Learn about nutrition and the psychology behind food choice and further your professional skills with a year-long training placement. Consumers are growing increasingly aware of the effects that diet can have on health and nutritionists play an important role in ensuring that the information available to them is scientifically sound. They help to ensure that food products are nutritionally beneficial and analyse consumer responses to them. This course blends nutritional sciences with training in the psychological aspects of cognition and consumer choices. The Department has strong links with industry, and you can gain valuable professional experience through a year-long paid training placement. If you are interested in working at the interface between companies, health professionals, policy makers and consumers, then this is the degree for you. The University of Reading is a world authority on human nutrition, food chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology and food law. Our staff are actively engaged in world-class research and will tailor their teaching to reflect changing trends and emerging technologies within the sector.

Food is Europe's largest and most buoyant industry, and nutritionists work at the forefront of product development, packaging design and the communication of health messages to consumers. You can become a registered nutritionist after graduation and work within the food industry and related sectors, for companies such as Kraft, Mars, Marks & Spencer, and GlaxoSmithKline. Alternatively you could use your degree for a career in nutrition education and promotion, or work for a government department concerned with public health. Additionally, you may choose to move into other areas, such as teaching, accountancy and environmental health. This degree can also be a stepping stone for an MSc or PhD in the area of food and health.