Top UK Universities For Food Science - Ranking & League Table

Looking to Study Food Science in the UK?
top uk universities food science

Here’s our full guide on the top universities for Food Science in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for Food Science.

Table of Contents

UK Universities League Table for Food Science (Updated 2024)

The University League Table for Food Science shows some of the top ranking universities to study Food Science in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by UK and global ranking as well entry requirements.

What do you Study in Food Science?

Those who choose to study food science will learn about food production and consumption. On the production side of things, food safety and quality are important elements in the industry which are highly regulated and heavily researched in laboratories. As for the consumption of food, nutrition is an important yet often overlooked aspect that has a direct impact on our health.

A degree in Food Science may be a general term that includes or refers to subjects such as:

  • Cookery
  • Dietetics
  • Food Technology
  • Home Economics
  • Nutrition

Careers for Food Science Graduates

What can you do with a degree in Food Science? Many graduates find employment taking on various roles such as:

  • Nutritionist
  • Quality assurance manager
    • As a quality assurance manager, you would be ensuring that food products in a warehouse, factory, or kitchen comply with food safety standards.
  • Procurement manager
    • You may find yourself employed in supermarkets, hotels, or resellers purchasing food products to be resold or distributed.
  • Food scientist

Top Food Science Schools In The UK

The University of Glasgow has held the top positions for many consecutive years, a testament to the university’s dedication to academic excellence, research and graduate prospects for the subject. Nestled in Glasgow, Scotland, there is no shortage of activities for students, ranging from sightseeing and nightlife to cultural immersion.

The University of Surrey has ten courses related to food science. Surrey consistently ranks highly in the country for food science and offers courses with foundation programmes as well as the option to complete a professional placement year as part of the programme. This allows students to find a course that suits their needs best. The campus is located in Guildford, which is about an hour away from London.

Queen’s University Belfast has six programmes in food science and food security and is ranked as one of the best university in the UK for the subject. The university is a good choice for international students as it provides extensive support for attaining student visas, as well as a welcome service and orientation programme dedicated to overseas students. Queen’s University Belfast is among the top-rated universities in the UK for its research intensity.

As the University of Leeds has brilliantly coined, “Go further, come to Leeds” – one of the largest universities in the country, this is a great option for those interested in studying food science. Student life at Leeds is lively as accommodation is on-campus within walking distance of high street shops, a number of bars, theatres, and the city centre.

Recommended Food Science Schools In The UK

Newcastle University is a great choice for prospective food science students. Newcastle has six courses that include interesting subject combinations such as nutrition and psychology. The university is ranked among the top 30 universities in the country for food sciences and is considered a global leader in research for health and other disciplines.

The University of Nottingham offers a variety of food science degrees that are globally recognized, which includes both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. The university is known for having an exciting social scene, topped-off with a students’ union which supports an eclectic range of organisations, societies, student groups, campaigns and community projects.

Coventry University is among the top 20 universities in the UK for food sciences and it offers four food science courses focused on different aspects of the subject, allowing students some flexibility in their choice of specialities. Their student body is incredibly diverse, comprised of 37% international students, and their campus features state-of-the-art facilities with competitive tuition fees from as low as £18,300 a year.

How To Apply To Study Food Science In The UK?

Step 1: Choose A University

The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:

  • Location
  • Employability/Graduate prospects
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • University Ranking

Step 2: Preparations

Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.

Step 3: Submit UCAS Application

The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.

To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here

More about UCAS

The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your preferred UK universities.

UK Food Science University Entry Requirements

Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study Food Science.

  1. English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  2. Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
  3. Health checks.
  4. Entrance interviews.
  5. Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will learn about food safety, quality and nutrition, which are all important aspects of the production and consumption of food products.

The number 1 university for Food Science in the UK is the University of Glasgow according to 2024 rankings.

The common entry requirements for studying Food Science in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.

The fees for Food Science degrees in the UK depends on the university and it may range between £18,000 to £24,000 per annum for international students. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.

The UCAS deadline for Food Science programmes is 15 January on the year of admission. Do take note that the deadline for Oxford and Cambridge is 15 October.

Get Free UK Food Science Course Application Assistance

If you would like a free consultation on any step of the application process, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us now!

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