Food and Nutritional Sciences

The world needs more food scientists. With the food and drink industry as the UK's largest manufacturing sector – responsible for adding £21.9bn to the gross value of the UK economy – new graduate recruits are in demand.

Our Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences is a global player in food and health research. Your learning will benefit from access to the largest range of dedicated food laboratories in a UK university, our extensive links with industry, and expert academics who work on cutting-edge research. The University of Reading is in the top 10 universities for food science in the UK (7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Our facilities

You will have the opportunity to use our extensive range of facilities, which are primarily used for supporting teaching and learning. These include:

• a large pilot plant, containing almost 1100m2 of floor space devoted to approximately £4m worth of food development equipment
• advanced taste panel facilities
• and specialist research laboratories for assessing human gut microflora.

Our research

95% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences). Our academics strive to improve the quality and nutrition of food that will deliver real benefits for society.

Our staff

Join a community of over 30 research and teaching staff, as well as research students, technical and clinical staff who all share your passion for food and nutrition. The Reading food community extends to our influential alumni and industry contacts who provide significant research funding and support our teaching programmes. Being part of this vibrant, ever-growing network will allow you to pursue your research interests and thrive in your future career.

Many of our master's students choose to stay with us for PhD study. We are passionate about out work and will inspire you to achieve your goals – as such, students consistently comment on the welcoming, friendly ethos in our Department.

Our links with industry

All of our programmes are industry relevant, and designed in consultation with industry. You will have the opportunity to complete a research placement in industry, providing you with real-world experience and boosting your employability. Our academics work closely with industry, and are regular speakers at industry events.

Accreditation

Our MSc Nutrition and Food Science is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), the independent regulator for Registered Nutritionists. After graduating, you will be eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the AfN.

Looking for postgraduate research opportunities?

Come to Reading for your PhD or professional doctorate and join a talented and diverse community of fellow researchers working to improve lives across the globe.

• Postgraduate research at Reading