What is in our food? And how does it impact our bodies?

Northumbria University's Food Science and Nutrition degree course will provide you with the necessary scientific understanding of food science and human nutrition to take the next step into your chosen career. You’ll be introduced to food safety and quality, food sensory analysis, new product development, food processing and preservation, as well as applied and practical nutrition skills and clinical nutrition and dietetics.

Our Food Science and Nutrition degree also offers flexibility as you can opt for a specialist pathway of study after your first year - meaning you can either continue with BSc Food Science and Nutrition, or choose to specialise in BSc Human Nutrition which has an emphasis on developing proficiency in nutrition specific professions.

If you chose to follow the Human Nutrition pathway you will have the opportunity to apply for Direct Entry to the UKVRN at Associate status. Whichever pathway you choose, there will be extensive opportunities to gain real-world experience and apply your knowledge with a six-week work based placement in your second year and the option of completing an industrial placement in third year.

On graduation you will be ready and able to contribute to the food and health agenda in roles spanning product development and quality assurance through to procurement, sales and marketing.

Why choose Northumbria to study Food Science & Nutrition?

• This course is accredited with both the Association for Nutrition and the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
• 100% of students studying Food Science and Nutrition at Northumbria believed their course was intellectually stimulating and that staff supported their learning (NSS, 2023).
• Food Science at Northumbria is ranked top 15 in the UK (Times Good University Guide, 2024)

How will I learn on this BSc Food Science & Nutrition course?

You will be provided with the best possible practical learning experience through wet lab and IT based classes, which will include data collection and the use of specialist software such as our very own food processing pilot plant.

The learning experience is collaborative with lectures, tutorials and seminars led by academic staff, students and external lecturers, who bring specific knowledge and provide you with the opportunity to debate contemporary topics with industry active specialists.

The ability to follow your own interests is encouraged with practical course components such as dietetic career days, factory visits and other industrial trips that will help you apply your learning and develop your career ambitions for the future.

At all stages of study you will be encouraged to embrace your creativity, to approach problems innovatively and to develop entrepreneurship skills through innovative assessment tasks.

Who will teach me during my degree?

Our teaching staff is made up of industry specialists and registered nutritionists from a broad range of backgrounds. Each academic brings with them vast experience, from working with firms such as Unilever to conducting research on behalf of government departments and within leading hospitals.

They are all actively engaged in contemporary research and consultancy – partnering with industry on research, working on on-going public sector projects and collaborating with businesses and governments on a worldwide scale.

This passion and commitment translates into inspiring teaching and we’re exceptionally proud of the consistently great feedback we have about the quality of teaching delivered on the BSc Food Science and Nutrition courses.

Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?

You will work in state-of-the-art laboratories and with specialist software, building your ability in core areas to make your transition into the world of work easier.

You’ll have excellent lecture resources to work with too. All academic materials are available on your online learning platform (eLP), allowing you to learn at your own pace and stay up to date, wherever you are.

Digital reading lists provide instant access to key texts and you’ll be able to submit and receive feedback on assessments electronically. Electronic discussion boards such as wikis and blogs are used for networking, support and review.

You’ll always be given a full understanding of the scope, method and application of your studies, helping you to progress and readying you for your first job or further research.

How does this BSc Food Science & Nutrition course prepare me for my future career?

The hands-on teaching approach on the Food and Nutrition and Human Nutrition courses provides you with subject-specific skills you will need in the workplace.

You’ll also develop a host of transferrable skills that are in demand with employers.

Sought after skills from critical thinking and project management through to data mining and record keeping will support your future career choices. You may choose to launch a specialist career or research within the field of Food and Nutrition or to cast your net wider.

A range of careers will be open to you when you graduate, including product development, technical and quality assurance, public health, dietetics, marketing, sales or management positions.