Food Science Courses in the UK

Food Science is always adapting to changing trends in an attempt to look for brand new ways to make food taste better whilst ensuring safety and improving cost of manufacturing. Are you passionate about key aspects of food? Studying Food Science in the UK could pave the path to a sea of career opportunities in this field…

Introduction To Studying Food Science in the UK

A Food Science course from a UK university will endow you with the knowledge and skills to apply biological and physical sciences to food making and preservation, product processing and evaluation, packaging and nutritional products development. A course in ‘Food Science’ covers a vast field of research and in depth studies  about the nature of food, the reasons for their quality drop and factors that help the enhance the quality of food products for basic consumption.

Food Science is the branch of science that exclusively covers the properties of food. A food science degree from a recognised UK University is an ideal choice if you are keen to learn the fundamentals of chemical as well as physical food properties at the time of production and storage phases. The UK is far and wide considered as a specialist in courses related to Food Science and several industry professionals are known to teach at renowned Universities in the country.

Why choose a course in Food Science?

There is a huge demand for competently and professionally-skilled graduates who have a keen interest in ensuring customers receive healthy and safe to consume food, keeping in mind the stringent local rules and regulations. A food science degree holder in the UK can gain analytical, methodological and problem-solving skills and the knack to research and assess data and related information. As a Food Scientist you will be majorly active in the areas of food storage, making and distribution of secure, safe and healthy food products and drinks. A food science degree has a vital role to play when it comes to the health, safety as well as wellbeing of individuals and organisations.

Food Science courses are mainly certified by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), the qualifying organisation for food experts and professionals based in the UK. The course is opted by graduate students from associated fields as well as industry experts in the food/drinks sector who are looking to further boost their skills and scale up the ladder to higher administrative roles in the food industry. Studying Food Science at a University in the UK will give you access to modern laboratories and brilliant teaching faculty.

What will you learn on a Food Science course in the UK ?

Undergraduate degree in Food Science equips you with skills and knowledge around food technology, food safety and food nutrition amongst a wide range of other study areas. Students studying in the UK get access to hands-on food laboratory sessions. Some of the most intriguing topics that you will be introduced to during the course include food technology, food materials and ingredients, bacterial physiology, immunology and nutrition regulation are covered. These areas of study will allow you to build your knowledge around Food Science.

Food science students at UK universities can additionally gain knowledge in basic sciences including organic chemistry, physics, maths, biochemistry and microbiology. Studying at a world class UK University helps you gain knowledge in other areas and learn valuable communication skills, time management, team-working skills, attention to minute details, arithmetic and numerical awareness, truthful record keeping as well as report writing and project management skills.

Apart from existing testing methods, the course covers standard operating procedures related to hygiene and product development procedures. As a food professional, one of your responsibilities is to ensure that food products are produced safely whilst following the highest quality tests. You may also be involved in the development of recipes of food and drink products and may also get your hands on current, old and newly-determined ingredients that can be used to experiment new concepts. There will be broad opportunities to gain actual experience in whatever area you choose and apply your understanding. Certain Universities even offer temporary work-based positions. Moreover, you can also pursue postgraduate courses based on the career route you aim to take including food safety or nutritional research.

Career options after studying Food Science in the UK

As a Food Science graduate you will be paving the way to some amazing career opportunities in this field. Some of the key sectors offering jobs to food science graduates are government departments involved in qualitative aspects of food making, technical service providers, food and drink manufacturers, food sellers and retailers.

There are ample job options including quality manager, food technologist, naturopath, food and nutritional therapist, toxicologist, quality assurance technicians, product development officer, regulatory affairs/government scientist and scientific lab technician to name a few. You can also aim for some alternate but exciting career as a scientific lab assistant, technical brewer or production manager. Some students opt to become a life sciences research scientist to meet requisite local and international legislation regarding food quality. Professionals with the food science degrees can also explore preservation areas as well as other fields spanning fresh produce/agriculture and animals.

Job Options

• Food technologist
• Naturopath Nutritional
• Therapist Product/process development Scientist
• Quality manager
• Regulatory affairs officer

Other areas where a degree in Food Science from UK will benefit

• Chef Production manager
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Purchasing manager
• Food Research scientist
• Toxicologist
• Technical brewer
• Dietician

Employers

Here are some examples of employers who would hire a Food Science professional

• Laboratories
• Breweries
• Food Manufacturing Companies
• NHS
• Private Healthcare
• Food Service industry
• Retail