BSc Food Science with Foundation

Develop the expertise to meet society's demand for safe and sustainable food products, and develop core academic skills, with our accredited BSc Food Science with Foundation degree.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into our three-year BSc Food Science course. You will also have the option to transfer to any of our other food or nutrition programmes.

Foundation Year programmes

Our Foundation Year programmes are designed to set students up for success. They offer a broad, immersive learning experience and ease the transition to university life.

They also aim to:

prepare you to study your chosen subject at undergraduate level
embed core academic skills and build your confidence within authentic, subject-relevant contexts
spark engagement and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences and enquiry-led approaches
foster a sense of identity, connection and belonging in your chosen discipline, and across the wider University community.

Your subject-specific studies will focus on basic principles in:

biology
chemistry
sustainability
mathematics.

Your learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.

Highly ranked

We are ranked 3rd in the UK for Nutrition and Food Science (Guardian University Guide, 2026)
We are ranked 9th in the UK for Food Science (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026)
100% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2025, responders from the Department of Food & Nutritional Sciences)
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, responders from the Department of Food & Nutritional Sciences).

What you’ll study with BSc Food Science

After successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll progress onto our three-year BSc Food Science degree. Led by experts from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, this three-year course will equip you with a full understanding of food production processes.

You'll gain essential knowledge and skills in:

food microbiology
biochemistry and metabolism
food processing and engineering
product development
human physiology and nutrition.

At Reading, you'll also develop key technical skills through laboratory-based practicals, sensory evaluation, and work in our pilot-scale food processing plant.

Become a food science specialist at the University of Reading

Top ten UK university for Food Science (7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
85% of our research impact is rated outstanding (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
University of Reading ranks 1st in the UK for graduate salary for Agriculture, food and related studies. (Based on The Telegraph's analysis of DfE data on the earnings of first degree graduates after five years from English Higher Education Institutions, July 2025).
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students agreed our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences).

Professional accreditation

Our BSc Food Science course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), the industry’s leading professional body.

Accreditation provides an assurance that your degree meets the standards expected by the food industry, helping you to stand out in a competitive job market. You'll also be recognised as a professional food scientist by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Teaching and research facilities

The University of Reading has one of the UK's largest Food and Nutritional Sciences departments, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research.

The Food Processing Centre is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the UK, with a floor space of 1100 square metres. The Centre contains processing equipment for food product development work, allowing you to simulate and recreate industry conditions.
The Flavour Centre analyses the chemistry of flavour, which is crucial to developing successful new products.
The Sensory Science Centre provides high-quality sensory evaluation data, offering valuable insight into how we perceive flavour, taste and texture in food.
The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition explores the relationship between diet and the risk of chronic disease.

Our research expertise feeds directly into the topics you will study throughout your degree, giving you access to the latest developments in food science.

Depending on the modules you choose, you will also have the opportunity to use our versatile facilities in your studies.

Industrial placements with BSc Food Science

Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. Opportunities include year-long and summer placements.

Previous students from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences have undertaken placements with:

Mars Food
Graze
Marks & Spencer
Bakkavor.

Learn more about professional placements with the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences. Alternatively, you can opt for our four-year BSc Food Science with Industrial Training degree, which includes an integrated professional placement between your second and third year.

Overview

Develop the expertise to meet society's demand for safe and sustainable food products, and develop core academic skills, with our accredited BSc Food Science with Foundation degree.

Foundation Year programmes

Our Foundation Year programmes are designed to set students up for success. They offer a broad, immersive learning experience and ease the transition to university life.

They also aim to:

prepare you to study your chosen subject at undergraduate level
embed core academic skills and build your confidence within authentic, subject-relevant contexts
spark engagement and curiosity through meaningful learning experiences and enquiry-led approaches
foster a sense of identity, connection and belonging in your chosen discipline, and across the wider University community.

Your subject-specific studies will focus on basic principles in:

biology
chemistry
sustainability
mathematics.

Your learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.

Highly ranked

We are ranked 3rd in the UK for Nutrition and Food Science (Guardian University Guide, 2026)
We are ranked 9th in the UK for Food Science (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026)
100% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2025, responders from the Department of Food & Nutritional Sciences)
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, responders from the Department of Food & Nutritional Sciences).

Learning

What you’ll study with BSc Food Science

You'll gain essential knowledge and skills in:

food microbiology
biochemistry and metabolism
food processing and engineering
product development
human physiology and nutrition.

At Reading, you'll also develop key technical skills through laboratory-based practicals, sensory evaluation, and work in our pilot-scale food processing plant.

Become a food science specialist at the University of Reading

Top ten UK university for Food Science (7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
85% of our research impact is rated outstanding (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
University of Reading ranks 1st in the UK for graduate salary for Agriculture, food and related studies. (Based on The Telegraph's analysis of DfE data on the earnings of first degree graduates after five years from English Higher Education Institutions, July 2025).
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students agreed our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences).

Professional accreditation

Our BSc Food Science course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), the industry’s leading professional body.

Teaching and research facilities

The University of Reading has one of the UK's largest Food and Nutritional Sciences departments, with extensive facilities that enable us to engage in diverse teaching and research.

The Food Processing Centre is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the UK, with a floor space of 1100 square metres. The Centre contains processing equipment for food product development work, allowing you to simulate and recreate industry conditions.
The Flavour Centre analyses the chemistry of flavour, which is crucial to developing successful new products.
The Sensory Science Centre provides high-quality sensory evaluation data, offering valuable insight into how we perceive flavour, taste and texture in food.
The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition explores the relationship between diet and the risk of chronic disease.

Our research expertise feeds directly into the topics you will study throughout your degree, giving you access to the latest developments in food science.

Depending on the modules you choose, you will also have the opportunity to use our versatile facilities in your studies.

Industrial placements with BSc Food Science

Enhance your employability and build your network by applying for work placements during your degree. Opportunities include year-long and summer placements.

Previous students from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences have undertaken placements with:

Mars Food
Graze
Marks & Spencer
Bakkavor.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB - for applicants without a core science subject

CCC - for applicants with a core science subject

Core science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, Food Science and Nutrition.

International Baccalaureate

30 - for applicants without a high level core science subject

24 - for applicants with a high level core science subject

Core sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, Food Science and Nutrition.

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

GCSE

At least grade 4 (C) in Science if not studying sciences at A level

International Foundation Pathway

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry, we offer this degree as a four-year course with an integrated International Foundation Year (IFY):

BSc Food Science with International Foundation Year - September Entry

Successful completion of the integrated International Foundation Year (IFY), along with any other relevant degree entry requirements, guarantees progression into year one of this undergraduate degree.

Learn more about our International Foundation Pathways

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Foundation Biology 1

Gain an understanding of the molecular building blocks of living organisms, the cellular machinery that sustains life, and the major physiological systems that enable the survival of multicellular organisms. You'll also develop core laboratory and data interpretation skills.

Foundation Biology 2

Build on the skills developed in Foundation Biology 1 and explore the regulation and evolution of living systems. You'll focus on Darwin's theory of evolution, the mechanisms of homeostasis, the microbial world, and the application of biotechnology in understanding genetic continuity. You'll also develop core practical laboratory and analysis skills.

Foundation Chemistry 1

Discover the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen.

Foundation Chemistry 2

Academic and Scientific skills: Foundations for tackling Global Challenges 1

Gain the academic, scientific, and transferable skills required to transition into university-level study. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for real-world context, you'll develop the numeracy, data-handling, communication, teamwork, and reflective skills needed to tackle global challenges. You'll also explore digital tools and scientific resources, including responsible use of AI.

Academic and Scientific skills: Foundations for tackling Global Challenges 2

Build on the skills gained in Semester 1 and develop your ability to collaborate with people from different disciplines to investigate complex global challenges. You'll strengthen your numeracy, research, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication skills in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2025/26 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology

Learn how human biochemistry and physiology underpins medical science and how macronutrients, micronutrients and non-nutrients impact on cell, tissue and organ function. You’ll learn the fundamentals of human physiology, its processes, and metabolic pathways relevant to human health and disease, with specific examples of the impact of nutrients within food matrix.

Food and Nutritional Chemistry: A Practical Approach

Gain a fundamental understanding of major food components. You’ll develop research and transferable skills such as laboratory skills, scientific report writing, oral presentation and group work.

Food Microbiology

Develop fundamental microbiology knowledge with a focus on food microbiology, its key topics and applications. You’ll also develop microbiology laboratory skills as you study aseptic techniques, microbial growth, and production of fermented foods.

Food System Challenges

Obtain a basic understanding of the food chain and the principles of food production, covering plant and animal derived foods. You’ll understand how issues such as food security, sustainable crop production, food miles, societal and cultural challenges, and different food production methods can affect the quality of food produced and availability to the consumer.

Introduction to Sustainable Food Manufacturing

Gain an introduction to food manufacturing and the processes that underpin it. You’ll learn about scientific principles that are the foundation of industrial preservation and transformation of food materials and relevant food processing operations and their impact on the quality and safety of food. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in our extensive food processing pilot plant.

General Chemistry A

Develop an understanding of the fundamental chemistry topics and become familiar with the language and terminology used. Designed specifically for students in the life sciences, this module covers the key chemistry A level concepts with a specific emphasis on the chemistry required for food science or biology and their applications.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Composition and Properties of Foods

Develop a sound knowledge of the chemical composition and properties of foods and the impact of major food components and permitted food additives on food quality. You’ll also learn about the changes that occur in these components during storage and processing, and develop skills required for chemical analysis of foods.

Food Processing and Quality Assurance

Learn about the industrial manufacture of foods, and key operations and processes used by the food industry and the effect of these operations on food product properties. You’ll also find out about the quality management and legislative control systems in place to ensure food safety, quality and consumer health protection, and gain hands-on experience working in our Food Processing Centre.

Food Spoilage, Preservation and Hazards

Gain an understanding of the sources of microbial contamination of food and the factors that determine which types of microbes grow and cause spoilage in foods during storage. You’ll also examine different preservation methods that prevent or slow down microbial growth, and learn about the nature and importance of foodborne illnesses and microbiological hazards in the food industry.

Sensory and Consumer Science

Explore and evaluate diverse sensory and consumer methods. You’ll learn how food is perceived and ways to measure these perceptions and consumer response. You’ll also develop practical skills and learn to apply statistical techniques.

Nutrition Research and Practice

Learn the fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative tools used in nutrition research and practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience in dietary assessment, methods for assessing health, meal preparation and planning for different populations, as well as designing and conducting a randomised controlled trial.

Securing a Job: Recruitability and Employability

Develop your skills in CV writing and interview techniques to prepare yourself for job opportunities and progress in your professional career.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Food Quality and Safety

Advance your knowledge on elements of the Food Quality Management System and how it is structured to ensure food safety and quality within manufacturing. You’ll learn the practical application of appropriate legislation, including statistical methods to meet legal and quality compliance.

Food Chemistry and Perception

Further, develop your knowledge of food chemistry and sensory perception in relation to the quality of foods. You’ll learn about the chemical and physical changes in food caused during formulation, processing and storage that develop both desirable and undesirable flavour, colour and structure or texture.

New Product Development

Design, develop and evaluate food products to meet current consumer needs collaborating with other students to develop your new product. You’ll integrate knowledge and skills from across the programme, as it prepares you for the global workplace.

Research Project

Develop the skills you need to effectively undertake research in food and nutritional sciences. You’ll gain experience by designing and executing either a laboratory-based or a theoretical project.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,050 for 2027/28 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information.

New international students: £23,850 for 2027/28 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The international tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For 2027/28, the standard fee is £31,800. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

Careers

Overall, 94% of graduates from Food and Nutritional Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, includes all Food and Nutritional Sciences responders).

Your degree will provide the essential subject-specific and transferable skills required in the food industry. Our graduates typically find employment in food product development, quality management, food technology, and nutritional science.

Past graduates from the Food and Nutritional Sciences department at Reading have gone on to work for employers such Bakkavor, Lidl, Mondelez, Mars and the NHS (Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2022/23; includes Food & Nutritional Sciences respondents).

The University of Reading ranks 1st for graduate salary for Agriculture, food and related studies after five years; the average salary calculated at £36,500 is over £8,500 more than the average graduate salary after five years for this subject across all universities (Telegraph analysis of DfE data on the earnings of first degree graduates after five years from English Higher Education Institutions, published in June 2025).

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

BSc Food Science with Foundation

Foundation Year programmes

Highly ranked

What you’ll study with BSc Food Science

Become a food science specialist at the University of Reading

Professional accreditation

Teaching and research facilities

Industrial placements with BSc Food Science

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

Ready for more?