gain practical experience working on real projects, exploring how food companies operate, and understanding what makes products succeed in the market. Through field trips, group projects, and digital tools, you’ll build the skills employers are looking for while seeing the food industry up close.
Some of the ways you’ll get hands-on experience include:
Real-world projects: Develop marketing campaigns, business proposals, or product launch plans for actual companies.
Group work and mock consultancies: Collaborate with classmates on consumer research, strategy development, and business planning.
Industry exposure: Meet professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and field visits to food production and retail operations.
Placement year: Spend a full year in a professional role, gaining experience in brand management, product development, or category management.
Digital tools and analytics: Use current marketing software and data analytics to inform decisions and track results.
Specialist facilities: Access University farms, labs, and resources that let you explore the food chain from farm to fork.
Graduates from the BSc Food Business and Marketing program at the University of Reading leave with a strong mix of marketing, business, and food industry expertise, ready to step straight into rewarding careers. Many alumni find themselves shaping brands, managing product lines, or analyzing market trends in both UK and international food sectors. Typical roles include:
Brand Manager
Category Manager
Product Development Manager
Marketing Analyst
Here’s how the program supports your career growth:
Graduate Employability: 94% of Food and Nutritional Sciences graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Industry Connections: Strong links with food businesses give you real-world insights and networking opportunities.
Professional Accreditation: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), giving exemptions from some professional qualifications.
Salary Potential: Graduates in this field earn an average of £36,500 five years after graduation, the highest in the UK for agriculture and food-related studies.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, the University of Reading offers postgraduate options tailored to advance your expertise, such as:
MSc Food Economics and Marketing – focus on market strategies in the food industry.
MSc Strategic Marketing – dive deeper into advanced marketing and decision-making.
MSc International Business – explore global business practices and international markets.
MSc Business Analytics – develop analytical skills to make data-driven business decisions.
These pathways build on your undergraduate foundation, equipping you for leadership roles in the food business and marketing sectors.
A levels : BBB any three subjects (no specific subjects)IB : 30 points overall (no specific subjects)Indian boards : Overall 70% in your Standard XII examinationsAmerican curriculum : A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)IELTS : Overall 6.5,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 ManagerCategory ManagerProduct Development ManagerMarketing Analyst
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
