Food Science and Technology

Course overview: This is the ideal launch pad if you have an interest in a career as a food scientist, food technologist or food engineer. You can complete an optional work placement year, at no extra cost.

As the world population increases, food technologists are challenged with developing innovative applications in agricultural technology, biotechnology and processing of raw food materials, as well as understanding the link between food, nutrition and health. The work is varied, stimulating, challenging and offers excellent career prospects. Currently over one million people are employed in the UK food industry, which is worth around £75 billion to the gross national product. Almost every food item you see in the supermarket will have had some input from a food scientist, food technologist or food engineer during its development. With an in-depth knowledge of agricultural food production, the raw food materials and how these can be handled, processed and packaged, such professionals ensure that the food offered to consumers is safe, nutritional and meets legal health and safety standards. As well as requiring technical skills, their work may include business development, marketing and management.

After the course: This degree equips you with broad scientific knowledge and practical skills, applicable across various industries. Employers include food manufacturers (product development, quality assurance and food safety), research institutions, universities, government agencies, retailers, consultancy firms and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Typical careers include research scientist, laboratory scientist, management and senior administration overseeing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, food safety and quality control, teaching, and government and regulatory roles working for agencies such as the Food Standards Agency.