Food Business and Marketing with Placement Year

Food business and marketing is a degree that addresses one of the most fundamental, dynamic, and economically significant sectors in the global economy. Every person on the planet is a consumer of food, and the systems through which food is produced, processed, marketed, and distributed are extraordinarily complex, spanning agricultural science, supply chain management, consumer behaviour, branding, and retail strategy. Professionals who understand both the commercial and the scientific dimensions of the food sector are in genuine demand.

At the University of Reading, this four-year full-time programme combines expertise in food business and marketing, drawing on multidisciplinary staff with knowledge spanning agri-food economics, consumer behaviour, marketing, and agriculture. You will gain insight into the entire food chain, from farm to fork, developing both the commercial and the analytical skills to work across different stages of the food system. The university has its own farms and specialist facilities, giving you access to hands-on learning in agricultural and food science contexts.

A placement year is included in the degree, providing sustained professional experience in the food industry and giving you direct commercial exposure before graduation. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates of food business and marketing programmes find careers in food manufacturing, retail, food service, supply chain management, food technology, marketing, and product development. The food sector is large, diverse, and genuinely global, and Reading's strong international standing in agriculture and food science means graduates are well equipped for roles across the UK and internationally. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in food marketing, agri-food economics, or business management, and some move into policy and advisory roles concerned with food security, sustainability, and the future of the food system.