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Food Science at University of Reading - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Delve into the world of food with our MSc Food Science course. The safety, quality and nutritional properties of the food that reaches consumers depend upon food scientists. Building on your scientific undergraduate studies, this course will allow you to gain an in-depth knowledge of the science of food. Taught by academics from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, topics include:

  • food chemistry
  • food quality and safety
  • manufacturing and process.
Our Department is a world authority on food and human nutrition. We have leading experts in all of the component disciplines that contribute to food and nutritional science – a claim that no other UK department can make. You will become accustomed to working in extensive, industry-standard laboratories. Our food-teaching facilities include:
  • Food Processing Centre. This pilot plant is unique to Reading. There is almost 1100m2 of floor space devoted to approximately £4m worth of equipment. Used primarily for teaching and learning, the plant contains processing equipment for food product development work. No other UK university offers what we do under one roof.
  • Flavour Centre. The Centre hosts facilities that enable you to gain comprehensive practical experience in taste and aroma analysis, and flavour extraction.
  • Sensory Science Centre. Our in-house sensory facility gives you the opportunity to evaluate your own food products developed on the course. It is also available for commercial sensory profiling and market research activities.
For more information, please visit the programme page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/food-and-nutritional-sciences-pg/msc-food-science

Modules

Compulsory modules: Microbes, Food Safety and Health Food Chemistry: Structure, Flavour and Colour Sustainable Food Manufacturing and Process Design Applied Sensory and Flavour Science Food Product Reformulation 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. Check our website for more details about the course structure.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent). Entry requirements: Applicants are typically required to have at least a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a pure or applied science (or equivalent from a university outside the UK). Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. 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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £12800 Whole course
Northern Ireland £12800 Whole course
Scotland £12800 Whole course
Wales £12800 Whole course
Channel Islands £12800 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £12800 Whole course
EU £30950 Whole course
International £30950 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Food Science at University of Reading - UCAS