Food and Nutrition with foundation year

OVERVIEW

Food and Nutrition is a major talking point today, with governments working hard to emphasise the importance of nutrition and health, while diet, food-related research and new food product developments and technologies are reported in the media on an almost daily basis. By studying our Food and Nutrition with foundation year degree, you will gain the scientific knowledge and specialist background in nutrition and the food industry to understand how to flourish in this fast-growing profession.

The foundation year provides a supportive introduction to university study. You will develop essential academic skills while beginning to explore key ideas around food and nutrition. It’s an ideal starting point if you want additional preparation or a confidence building route into higher education.

This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) - who maintain the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) - the course allows you to explore food science, technology and product development, as well as develop the skills required to critically evaluate common perceptions of nutrition and health. The course covers a vast range of core competencies in the sector, including science, the food chain, social and behavioural aspects, health and wellbeing and professional conduct.

Supported by fantastic facilities such as our Food Science and Innovation Suite and our Human Performance Centre, you will be able to apply your knowledge in practical and relevant ways to areas such as nutrition, public health, food science, manufacturing, technology and psychology. In addition, you will have opportunities for work experience to enhance your employability, while you will also go on a wide range of trips and visits to boost your industry engagement before you graduate.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?


- WORK PLACEMENTS – Boost your employability and real-world experience through undertaking work placements in the industry in line with your interests


- INDUSTRY VISITS – Visit industry sites and events with essential costs covered by the University – past visits have included food exhibitions, manufacturers, farms and producers


- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Develop a specialism relevant to your chosen career through optional modules covering subjects such as Sports and Exercise Nutrition and Food Product Design Development


- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Put your knowledge into practice working in our cutting-edge Food Science and Innovation Suite and other facilities


- ENRICHMENT – Our links with the food industry offer an array of opportunities including guest lectures and industry research


- TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION - We came third in the UK for overall student satisfaction among universities in the National Student Survey 2026 (when taking the average score for student satisfaction for each of the 26 questions in the NSS)


Our facilities

University College Birmingham is renowned for its outstanding food industry training facilities. Studying our Food and Nutrition degree course means you will have access to our state-of-the-art food development facilities including our Food Science and Innovation Suite, as well as our Human Performance Centre.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:


• Health promotion specialist



• Nutritionist



• Food technologist



• Product/process development scientist



• Nutritional therapist



• Secondary school teacher (food technology)



You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

Investing £300 million in its campuses, University College Birmingham is all about degrees that get you hired and practical support to get you through.

Its higher education qualifications are hands-on and shaped by the needs of industry, all taught by experienced industry experts across its seven campuses in the heart of Birmingham, a hub of business districts, nightlife, cultural attractions, parks and entertainment.

Some courses have a 2 Day Degree option, meaning you only have to be on-campus two consecutive days a week, freeing up the rest of the week for work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.

The university works with over 1,000 employers to benefit students, is accredited by top industry bodies and organisations, and is a centre for excellence across a range of subjects. As well as a £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance, it also offers Kick-Start funding of up to £800 a year to help pay for expenses such as uniform, food and drink.

Register your interest today and secure your place at University College Birmingham!