Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons) – 2021 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2021
Why choose this course
Our food science courses are ranked 2nd in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 and 2nd in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2021.
Our Department of Nutritional Sciences is home to an innovative teaching and learning environment. The strength and depth of our research means you’ll not only be taught be internationally recognised researchers, but also be able to become actively involved in cutting-edge research during your studies.
5 reasons to study food, nutrition and dietetics at Surrey
Read moreWhat you will study
Food science is a multidisciplinary subject that applies sciences such as chemistry and biology to the study of food.
Our BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition will give you an understanding of the raw materials that will become food, how they interact and how food science can have dramatic implications for human health and disease.
Food safety also forms an important component of the course, as food can be a major source of disease-causing chemicals and microorganisms.
Our course will not only provide you with a thorough understanding of food composition and analysis, but will also give you a high standard of experience in nutrition and microbiology.
Recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize
The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, the highest accolade for any academic institution, was awarded to the University of Surrey in 2017 in recognition of our excellence in the field of food and nutrition.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our reliance on a supply of safe food, together with the economic problems that can arise from crop damage and food spoilage, means that graduates from this course are in high demand by the food and beverage industries.
The combination of modules covering human nutrition, microbiology, food composition, food processing, food analysis and quality assurance provided by this course equip you for a range of careers.
An important aspect of food science is understanding the vital link between diet and health so that foods can be developed to have maximum nutritional value. You could be involved in undertaking exciting research into the potential and most recent applications of food science – the development of novel foods. These include foods with new synthetic or natural ingredients which are used to replace fats or lower cholesterol, foods with novel health-promoting extracts from plants, or foods that have been altered by genetic manipulation.
As a nutritionist, you may be concerned with the beneficial components in a food, but as a food scientist, you’ll need to ensure that food bought from a supermarket contains the optimum amount of these components. You’ll also be concerned with the quality and safety of the food.
Our graduates are involved in product development, food analysis, research, consumer advice, legislation, food safety and teaching.
Most of our graduates go immediately into the job market, taking jobs that often follow naturally from a successful Professional Training placement, but many of our graduates also pursue further study. This includes taught masters courses and PhD studentships.
Some of our graduates over the last few years have secured roles such as:
- Technical Graduate, Bakkavor
- Process Technologist, Adelie Foods
- Regulations and Compliance Executive, IFIS
- Conformance Manager, Nestlé
- Nutritionist, Whole Foods
- Food Technologist, JF Renshaw
- Regulatory Analyst, Leatherhead Food Research.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biosciences and Medicine.
Accreditations
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/21 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach. View detailed information on the changes.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| FOUNDATION YEAR FOR BIOSCIENCES | Compulsory | Year-long |
Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 2 optional modules from the list in Semester 2.
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Choose 2 optional modules from the list.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 2 optional modules from the list in Semester 2.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Choose 2 optional modules from the list.
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
On average you’ll have 20-25 hours of contact time each week. A variety of teaching methods is used, including lectures, role play and practicals.
You’ll also be expected to take on private study such as coursework and additional reading. You’ll also take part in problem-based learning activities and benefit from a range of supporting e-learning materials.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by postgraduate research students. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you may be invited to an Applicant Day. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Foundation
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this course with a foundation year. A course with a foundation year includes an extra year of study to prepare you for a full degree course. Find out more about our degrees with foundation year.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2021
BSc (Hons)
UK £9,250
Overseas £22,400
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
UK £9,250
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK £9,250
Overseas £22,400
Professional training £1,850
BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
UK £9,250
Professional training £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: While the UK is part of the EU, the University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by the Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. Once the UK has left the EU, the fees rules may change and the University is bound to comply with applicable legislation.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2019/20 academic year Professional Training placement fee.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £20 – equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory book, pen and padlock). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment.
- Commuting (local travel expenses): unable to specify amount – you are required to pay upfront cost of travel when attending interviews for placement. These can normally be claimed back from the company holding the interview.
Grand total: £20 plus commuting expenses
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
Placements
You have the option to complete a Professional Training placement as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, helping to prepare you for your future career.
A significant proportion of placement students at Surrey are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Food Science and Nutrition placements
We strongly encourage you to take a placement in the UK or internationally. Recent students have taken placements with leading companies such as:
- Tata Global Beverages
- Sainsbury's
- Nutricia
- Surrey Human Performance Institute
- Unilever
- Pladis
- Yakult.
We place great emphasis on organising a successful, research-based placement, allowing you to extend and enhance your practical abilities and sharpen your professional skills.
Employers may sponsor the final year of your course and many offer our students employment on graduation. To help ensure that you have a successful experience, you will be visited in person by staff during your placement year.
In the competitive world of graduate employment, companies are more likely to consider applicants who have previous professional experience.
Applying for placements
You can apply for numerous opportunities via an open and free-to-all process. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out about more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Study and work abroad
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their studies by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities or by completing a Professional Training placement abroad.
Want to study at an overseas institution as part of your degree or work abroad during your Professional Training year? Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
Not only is the opportunity to go abroad a hugely enjoyable experience, you will develop key skills and knowledge that will strengthen your CV and increase your employability.
View our study and work abroad exchange information to find out more and see where you can go.
Please note: the status of the Erasmus+ scheme is dependent on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
Partner institutions
Our international exchange course offers you the opportunity to spend your Professional Training placement working in another country. Our students have travelled to Canada, Australia, Brazil and many European countries, typically working in a research laboratory at a partner institution.
If you work in another part of Europe you may be eligible for an Erasmus+ grant, as well as your full student loan if you take an unpaid research placement in a foreign university laboratory.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online guide has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH