MSc Food Science

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:

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.

You will become accustomed to working in extensive, industry-standard laboratories. Our food-teaching facilities include:

We are proud of our research: the University of Reading is ranked  8th in the UK for research power in Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021) and 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences).

As an MSc Food Science student, you will also have access to – and are encouraged to get involved in – the most up-to-date knowledge in the field of food science and nutrition.

Gain valuable industry experience with MSc Food Science

Our MSc Food Science is industry relevant, and the curriculum has been designed in consultation with industry. Designed to widen your skill set and boost employability, you will be encouraged to complete a research project with one of our industry partners. This is an opportunity to embed your learning in practice and undertake research in an area you are interested in, such as new product development or formulation.

Plus, our well-equipped building offers training opportunities for further research on graduation.

Build on your existing knowledge

This master’s course is for graduates of pure sciences – such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry and microbiology – or applied sciences. Examples of applied sciences degrees include:

If you’re unsure whether your degree counts as an applied science, please contact us via reading.ac.uk/question.

You can attend this course on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years.

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£26,950 Per Year

International student tuition fee

1 Year

Duration

Sep 2025

Start Month

Aug 2025

Application Deadline

Upcoming Intakes

  • September 2025
  • September 2026

Mode of Study

  • Full Time