Course overview

The Food Science BSc (Hons) course at Coventry University is focused on food production, new product design, food analysis, and food safety. This course provides an opportunity to prepare for a career as a food scientist in the largest manufacturing industry in the UK.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is currently accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).

What you'll study

Year one

• Physiology and Biochemistry for Nutrition - 20 credits
• Introduction to Public Health - 20 credits
• Chemistry of Foods - 20 credits
• Introduction to Food Law and Policy - 20 credits
• Practical and Academic Skills for Food and Nutrition Sciences - 20 credits
• Introduction to Food Preparation and Production - 20 credits

Year two

• Research and Employability Skills for Food, Nutrition and Health - 20 credits
• Nutrition through the Lifespan - 20 credits
• Food Microbiology - 20 credits
• Principles of Food Preparation - 20 credits
• Food Processing Technology - 20 credits
• Food Properties and Material Sciences - 20 credits

Placement year

• UK Work Placement – 0 credits
• International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

Final year

• Product Design - 20 credits
• Research Design for Food, Safety and Nutrition Sciences - 20 credits
• Independent Project in Food, Safety and Nutrition Sciences - 20 credits
• Integrated Topics in Nutrition, Food and Public Health - 20 credits
• Food Quality, Safety and Assurance - 20 credits
• Food Biotechnology - 20 credits

How you'll learn

Our teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, and practical skills sessions. Practical sessions will be taught in our SuperLab, analytical laboratory, and teaching kitchens.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Entry requirements

• UK: 112 UCAS points, BBC to include Biology or Chemistry, excludes General Studies
• International: 30 points to include 5 points in Biology or Chemistry at Higher level
• GCSE requirement: GCSE maths, English, and two sciences at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2

Fees and funding

• UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man: £9,535 per year
• EU: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary, £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary
• International: £18,300 per year

Facilities

This course is taught at the Coventry University campus, primarily in the Alison Gingell building. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities.

SuperLab

Our state-of-the-art SuperLab can hold up to 250 students at one time and has facilities for cell and microbial culture and equipment for microscopy, DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and analysis.

Analytical Chemistry Suite

The Analytical Chemistry Suite is a dedicated space for chemistry-based teaching. Students can complete ‘wet’ chemistry and preparatory work, complemented by a comprehensive suite of analytical equipment.

Kitchen facilities

You will use the kitchens for a variety of tasks where you develop understanding of food processing relevant to industry and local authority food inspection.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates are needed across the food chain from raw material inspection, production, and processing through to final product evaluation. This degree aims to provide students who wish to work in any part of the food chain process, including the areas of food and nutritional sciences, with the knowledge and skills to evaluate and analyze food in respect of safety, quality, and nutrition.

A wide range of potential career opportunities may include fields such as food analysis and safety, product development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, food production, biological and analytical research, and postgraduate study.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
• Received university status in 1992
• Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
• Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
• Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in various disciplines
• Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
• Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
• Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
• Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
• Unique academic programs include:
  • Centre for Applied Science and Technology
  • Centre for Business in Society
  • Centre for Intelligent Systems

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• Excellent industry connections and partnerships
• Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
• Notable alumni include:
  • Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
  • Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
  • Sir Patrick Stewart, actor

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Accommodation services
• Library with over 1 million books and resources
• Technology support
• Career development services