Become a Food Scientist in the UK

Food science involves studying the chemical and biological makeup of food to improve food products and their packaging. Career options for food scientists include working for the government or being employed by well-known food manufacturing companies. Here are the steps to become a food scientist in the UK.

Steps

  1. Study and complete a degree in food science. Some colleges (universities) in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world offer degree programs in this subject. Attaining either a bachelor's degree or master's degree in food science is possible.
  2. Consider receiving on-the-job training in the food industry while enrolled as a student. The University of Reading, for example, offers a paid, year-long work (industrial) placement for students studying food science at their school. This work (industrial) placement allows students to gain professional experience prior to graduation, helping them along their career path.
  3. Visit your college's (university's) career center. By using the career center's resources, you can find and contact alumni who have pursued food science careers to learn how they got started in the field. You may also find job leads through listings from the career center.
  4. Become a member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). This is the only professional organization in the United Kingdom devoted to food science and technology. The IFST can serve as a way to connect with others interested in studying food and as a source for job leads. Current part-time or full-time students in the UK or rest of Europe can get a discount on applying for an Associate membership.

Tips

  • Completing the University of Reading's 12-month work (industrial) placement means it takes 4 years to obtain a bachelor's degree in food science from the university. Not doing the work (industrial) placement and getting the degree after 3 years of study is also an option offered by the university.
  • Possessing a strong scientific background is helpful for food science graduates. Those working in food science will need to apply their skills and knowledge to developing and manufacturing food products and facing the challenges of today's food industry, such as how to meet consumer demand for safe, nutritious food.
  • The master's degree in food science from the University of Reading takes 1 year (12 months) to complete. Their master's program begins in October each year.

Warnings

  • Be aware that studying for a food science degree usually requires classes in biology, chemistry and microbiology. Nutrition, diet, and analyzing detailed aspects of food such as flavor and molecular components are also a focus of study. You will probably not learn how to cook food.

Things You'll Need

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in food science
  • Work (industrial) placement
  • College (university) career center
  • Membership in Institute of Food Science and Technology

Related Articles

References

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Become_a_Food_Scientist_in_the_UK&oldid=286217"