BSc Nutrition and Food Science

At Reading, learning isn’t just about lectures and exams—you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that prepares you for a career in nutrition and food science. The program combines practical lab work, industry exposure, and visits to real-world food production settings, so you can see how the science you’re learning applies outside the classroom.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Food Processing Centre – Work in one of the UK’s largest academic food processing pilot plants, gaining experience in developing and testing real food products.

• Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition – Take part in clinical nutrition studies that explore how diet affects health and disease.

• Flavour Centre – Investigate the chemistry of taste, aroma, and flavour, helping you understand what makes food enjoyable.

• Sensory Science Centre – Conduct sensory evaluations to study how people perceive flavour, texture, and aroma in food.

• Advanced Laboratory Facilities – Access NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction equipment for chemical analysis and research.

• Field Trips – Visit food production sites to see industry practices and applications firsthand.

• Placement Opportunities – Complete a credit-bearing industry placement, giving you practical experience and valuable professional connections.

These experiences are designed to make sure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence, skills, and industry insight that employers are looking for.

Graduates from the BSc Nutrition and Food Science program leave Reading well-prepared to step into a range of exciting careers in the food and nutrition sector. With a solid foundation in both the science of nutrition and the practical aspects of food production, alumni often pursue roles such as:

• Nutritionist – Advising individuals or communities on healthy eating and dietary plans.

• Food Technologist – Developing and improving food products in industry settings.

• Product Development Scientist – Innovating new foods or improving existing formulations.

• Quality Assurance Manager – Ensuring that food products meet safety and quality standards.

The University of Reading supports students every step of the way with strong industry connections and career guidance:

• Placement Opportunities – A year-long industrial placement gives you hands-on experience and industry insight.

• Dedicated Placement Support – Personalized guidance on CVs, interviews, and securing your placement.

• Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with companies like Mars, Mondelez, Lidl, Bakkavor, and the NHS open doors to exciting career opportunities.

• Graduate Employability – 98% of graduates from Food and Nutritional Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months, with 88% in graduate-level roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After your degree, you can continue your studies with a master’s or PhD in areas like Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, or Food Science. You can also pursue professional certifications through the Association for Nutrition (AfN) or engage in continuing professional development courses to stay ahead in the field.