BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science

Overview

Study a Food and Consumer Science degree at Scotland's TOP university for Nutrition and Food Science (The Guardian Guide 2022). With inbuilt work placements, industry accreditations and amazing facilities, our degrees will give your career the very best start.

Why study Food and Consumer Science?

Make and test foods, explore sensory science, uncover the principles of nutrition, and use cutting-edge technology in our state-of-the-art facilities. This vocational Food and Consumer Science degree covers all the topics that shape food supply and food choices.

Delve into the complex relationships between food and the consumer while you learn how to develop and produce safe, healthy, and nutritious foods, bearing in mind all the factors that impact on consumer choice. You get to explore areas such as:

• The techniques and skills needed to develop new food products.
• How to innovate and make healthy, delicious foods that are safe to consume.
• The quality and safety requirements needed to manufacture foods.
• A person’s nutritional requirements throughout their lifespan.
• How to meet the needs of society, industry and consumers for sustainable food quality.

Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)

You’ll delve into the complex relationships between food and the consumer. At the same time, learning how to develop and produce safe, healthy, and nutritious foods, bearing in mind all the factors that impact on consumer choice.

The work placement in the third year - which you can study abroad - gives you real-life work experience and great networking opportunities for the future.

Over 90% employment 15 months after graduation

If you have a passion for everything to do with food and want to study a wide-ranging and flexible degree, then this is for you. Our food science courses are ideal for secondary school leavers, entrants from further education colleges, and mature students. The course is aligned with the General Teaching Council (GTC) requirements for the PG Diploma in Home Economics teaching and is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).

Abertay ranks in The UK Top Ten for Teaching Quality in Food Science (2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide). According to Discover Uni (formally Unistats) over 90% of our graduates are employed fifteen months after graduating.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Award Title

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

DN69

Modules

Year 1 Core Modules

• Fundamentals of Nutrition - FOD101
• Applied Biological Sciences for Food and Human Health - FOD107
• Social Science for Sport and Exercise - SPS101
• Nutrition and the Consumer - FOD105
• Safe Food Handling - FOD106
• Abertay 101 - Being Successful at Abertay - ABE101

Year 1 MySuccess Modules - Term 2

• Successful Writing At Abertay - ABE102
• Digital Skills for University and Beyond - ABE103
• Dundee and Me - ABE104
• Research and Enquiry Skills for the Digital Age - ABE105
• How to Sell Your Idea - ABE106
• Planning Your Future Career - ABE107
• Welcome to the CommuniTAY - ABE108
• Wellbeing Tools and Tricks - ABE109
• Numbers for Everday Life - ABE111

Year 2 Core Modules

• SPS203 Key Concepts in Sport and Exercise Physiology
• FOD203 Food Design and Promotion
• FOD205 Nutrition through the Lifespan
• FOD201 Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 1
• FOD204 Food Characterisation

Year 2 Microcredentials - Term 2

• ABE201 Being Successful at University (For 2nd year entrants)
• ABE202 Co-create (Negotiated Studies)
• ABE203 Anti-Racism in Professional Communications
• ABE204 Mind Your Language: Text Mining and Qualitative Approaches to Language Analysis
• ABE205 AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundation
• ABE206 Sustainability 101
• ABE207 Food for thought
• ABE208 Optimising your professional written communication
• ABE209 Mythbusters: Separating Breakthroughs from Fake News
• ABE210 The Future in Work
• ABE211 Social Enterprise: What, How and Why?
• ABE212 Artificial Intelligence and Society
• ABE213 My AI: Past, Present and Future
• ABE214 Digital Safety and Cybersecurity
• ABE215 Numbers for Success
• ABE216 Creative China: Culture, Regulation and Business
• ABE217 Creativity Matters: Engaging resources for Wellbeing

Year 3 Core Module

• New Product Development 1 - FOD403
• Food Processing - FOD303
• Food Properties and Functionalities - FOD309
• Placement for FNH/FCS - FOD302

Year 4 Core Modules

• Food Safety and Microbiology - FOD508
• Current Topics in Food - FOD405
• Project Research Methods and Management - SCN421
• New Product Development 2 - FOD404
• Honours Project - SCN422

How the course works

This degree is part of a larger portfolio of four courses covering food science, nutrition, fitness, wellbeing, and consumer science. The first two years of each course cover the same curriculum.

This initial two-year foundation curriculum is about Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing.

If you want to work in this industry or continue your studies but haven’t worked out exactly what you want to do, this is a great way to start. Our two-year foundation approach means you can keep your options open until you’ve learnt more about what really interests you.

In those first two years we’ll give you an introduction foundation so you can decide where you want to specialise. This means you’ll learn what you want to focus on, and your degree will suit your own interests and career aspirations. And, of course, we’ll advise you every step of the way.

Having gained two years of knowledge and discovered your own specialist area, in year three you choose from one of these pathways:

• BSc (Hons) Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing
• BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science
• BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health
• BSc (Hons) Fitness, Nutrition and Health

Your chosen course will be reflected in your degree title e.g. BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science.

Remember, you only need to apply for ONE course, as the first two years are the same for everyone.

Shape your own learning journey

It’s all about flexibility. The first two-year common curriculum means you can keep your options open until you know which area you want to focus on. Don’t worry, our academic team will give you advice and full support when it comes to choosing what to specialise in.

Whichever specialist path you decide on, by the time you graduate you will:

• Understand how to analyse the core issues behind your chosen subject
• Have developed analytical and problem-solving skills, useful in any work environment
• Have learned to work both independently and as part of a team
• Be able to critically evaluate evidence, arguments, and assumptions and reach sound judgements
• Have absorbed applied professional standards, ethics and responsibilities, including good decision-making
• Have developed excellent communication and digital skills so you can share your knowledge effectively across a wide range of audiences.

Teaching & Assessment

Each course involves lectures, small group tutorials, practical lab-based activities and private study.

Practical activities and work placements will enable you to contextualise the theories you learn in real-life applications.

You’re assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework.

You’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate information and challenge concepts using evidence-based information, and to show initiative, so you actively construct your own knowledge base.

The single most crucial aspect of student life is your need to engage with all teaching activities, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, team projects and practical work. Active participation is critical to making your learning and assessment strategy work for you.

Put simply, we aim to give you all the skills you need to move straight into a job or further study when you graduate.

Accreditation

This degree course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). An accreditation is an assurance that the standards set by the sector are met. An accredited degree can add weight to your experience when you are looking for employment.

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have a pass in English and Maths/Lifeskill Maths/Application of Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4. Higher Application of Maths at grade C accepted.

UK Entry to Year 1

Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects ---|---|--- Higher (standard entry) | BBBC | None Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry below. | BBC | None A-Level | CCC | None T Level | C or higher | in Core Component in one of the following:- Education & Early Years, Health, Healthcare Science, Science or Agriculture, Land Management & Production Irish Highers | H3H3H3H3 | None International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) | 27 Points | None International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying. | We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements. BTEC Extended Diploma | MMM | Applied Science/Applied Science (Medical Science)/ Business/Enterprise and Entrepreneurship/Environmental Sustainability/Health and Social Care/Hospitality/Sport/Travel and Tourism AHEAD | | Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme SWAP Access | BBB | Access to one of the following: University Study, Life Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Science, Biological Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences SQA HNC | C | Our College Qualifications pages list appropriate HNC/D qualifications

UK Entry to Year 2

Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects ---|---|--- Advanced Higher | BBB | Health & Food Technology or Home Economics and Biology or Chemistry A-Level | BBB | Food Studies and Biology or Chemistry BTEC Extended Diploma | DDD | Hospitality International Baccalauareate | 34 Points | Two from Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences plus one other Higher SQA HNC/HND | C | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses BTEC HNC/HND | M | Hospitality Management/ Applied Science/Applied Biology/Sport & Exercise Science International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | See next column | If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

UK Entry to Year 3

Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects ---|---|--- SQA HND | C | Our College Qualifications page list approved HND programmes International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | See next column | If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

International Entry

UGPGPreparation

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world. Please select your country from the searchable list below to view different qualification entry requirements. If you have different qualifications to those listed, please contact us using the form below.

Select your country from the searchable dropdown list

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Andorra
• Angola
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• British Overseas Territories
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Curacao
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• East Timor (Timor-Leste)
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Estonia
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Overseas Territories
• French Polynesia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guadeloupe
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran, Islamic Republic of
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire)
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Korea, Republic of
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lao PDR
• Latvia
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mali
• Malta
• Marshall Islands
• Martinique
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Palestine, State of
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Qatar
• Reunion
• Romania
• Russian Federation
• Rwanda
• Saint Barthélemy
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore
• Sint Maarten (Dutch Part)
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• St Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha
• St Lucia
• St Pierre And Miquelon
• St. Kitts-Nevis
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Syrian Arab Republic (Syria)
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania,United Republic of
• Thailand
• Togo
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• United States Overseas Territories
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
• Vietnam (Viet Nam)
• Western Sahara
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

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Academic Requirements

All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

Fees and funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

• Undergraduate student fees - Scottish Students
• Undergraduate student fees - UK Students (outside Scotland)
• Undergraduate student fees – EU & International Students

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.

As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.

• Abertay RUK Scholarship: Science and Social Science
• Abertay International Scholarship
• The Robert Reid Bursary
• Macphie Scholarship

Get inspired

Meet some of our Food and Consumer Sciences graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

• Malcolm Young
• Libby Todd

The Discover Uni dataset

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education. It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.

• Food and Consumer Science (Full time) KIS