This innovative, three-year course aims to prepare you for one of the largest and most dynamic sectors and provide valuable industry experience through the work placement. It is grounded in the science and technologies that define modern food production, processing and supply. At the same time, the course explores the rapidly evolving areas of consumer science and behaviour and the influences these have on supply chain management. We have established relationships with employers including Waitrose, Asda, DHL and the leading organic cheese producer, Alvis Brothers. These relationships enable up-to-date whole chain case studies in food production to consider the integrated context of regulation, market dynamics, logistics and consumers. The course has been developed in conjunction with, and has the endorsement of, Campden BRI, which undertakes research and development for many industries associated with agriculture, food and drink manufacturing and distribution. In addition, we have established a Food Training Centre on campus which provides an invaluable resource for this course by allowing research into the nutritional evaluation of a range of dietary regimes, procurement of foods, practical food safety and storage issues and healthy eating options. Close links are further maintained with the food and farming industries through visits, guest speakers and the 20-week placement in the second year of study. Students have spent their placements in the UK and abroad, based at companies such as British Sugar, Food Animal Initiative, Westmorland Food Services, Dairy Crest, Highland Game Limited, International Rice Research Institute, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. You are also encouraged to participate in research and development work carried out by our staff for the agri-food industry through Food Chain Research - a specialist research and consultancy group based here.

Food businesses need innovative graduates who are able to manage key aspects of this complex and dynamic sector and improve the communication and links along food supply chains. As such, there are significant career opportunities ranging from consumer research, food service and retailing, through food processing, manufacturing and distribution to primary production and the industries supporting agriculture and horticulture. Additional hygiene qualifications gained throughout the course enable graduates to enter supply chains at various stages as operational managers, buyers and safety managers.