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Food Science at University of Reading - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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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 depends 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.
We're 1st in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (includes Food Science) in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. 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. 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

Sample modules may include: *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 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. 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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £13100 Whole course
Northern Ireland £13100 Whole course
Scotland £13100 Whole course
Wales £13100 Whole course
Channel Islands £13100 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £13100 Whole course
EU £31650 Whole course
International £31650 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

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £13,100. If you study part time over two years, your fees will be calculated at 50% of the annual full-time fee in each year. Fees will increase each year according to inflation (up to 4%) and will be rounded up to the nearest £50. New international students: £31,650. If you study part time over two years, your fees will be calculated at 50% of the annual full-time fee in each year. Fees will increase each year according to inflation (up to 4%) and will be rounded up to the nearest £50.
Food Science at University of Reading - UCAS