BSc (Hons) Bakery and Patisserie Technology Bachelor's degree at University College Birmingham
BSc (Hons) Bakery and Patisserie Technology at UCB weaves together core theory in food science and production with applied practice in a real working environment, alongside research methods, specialist options tailored to your interests, and an independent project that lets you…
About this course
BSc (Hons) Bakery and Patisserie Technology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at UCB. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Agriculture, food and related studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Agriculture & Animal Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 89% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Bakery Science and NutritionCore
Module details
This module is intended to introduce basic scientific and nutritional principles which will form the base for scientific modules going forward. The core food molecules such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins will be discussed from both a chemical and nutritional aspect. The theory will be underpinned via the use of rheological and chemical laboratory testing of relevant bakery ingredients and finished products.
- Business Foundations for Bakery and PatisserieCore
Module details
This module will introduce you to the core principles of business in the bakery and patisserie industry, including marketing, finance, and digital tools. The module will develop fundamental skills in financial literacy, consumer engagement, and digital/e-commerce, preparing you for more advanced business and management modules at higher levels.
- Traditional and Contemporary ConfectioneryCore
Module details
This module will develop your practical and theoretical skills in confectionery through classic and contemporary cake-making methods. You will explore ingredient functionality and process selection while creating both standard and "free-from" cake applications. Emphasis is placed on applying research and problem-solving to achieve professional standards in product design and quality.
- Principles of Cake DecorationCore
Module details
This module introduces you to the principles and practice of cake decoration. You will choose from a selection of customer specifications, plan and design their cake, and calculate the costs involved. Over the course, you will develop practical skills in icing, piping, and decorating, applying creativity and attention to detail to produce a finished cake that meets the client's requirements.
- Applied Food Safety in Bakery and PatisserieCore
Module details
This module focuses on food safety practices in Bakery and Patisserie environments. You will explore microbiology, temperature control, hygiene, allergen management, and legal responsibilities while completing practical laboratory activities. Digital and AI tools will support independent learning, culminating in the opportunity to complete an additional external Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Artisan BreadCore
Module details
This practical bread module focuses on developing your skills to produce artisan style breads using applying traditional methods utilised in the baking industry. The sessions will develop your technical scientific knowledge and understanding of sourdough and yeast fermentation used within the craft and artisanal sectors.
Year 2 6 modules
- Sensory Science and Data HandlingCore
Module details
Food is a basic necessity, but the delivery of food products that meet customers' expectations is the lifeblood of any food and beverage producer and retailer. Human senses are critical in our appreciation of food and drink. The evaluation of consumer preferences and the overall quality of food underpins all food development work and the ability to analyse food effectively and within established standards is paramount. This module allows you to explore how our senses work, applying them to scien
- Quality Assurance and LegislationCore
Module details
This module will provide you with an introduction to quality assurance in relation to food manufacturing and industry techniques used to ensure quality and compliance with legislation. There will be a series of practical sessions designed to demonstrate the implementation of key quality systems. The assessment uses case study scenarios in a food manufacturing context to develop students' insight in relation to hazard controls, traceability and specification design. Quality Assurance in food manu
- Functional Ingredients for BakeryCore
Module details
Many key bakery ingredients provide functionality to the product, whether it is during processing or after baking. You will explore both a bread and confectionery key ingredient during this practical bakery module, allowing you to research, plan and execute test baking and lab analysis to justify bakery ingredients functionality, all skills which are vital in the bakery ingredient manufacturing sector of the UK baking Industry.
- Contemporary Bread ProductionCore
Module details
The contemporary bread production modules will allow you to both produce the products and study the technical aspects of typical bread and morning goods found on UK retailers' shelves. Where applicable, artisan and modern machine based processes are replicated in UCB bakery suite. The practical work is underpinned by analytical lab sessions and workshops to understand production methods and ingredients effect. You will study the science and technology of making bread/morning goods, including
- Creative Patisserie and ChocolateCore
Module details
This module enables you to develop advanced skills in patisserie and chocolate making through a combination of hands-on practice and scientific understanding of ingredients. You will gain experience in planning, designing, and producing high-quality desserts, while exploring flavour combinations, presentation techniques, and contemporary trends. The module also addresses allergen awareness, equipping you to create professional, innovative patisserie and chocolate products that meet current indus
- Bakery Product DevelopmentCore
Module details
This module will introduce you to the full product development process, from idea generation and market research to prototype creation and industry presentation. Through a blend of theory and hands-on practical, you will gain the skills needed to design, develop, and evaluate innovative bakery products that meet real market needs. You will explore key concepts such as critical path planning, market trend analysis, sensory testing, packaging, and costing. You will have the opportunity to develop
Year 3/4 1 modules
- Work PlacementOptional
Module details
You will gain valuable work experience on a 48-week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. Please note: this placement is only available to students on the BSc (Hons).
Year 3 6 modules
- Current Issues in Bakery and NutritionCore
Module details
You will study current issues and trends in bakery and nutrition by reading press articles and scientific reports, paying particular attention to current legislation and industry recommendations.
- Bakery Production SystemsCore
Module details
The Bakery Production Systems module develops higher level skills and knowledge in quality assurance, food safety, and the production and care of high risk products. You will apply this to savoury products, new production methods including wafer making, biscuit production techniques, and pressure whisks.
- International Bakery Traditions and Cultural AdaptationsCore
Module details
Take a culinary journey around the globe with the International Bakery Traditions and Cultural Adaptation module. This advanced module is designed to transform you from a skilled baker into a culturally aware product innovator and future industry leader. You will delve into the rich tapestry of global baking, exploring how traditions from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas have been shaped by history, geography, and culture. More importantly, you will learn how to critically adapt a
- Bakery Supply Chain and SustainabilityCore
Module details
You will gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability which is vital for all graduates entering the baking industry. This module will provide you with an understanding of sustainability throughout the bakery supply chain, including logistics, production, packaging and end consumer.
- Strategic Enterprise & Live Project in Bakery & PatisserieOptional
Module details
This capstone module is the ultimate opportunity to consolidate everything you have learned throughout your degree. Running across both semesters of your final year, this intensive module challenges you to step into the role of an entrepreneur by designing, planning, and executing a live bakery event with real customers and measurable financial outcomes. This is where theory meets reality. You will apply advanced digital, financial, and managerial skills to execute a genuine business venture, cu
- Applied Food ProjectOptional
Module details
Within this project you will be able to research an aspect of Bakery / Patisserie that you have flare and interest for, as examples this can be a creative product development project, a scientific project or a project based around a current issue in bakery or patisserie. For this project you will develop a 5,000 word journal article supported by a poster presentation. You will be supported throughout this project with regards to key research by an appointed tutor.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the applied science of bakery and patisserie production. A course like this typically moves from foundational food science and baking theory in Year 1, through practical techniques and product development in Year 2, to specialist options and industry projects in Year 3. You'll usually cover the chemistry of fermentation and dough, pastry and confectionery methods, food safety and hygiene, and commercial bakery operations. Specialisations such as artisan bread-making, cake design, or industrial-scale production may be available. Throughout, you'll develop both technical skills in the kitchen laboratory and understanding of how bakery businesses operate.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you have a genuine interest in bread-making, pastry, or confectionery production, and you're equally keen on understanding the science behind them. You'll thrive if you're practical and methodical, comfortable working in both laboratory and production settings, and motivated to solve real problems in food manufacturing. This programme will feel collaborative and skills-focused; you'll spend substantial time applying theory hands-on rather than sitting in lectures alone. You should be ready to engage with both the chemistry of fermentation and the precision required in a professional kitchen.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at University College Birmingham, a university located in Birmingham. The course is taught in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the university's degrees are nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| another higher-education qualification | 60% |
| A-levels or equivalent | 40% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code DN6H). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at UCB →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Agriculture & Animal Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £24,000 – £28,500 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £23,500 | £16,500 – £27,000 | 85 |
| 5 years after | £28,000 | £19,500 – £33,500 | 80 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in agriculture & animal science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Agriculture & Animal Science nationally
National figures for Agriculture & Animal Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Agriculture & Animal Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 285 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Agriculture & Animal Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Agriculture & Animal Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Agribusiness & food producers
- DEFRA & agencies
- Estates & farms
- Animal & wildlife charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Agriculture & Animal Science graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.1 out of 10: NSS 92.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 89%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University College Birmingham
Agriculture, food and related studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University College Birmingham
5,216 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Agriculture & Animal Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to UCB from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by UCB; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check UCB’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with UCB and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at UCB
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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