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Check eligibility →MSci (Hons) Food Science Integrated Master's degree at the University of Leeds
MSci (Hons) Food Science at University of Leeds is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and recognised as a nationally accredited UK degree.
About this course
MSci (Hons) Food Science is an Integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons)) at the University of Leeds. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Food sciences graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £28,000. (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)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 99% (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
- Food: Past, Present and FutureCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Examine various aspects relating to specific foods commonly consumed in the UK and globally. You'll explore food histories, how these foods are currently produced within different social and political contexts, and consumption trends and food choice. You'll look at who controls what we eat and explore power inequalities in the global food system. Looking to the future of food, this module will also look at novel foods, and sustainability issues in food production, processing, distribution, and c
- Introduction to Human NutritionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore the basic concepts and principles of Nutritional Science. Throughout this module, you'll cover a UK and global perspective on the sources and role of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining human health, dietary requirements for respective nutrients and consequences of nutrient deficiency. You'll also gain practical skills in recipe development and food preparation.
- Academic and Professional SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This key module will introduce you to a diversity of academic and professional skills that will see you succeed throughout your degree, and beyond. You'll learn how to critically read scientific and non-scientific sources of Food Science and Nutrition information and how to communicate scientific aspects relating to your discipline to various audiences. You'll explore the application of study skills, such as Academic Integrity, Ethics, and Library Skills. By engaging in practicals, you'll build
- Food Safety and PreservationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamentals of food safety. You'll explore methods used to check for and control various microbiological, chemical, and physical contaminants. Thematic areas covered include good manufacturing practices, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), food preservation methods, and the appreciation of different food processing methods for the nutritional quality of food products. This module will also introduce you to food allergens and the consequences of food-borne path
- Biochemistry of Food and NutrientsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Develop the foundational understanding of the Biology and Chemistry underpinning distinct food properties, such as appearance, texture, and flavour, as well as how people perceive these attributes. Taking on an applied approach, this module will incorporate theoretical principles with laboratory practicals, including basic analysis for food properties like pH and colour change, food texture, and introductory sensory evaluation for foods.
- Understanding DataCompulsory10 credits
Module details
The module will introduce you to basic data analysis methods and statistical analysis packages for the Food and Nutritional Sciences. Depending on your discipline, you'll explore some specialist software, including Nutritics and MyFood24 for Nutrition. The module will also engage you in a practical dietary assessment exercise, where you'll be expected to apply your analysis skills.
Year 2 7 modules
- Advanced Food BiochemistryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will build on the knowledge of the Biochemistry of Food and Nutrients module in Year 1. You'll cover the biochemical reactions and processes occurring in food on a molecular level, giving you an understanding of the functionality of nutrients found in food.
- Food ProcessingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
You'll cover the processing of food, including the significance of raw materials and equipment. We'll discuss the unit operations in industrial food processing systems, with an emphasis placed on identifying the impact of critical food safety parameters and processing conditions on the physical, chemical and biochemical changes in food. The module will also include an exploration of the application of mathematical and physical models and calculations for food processing.
- Colloids in Food ProductsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
You'll be introduced to the physicochemical principles of colloid and interface science and the application of colloid science approaches to the processing and quality assessment of a range of food systems, with particular emphasis on dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives. The module will also cover aspects of colloidal changes in food that occur during eating and digestion.
- Food AnalysisCompulsory10 credits
Module details
Have you ever wondered how the information for a food nutritional label is produced? How can the protein, fat and sugar content of a food be determined? How are minerals and vitamin levels in a food or food product measured? How do we know if a food contains pesticide residues or contaminants? Is the food legal? How do you know if your beef burger is made from beef and not some other type of meat? This module aims to answer these questions.
- Professional Development and Research MethodsCompulsory10 credits
Module details
The module will develop your statistical analysis and critical appraisal skills. You'll be introduced to quantitative and qualitative research paradigms, to help prepare you for your final year Capstone research project. You'll also cover career development, employability and professionalism, with an introduction to the requisite competencies required by professional bodies, such as the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST).
- Introduction to Food Product DevelopmentCompulsory10 credits
Module details
The development of new food products plays an important role in a food business. Making sure that food products meet consumer expectations requires a knowledge of the tools required to develop new food products. This module will examine key stages of a food product development process including ideation, product concept design, and consumer sensory assessment.
- Advanced Food Safety and Quality AssuranceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Gain an advanced understanding of microbiological and chemical food safety issues, including risk assessments and minimising and regulating the risks according to government legislation in the food industry. You'll also cover allergen management and labelling, the different aspects of quality management, quality assurance and quality control for the food industry.
Year 3 2 modules
- Food Product Development: Interdisciplinary Team ProjectCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Examine the different stages of the food product development process and their application in the design of new food products. You'll look at everything from sourcing ingredients/raw materials, product formulation and processing, ingredient interactions in foods, packaging, market surveys, sensory evaluation, design of nutritional labels (including food claims) and marketing. Key to this module is working with your peers from both within and beyond the School to develop and deliver a new food pr
- How Ingredients Interact in FoodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Gain understanding of how changing the ingredients and/or the processing methods may affect product quality with respect to the texture, colour, flavour and quality of a range of food products. You'll primarily focus on practical application and analyses.
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 science behind food production, from farm through processing to the consumer. A course like this typically moves from foundational animal and crop biology in Year 1, through practical husbandry and agri-food systems, before progressing to specialist topics in later years. Year 2 normally covers nutrition, health and environmental management, alongside data and technology in agriculture. In Years 3 and 4, you'll pursue specialisations such as livestock production, equine science, agronomy, animal behaviour and welfare, or agri-tech, whilst developing farm business management skills. You'll complete applied research through a dissertation or industry project, often with a farm or industry partner.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications; 80% of recent entrants held A-levels or equivalent. The typical UCAS tariff among accepted students fell within 160–175 points. The course is taught in English.
University & format
The University of Leeds is a public research university and member of the Russell Group, located in Leeds. This MSci (Hons) Food Science is a 4-year integrated Master's degree taught full-time in English. The course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and awards a nationally recognised UK degree. The university holds a Silver rating for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Optional work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
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 |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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 D611). 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 University of Leeds →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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
students interested in strength and conditioning coaching
Check eligibility →students with business start-up ideas
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £28,000 | £25,000 – £30,000 | 175 |
| 3 years after | £27,000 | £23,500 – £32,000 | 40 |
| 5 years after | £34,000 | £29,000 – £40,500 | 40 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 175. Cohort 2021-22.
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.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 175. Cohort 2021-22. 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.
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
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £28,000. 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 9.0 out of 10: NSS 81.3% · continued 99%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Leeds
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 The University of Leeds
3,846 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 University of Leeds from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Leeds; 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 University of Leeds’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 University of Leeds and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Leeds
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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