Food Science and Nutrition MSci, BSc

We offer a Food Science and Nutrition integrated Masters programme that will give you an in-depth understanding of the scientific aspects of food science and nutrition and the wider implications of diet on our health and wellbeing.

This course provides a balanced curriculum exploring the applications of pure sciences to food whilst also covering aspects of how a number of food components affect health. The breadth of topics you’ll study will allow you to appreciate the key positions of food in society, health and well-being, as well as in the manufacture, marketing and retailing of foods. You’ll also build knowledge of related laws and regulations.

At the interface between food science and nutrition, graduates will be key in the development of new healthy eating trends. You’ll develop a broad skillset and receive the intellectual training needed to enter a range of careers.

Online taster course

Food Science and Nutrition: From the Farm to You is a free online course, delivered via FutureLearn, introducing you to the fascinating world of food. You will learn how Food Science and Nutrition combine knowledge from engineering, biology and physical sciences to study all aspects of food and to ensure what we consume is safe and wholesome. Join the online course now.

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Year 1 introduces you to the major sources of food and their history, current trends in consumption, and key industrial processing operations. You’ll study food chemistry and develop your laboratory and experimentation skills. In addition, you’ll be introduced to microbiology, human physiology and nutrition; these modules allow you to gain a practical understanding of how food affects health and wellbeing, and appreciate the role of food as a carrier of nutrients

Year 2 modules deepen your understanding of food texture, flavour and taste. You’ll be introduced to the theory behind new product development, with an emphasis on the study of how food components affect the chemical and microbiological safety of food. You’ll come to understand in more detail the science behind diet and health outcomes and will examine the elements and concepts of food allergy.

In your third year you will apply your skills to designing new foods, from concept through formulation and processing, through to sensory evaluation, packaging and marketing. Your team project, based on new product development (NPD), will explore the role of food scientists and of nutritionists in developing and marketing novel healthy foods to fill gaps in the present market and to meet new demands for healthy foods. You will deepen your understanding of how foods can affect health through topics that may include food and cancer, diet and cardiovascular health and functional foods.

In your final year you will undertake an extended individual research project; you will be given a choice of topics to investigate in the School or have been suggested by a food organisation. You will also develop problem solving skills through an interactive module in which you will assess the properties of foods on the market and how their ingredients give the food its desirable tastes and textures, and then investigate how to improve the nutritional profile without changing the taste and texture of the food. You will also be given a choice of modules that will allow you to extend your knowledge in a field of your choice that may include biotechnology, effects of processing on nutrition, and nutrition.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Food Science and Nutrition MSci, BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

As a student in the School of Food Science and Nutrition, you’ll be taught by world-class experts who’ll use a variety of teaching methods to deliver an inspiring student experience. With the continuous support of our staff, you’ll acquire the knowledge and transferable skills relevant for employment in key areas of food science and nutrition, so that when you graduate you are ready to take on the wide range of job opportunities and academic positions that are available.

The fundamental approach used in all our programmes is research-based learning. We use several different teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, practical work, workshops and independent study. This ensures you become a successful graduate, who is equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes that you need to be successful in your desired career path that you choose to follow after graduation.

We provide exceptional student support to our students. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor, who’ll be able to provide you with academic and personal support throughout your studies. We also have a peer mentoring scheme to help you settle in when you first arrive at the University of Leeds.

There are many ways that we help you develop your academic and life skills during your time here at Leeds. To support you with your studies we have extensive computer clusters and virtually universal wireless connectivity. You'll be able to find multiple copies of the recommended books for your course within both the Edward Boyle Science and Engineering Library and our new £9 million Laidlaw Library, which are both situated centrally on campus. There are a variety of different study environments across campus, such as personal and flexible group work areas.

We have a wide range of support available through the University skills centre and the Leeds for Life scheme to help you develop your range of skills within your programme of study. There are many ways which you can broaden your horizons through participating in various activities, societies and volunteering opportunities that we provide.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The types of assessment used for each module aim to measure the learning outcomes we want you to achieve. Laboratory work is usually assessed through short written reports, scientific posters or on-line multiple choice questionnaires. We use essays and portfolios to encourage students to conduct in-depth research into interesting topics and develop their writing skills; this is enhanced through literature reviews. Students also develop communication and presentation skills through giving presentations and making posters or flyers.

You’ll also have more formal exams, which test your knowledge of particular subject content and develop your ability to think quickly. Details on the types of assessment used for each module can be found on the University Module Catalogue.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics).

AAB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics).

Where an A-Level science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: C/4 in English and C/4 in Mathematics, or an equivalent English language qualification.

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits overall with at least 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 are at distinction level and the rest at Merit. Must contain a significant number of Science modules.

• BTEC

  D*DD in a relevant Science subject. We do not accept Health and Social Care or Sports and Exercise Science.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 M2 including two science subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall (16 points at higher level, including two science subjects).

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H1 H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 including two core science subjects at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though science subjects must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAABB including 2 sciences at Advanced Higher.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics) plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Applicant days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Environment Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £24,750 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are available.

There is a worldwide shortage of qualified food science and nutrition graduates, so there has never been a better time to study this highly sought after degree at Leeds. Our dedicated careers centre will provide all the advice, support and guidance that you need throughout your time here. We offer a first-class study experience based on leading research, close links with industry, and supportive teaching staff.

There is a range of career opportunities that you could undertake upon graduation. Some of our alumni hold key positions in the food industry, at companies including Kellogg’s and Marks & Spencer, with others working in local councils.

Several of our graduates have continued to study for higher degrees, whilst others have chosen to set up their own business with the help of our Enterprise Scholars scheme.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious organisations, including:

• major retailers, such as Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's

• major manufacturers, such as Nestlé, Unilever and Kraft

• major research centres, such as DEFRA and Leatherhead Food RA

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more about Industrial placements.