BSc Food Science and Nutrition

At Queen’s, you won’t just be learning from textbooks — you’ll be in modern labs, tackling real food challenges, and building the kind of skills that employers value. The programme is designed so that lectures, lab work, placements, and field experiences all connect, giving you both scientific knowledge and hands-on confidence. From creating new food products to understanding the science behind nutrition, you’ll always be applying what you learn.

Here are some of the ways you’ll get that real-world experience:

• Take part in weekly lab sessions in microbiology, chemistry, and food product development, where you’ll work with real samples and equipment.

• Gain industry insight with an optional 16-week work placement, with opportunities at companies like Nestlé, Marks & Spencer, and PepsiCo.

• Learn directly from professionals through guest lectures and workshops led by experts from the Food Standards Agency, Campden BRI, and local food companies.

• Use Queen’s Virtual Learning Environment and digital tools — from e-quizzes to statistical software — to sharpen your IT and problem-solving skills.

• Explore real sustainability challenges through modules like Sustainable Food Systems, which include field trips and group projects focused on global food issues.

Studying Food Science & Nutrition at Queen’s opens doors to an exciting range of careers. Many graduates move into roles such as Food Technologist, Quality Assurance Manager, Product Development Scientist, or Nutrition Advisor — all areas where employers value the mix of science, problem-solving, and practical training you’ll gain here. With Queen’s top UK ranking for Food Science teaching and its strong industry partnerships, you’ll graduate with a qualification that is well-respected across the sector.

Here are some of the ways Queen’s helps you stand out:

• Dedicated careers support through the Careers, Employability & Skills team — from CV workshops and interview coaching to employer networking and job fairs.

• The programme is professionally accredited by the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), giving your degree long-term recognition with employers.

• Students regularly test their skills in national competitions — for example, QUB teams have won awards in Ecotrophelia UK, a prestigious food product innovation challenge.

• Queen’s is ranked #1 in the UK for Food Science teaching (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and #2 in the Complete University Guide 2026, proving the strength of its teaching and graduate outcomes.

• Strong graduate prospects: placements, employer connections, and industry-led projects mean many students move directly into professional roles after graduation.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to take your studies further, Queen’s offers postgraduate options such as the MSc in Food Safety, Food Innovation, or Nutrition & Dietetics, as well as research degrees (MRes/PhD) for those keen on academic or industry-focused research careers.