If you’re curious about how what we eat affects our health, the BSc Nutrition at Reading is the perfect place to explore that passion. This program blends science with real-world applications, helping you understand the links between diet, health, and disease prevention while preparing you for careers in public health, clinical nutrition, or research.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Laying the Foundations
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the key sciences that underpin nutrition. You’ll study Physiology to understand how the body works, Chemistry to see the chemical side of nutrients, and Microbiology to explore the tiny organisms that impact our health. These modules give you the essential knowledge to build more specialized skills later.
Year 2: Expanding Knowledge
Year two focuses on applying what you’ve learned to real-world nutrition challenges. You’ll take modules like Fundamental Nutrition, Issues in Food Choice, and Nutrition and Health, helping you understand why people eat the way they do and how diet influences wellbeing. Practical applications and case studies make this year especially engaging.
Year 3: Specialization and Research
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics and get hands-on research experience. Modules include Advanced Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, and a Research Project, where you can explore a topic that excites you. By the end of this year, you’ll be ready to step into professional roles or continue with further study.
Focus Areas: Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, Dietetics
Learning Outcomes: Deep understanding of nutrition science, ability to apply knowledge to promote health, strong research and data analysis skills
Professional Alignment: Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), giving you professional recognition and a clear path toward practice
Reputation: The University of Reading is recognized for its excellence in teaching and research in nutrition, making its graduates highly sought after.
At Reading, the BSc Nutrition program isn’t just about lectures—it’s about getting hands-on with real-world nutrition and food science. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities and plenty of opportunities to practice the skills that employers value, from lab techniques to research and teamwork.
Here’s how your practical learning comes to life:
State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Conduct experiments in chemistry, microbiology, and sensory testing using advanced tools like NMR and mass spectrometers.
Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition: Take part in research exploring how diet affects health and chronic disease.
Flavour Centre: Investigate taste, aroma, and flavour to understand how foods appeal to consumers.
Food Processing Centre: Learn about food manufacturing and quality control in one of the UK’s largest academic food processing facilities.
Clinical Skills Suite & Test Kitchens: Develop practical skills in food prep, dietary assessments, and nutrition counseling.
Flow Cytometry Suite: Examine the effects of dietary supplements and other compounds on human health using advanced technology.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams on real-world problems, sharpening your teamwork and communication skills.
Professional Placements: Gain invaluable industry experience with placements in food companies, public health organizations, or clinical settings.
These experiences make sure that you graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical skills and confidence to step straight into your career.
Graduating with a BSc Nutrition from Reading opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers in nutrition, food science, and public health. You could work as a Nutritionist helping people improve their health, a Food Scientist developing safer and tastier products, a Public Health Advisor designing community nutrition programs, or a Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensuring food safety and compliance. With the skills and experience gained here, you’ll be ready to make a real impact in the field.
Here’s how the university supports your career journey:
Dedicated Placement Coordinator: Helps you find meaningful work placements that enhance your employability.
Career Development Workshops: Provides guidance on CVs, interviews, and job hunting strategies.
Networking Events: Connect with industry professionals and potential employers to build your professional network.
Employment Highlights:
94% Employment Rate: Of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months.
£36,500 Average Salary: Alumni earn this on average five years post-graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships:
Work with top employers like Bakkavor, Lidl, Mondelez, Mars, and the NHS.
Opportunities for global exposure through international collaborations, such as with Henan University of Technology.
Accreditation and Professional Value:
Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), helping you become an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) and eventually a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr).
Supports eligibility for Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) membership, giving you professional recognition.
Graduation Outcomes:
Graduates pursue careers in nutrition, food science, public health, research, and education.
Many continue their studies through MSc or PhD programs in related areas.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you could deepen your expertise with an MSc in Nutrition or Public Health Nutrition or engage in advanced research through a PhD in Nutritional Sciences.
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