Food scientist

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• food science and technology
• food and nutritional science
• food technology and product development

You may be able to study for a postgraduate qualification in food science if you have a related first degree, such as:

• biochemistry
• microbiology
• agricultural science

You can search for degree and postgraduate courses through the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Experience of working in a food science or food development environment, for example through an industrial placement during your course, may improve your career prospects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

• Food Technologist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Food Industry Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take between 2 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of on-the-job training and classroom study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a food technologist, development assistant or lab technician with a food manufacturer. You would then study for relevant qualifications while you work.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Institute of Food Science and Technology for professional development opportunities, industry news and access to career resources.

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a food scientist from the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

As a food scientist, you'll:

• develop new recipes and improve existing products
• provide accurate nutritional information for food labelling
• test samples to make sure they meet safety and quality standards
• design production processes to be more efficient
• research different ways to combine ingredients, textures and flavours
• investigate and fix problems, like customer complaints or quality issues

You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.