Food Technology with Bioprocessing

Food technology with bioprocessing addresses the science and engineering that underpin how food is produced, transformed, preserved, and made safe for consumption at scale. It draws on chemistry, biology, microbiology, and process engineering to understand the physical and biological changes that occur during food processing, and applies that knowledge to the design of products, production processes, and quality systems that ensure food is nutritious, safe, and acceptable to consumers. Bioprocessing adds particular depth in the biological dimension, covering fermentation, enzyme technology, and the use of microorganisms in food production.

The University of Reading's three-year full-time degree includes a sandwich year, giving you a professional placement in the food industry or a related sector before your final year. Reading has a long tradition of strength in food science and is closely connected to the agri-food industry, providing the programme with industry expertise and employment networks that enrich both the academic content and the career opportunities available to graduates. You will study food chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, food processing and engineering, quality assurance, sensory science, bioprocessing, fermentation technology, and food safety legislation.

The sandwich placement allows you to apply your scientific knowledge in an industrial context, develop professional skills, and experience how food production operates at scale.

Graduates in food technology with bioprocessing go on to work in food and drink manufacturing, quality assurance and control, product development, regulatory affairs, and food safety consultancy. The bioprocessing specialism opens additional opportunities in pharmaceutical fermentation, industrial biotechnology, and the growing sector of alternative proteins and sustainable food production. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study to develop specialist expertise, and some pursue careers in research and development within the food, beverage, or biotechnology industries.