Food Science

Food science is a multidisciplinary subject that brings together the pure science subjects of chemistry, biology, physics and nutrition to the study of nature, sustainability, properties and composition of foods and the changes they undergo during storage and processing.

Food scientists play an important role in understanding how raw materials are transformed into finished food products ensuring that the food we eat is safe, good quality and meets our nutritional and dietary needs.

Our food science degree will give you a solid understanding of the importance of food in human society – from challenging current issues in food production to applying scientific concepts to grasp the complex characteristics of food.

You’ll develop your knowledge of the science underpinning the relationships between food processing, food formation and quality and safety, investigating the operations used to preserve foods and the procedures used to produce everyday commodities. In addition to considering the issues surrounding the sustainability of ingredients and manufactured products, you'll also study the effects that food has on our health and wellbeing. We’ll also encourage you to think creatively as a food scientist, designing your own food as part of a team-based product development project.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn a combination of core food science topics, alongside a range of optional and skills development modules to give you the technical skills, specialist knowledge and professional experience you’ll need to pursue a career in the food industry.

Why study at Leeds:

This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Our globally-renowned research here at Leeds feeds into your course and shapes your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as food colloids, functional biopolymers, food processing and novel food design.

Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of food science and nutritional disciplines.

Take the opportunity to work alongside our academics and get involved in real-life research happening in the School.

Access excellent specialist facilities including computer clusters and teaching laboratories that give you an industry-standard environment to perform experiments and conduct project work.

Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our industrial work placement opportunities. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — UK and multinational companies such as Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Nestlé.

Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across universities worldwide.

At the end of your second year, there is the possibility of transferring to the four-year integrated Masters (MSci, BSc) course.

Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our Food Science society, where you can widen your interest in food studies and get to know people on your course outside of lectures through trips and socials such as a Summer BBQ.