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Study Food Science and Technology abroad

About this subject

  • Subject overview
  • Degree profile
  • Entry requirements
  • Where to study?
  • Careers
Food Science and Technology

Food science and technology is essentially the study of food; from how it is made to the potential impacts that this has upon our day-to-day existence. Although it is only a fairly recent subject to study at degree level, the study of food and how to make it has been taught for hundreds of years.

Degrees in food science and technology are designed to give students an in-depth understanding of food and the food industry. You’ll approach the subject of food from scientific, nutritional and even business angles to learn about food production and distribution, health, safety and nutrition.

Because the field of food science and technology is so broad, degrees will offer a range of modules, often allowing you to tailor your study experience to your interests. So whether you are interested in food microbiology, food biochemistry, food development or even sustainability in food production, courses in food science and technology offer something for everyone.

Whether you choose to study at a vocational, undergraduate or postgraduate level, a course in food science and technology will give you scope to work in a wide range of food-related careers such as food production, hospitality, food education or nutritional therapy.

Degree profile

Food science and technology is a practical degree. Although food theory is typically taught via lectures, students must put their acquired knowledge into practice through laboratory work and standalone projects. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your studies in seminars and tutorials.

At the undergraduate level, a BSc in food science and technology will typically last for three or four years, with a four-year degree usually including a year-long work placement in the food industry. An MSc in food science and technology will usually be at least one year and will have a specific focus tailored to your interests and previous studies. PhDs and other postgraduate food science and technology courses may take several years to complete.

Some topics you may cover in a food science and technology degree include Food chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology; Food production, manufacture, operations and distribution; Food safety; Health and nutrition; Product development and innovation.

Other degrees related to food science and technology, but with a more specialised or applied approach, include Food and nutrition science; Food business management; Food technology; Agri-food technology; Nutrition and dietetics.

Entry requirements

To study food science and technology abroad you must meet the course entry requirements. Whilst these may vary between institutions, at the undergraduate level, you will typically need:

1. 3 A-Levels (or equivalent), usually including at least one or two science subjects

2. Grades equivalent to a minimum of ABB A-Level results/International Baccalaureate score of 34 points

3. IELTS overall score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no band score lower than 5.5

Make sure you meet your prospective university’s requirements before applying, and remember to check that your existing qualifications will be accepted.

If you do not meet the entry requirements to study food science and technology, why not consider a more applied degree such as food and nutrition, food technology or food business management?

Where to study?

If you want to study food science and technology abroad, why not explore the top-rated universities for the subject? The Complete University Guide League Tables 2024 lists the top 5 universities offering food science and technology courses in the UK:

1. University of Glasgow

2. University of Plymouth

3. University of Surrey

4. Newcastle University

5. Queen’s University, Belfast

How about studying in the USA? The US News & World Report lists the top 5 universities to study food science and technology in the USA:

1. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

2. Cornell University

3. Rutgers State University, New Brunswick

4. University of Florida

5. University of California, Davis

Careers

A degree in food science and technology will give you far-reaching career prospects. With an ever-increasing global demand for food and the rising onus on the food industry to promote health and sustainability, jobs in the food science and technology sector are growing both in value and availability.

Careers in food science and technology include roles such as food scientist, food technologist, food product developer, dietician, nutritionist, hospitality, catering, food educator (for example, in schools or hospitals).

Annual salaries for food scientists and food technologists are typically in the region of GBP 20,000 to GBP 45,000, whereas a nutritionist might expect to earn GBP 27,000 to GBP 40,000.

You can discover career opportunities in food science and technology as well as other information and resources on the Institute of Food Science and Technology website.

What Food Science and Technology courses are there?

3

Nutrition / Dietetics

4

Food Science / Technology

Top 10 study destinations for Food Science and Technology

1
9
Australia
18,418 Views View 67 courses
2
32
Canada
15,692 Views View 17 courses
3
210
UK
6,093 Views View 42 courses
4
211
USA
5,602 Views View 62 courses
5
134
New Zealand
5,115 Views View 8 courses
6
114
Malaysia
2,355 Views View 6 courses
7
84
Hong Kong
779 Views View 3 courses
8
154
Ireland
555 Views View 6 courses
9
168
Singapore
476 Views View 1 course
10
217
Vietnam

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