5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
If you love science and are curious about how food affects health, the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition with Foundation Year and Placement at Surrey is perfect for you — even if you need a little extra preparation to start a full degree. The foundation year helps you build confidence in core sciences, and the placement year gives you hands-on experience in industry, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year – Getting Started
The foundation year is all about building the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your degree. You’ll study Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, gaining a strong scientific foundation and learning essential study techniques.
Year 1 – Exploring Food Science and Nutrition
Your first academic year introduces the core concepts of the field. Modules like Cell Biology and Biological Chemistry, Food Science, Human Nutrition and Health, Biochemistry, and Physiology will help you understand how food is made, how nutrients work, and how the body responds to diet.
Year 2 – Applying Knowledge
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper and start applying your learning. Modules such as Food Science: Perception, Processing and Preservation, Food Microbiology, and Nutritional Physiology & Metabolism provide hands-on experience and real-world insights, preparing you for professional practice.
Placement Year – Gaining Professional Experience
The placement year gives you the chance to work in a food company, research lab, or public health organization. This practical experience helps you connect theory with practice, build professional networks, and get a feel for your future career.
Year 3 – Specialization and Research
Your final year allows you to focus on advanced topics and complete a Dissertation, applying your skills to an independent research project that showcases your expertise and prepares you for either a professional career or further study.
Focus Areas
Food science, nutritional biochemistry, food processing, food safety, public health nutrition, ingredient functionality, research methods
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be confident in the science of food and nutrition, skilled in evaluating quality and safety, able to conduct independent research, and prepared to translate knowledge into careers in health, food, and nutrition industries.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), giving your degree industry recognition and enhancing your career prospects.
Reputation (Employability)
Ranked 1st in the UK for Food Science in the Complete University Guide 2026
Known for high student satisfaction and strong industry links
Graduates leave well-prepared for careers in food science, nutrition, and public health
At Surrey, Food Science & Nutrition isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on and learning by doing. You’ll spend time in modern labs and kitchens, experimenting, testing, and exploring how food and nutrition work in real life. Whether it’s cooking, analyzing nutrients, or designing experiments, these experiences help you build the practical skills and confidence employers are looking for.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Food and Nutrition Kitchen Lab – A fully equipped kitchen where you’ll prepare meals, learn food hygiene, modify recipes, and test new ideas, all under expert guidance.
Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory – A state-of-the-art lab for conducting experiments, analyzing nutrients, and applying scientific methods used in industry.
Professional Training Placements – Optional placements with food companies, government bodies, or healthcare organizations, giving you real-world experience and industry contacts.
IFST-accredited Curriculum – Your labs, projects, and assessments are designed to meet the professional standards set by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Research Methods Module – Hands-on training in statistics, study design, and dietary analysis, helping you prepare for your dissertation or any future research.
These opportunities mean you graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical experience, professional skills, and confidence to step straight into a career in food science, nutrition, or public health.
A degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Surrey opens up a world of exciting career opportunities. You’ll graduate with the skills and experience to work in the food industry, public health, or even continue your academic journey. Popular roles for graduates include:
Product Development Scientist – Create and improve food products for companies.
Nutritional Consultant – Offer advice to individuals or organizations on healthy eating and diet strategies.
Quality Assurance Manager – Ensure that food products meet safety and quality standards.
Public Health Nutritionist – Help communities improve health through better nutrition programs.
Surrey provides strong support to help you step confidently into your career:
Professional Training Placements – Gain real-world experience with over 2,300 industry partners, from food companies to public health organizations.
Careers and Employability Service – Guidance on CVs, applications, interviews, and networking opportunities.
Alumni Network – Connect with past graduates for mentorship and advice.
Employment Stats and Professional Recognition
92% of Biosciences graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Competitive starting salaries in roles across the food, nutrition, and public health sectors.
Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), giving your degree professional recognition and credibility.
Further Academic Progression
If you want to keep learning, you could:
Pursue an MSc in Food Science to specialize in areas like food safety, product development, or food chemistry.
Engage in PhD research in nutrition or food science to explore your own projects and contribute to the field.
With Surrey’s hands-on learning, industry connections, and strong academic foundation, graduates leave ready to make an impact — whether that’s developing the next great food product, improving public health, or continuing to research and innovate.
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