Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: D691
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
Why choose this course?
Would you like to become a key player in the single largest manufacturing food and drink sector in the UK? The UK food sector is the fourth largest food and drink manufacturing industry in the world with a turnover of £70bn and employing 500,000 people. Shaping the future of the food industry demands a workforce capable of embracing technological innovation and change amidst an ever increasing consumer demand for novel healthy foods and stricter environmental legislations.
This course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to gain employment within the food and drink industry in production, quality control, new product development and innovation or to become self employed. Abertay students have an opportunity to undertake an exciting real-life placement and/or Honours project within the food sector, or in collaboration with FoodInnovation@Abertay (FIA).
In this course we provide a multidisciplinary approach to acquaint you with the wide range of skills required for a successful career in the food industry. The taught course includes theoretical, practical and applied elements of food science underpinning food operations, food processing technology, food biotechnology, food safety management, food microbiology, food hygiene and quality systems, as well as case studies and research perspectives. You will have the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and obtain the skills required to engage in self-employment activities. The course is supported by seminars delivered by industry specialists and experts and by visits to food manufacturing companies, laboratories and research establishments. You will have the opportunity for work-based learning in the form of a placement as well as a “real-life” project undertaken in the food industry, university or research institute or in collaboration with FoodInnovation@Abertay (FIA).
How you learn
You will be introduced to an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, small group seminars, laboratory classes, work placements, external visits and case studies designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the processes and procedures used in the food industry. Emphasis is on hands on learning and active problem solving. The work placement is designed to familiarise you with the work ethics of the food industry whilst the project phase of the course is designed to allow you to apply what you have learned in a “real life” situation. Working closely with an expert supervisor, this allows you to produce an original piece of work and develop a strong understanding of a specialist area.
How you are assessed
A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the course including formal examination, written submissions, seminars, laboratory reports, poster presentations and presentations to audiences. By working within project groups and by yourself, you will improve your core employability skills such as communication, project planning and teamwork which are very important skills for any career. The work placement allows you to form networking links in the food industry and may lead to a career path. The project dissertation allows you to develop a specialist area of expertise of your choice.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Higher BBCC; A Level CCD; ILC (H) B2B2C2C2
Essential subjects: Chemistry and another science or Home Economics at Higher, A Level or equivalent; and GCSE English and Maths at Grade A or B, or Standard Grade English and Maths at Credit Level (grade 1 or 2).
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Advanced entry (year 2)
Advanced entry is possible for applicants with suitable subjects at A Level or Advanced Higher and offering approximately 300 UCAS points (e.g. BBB at A Level or BBB at Advanced Higher) from these qualifications. Each application will be considered on its own merits. If you would like us to consider you for advanced entry please contact the admissions tutor in the first instance to discuss your qualifications.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Career prospects
Graduates are equipped with the skills required to take advantage of career opportunities within a range of food industries (food technology, food safety management, food product development, food processing, brewing and distilling, food supply chain, quality management) or allow you to develop your own ideas and business or undertake further postgraduate studies in related subjects. During your studies you will be able to build up contacts with industry and researchers and your final placement project allows you gain valuable work experience.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£1820 per year. Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
