Food and Consumer Science
Food and consumer science is a discipline that examines the complex relationships between how food is produced and processed, how consumers respond to it in terms of taste, nutrition and purchasing behaviour, and how the food industry develops products that are both commercially successful and scientifically sound. It draws on food science, sensory science, nutrition, consumer psychology and food technology to understand food supply and food choices from multiple angles, developing graduates who can work across the full range of organisations involved in putting food on the table.
At Abertay University this four-year programme, taught in state-of-the-art facilities, gives you practical experience of making and testing foods, exploring sensory science and applying cutting-edge technology to food analysis and product development. You will study the chemistry and microbiology of food, food manufacturing processes, nutrition science, consumer research methods, food marketing and the regulatory frameworks that govern food safety and labelling. A year abroad broadens your perspective on how food culture, production and consumer preferences vary across different national and market contexts, which is particularly valuable in a sector that is genuinely global.
The vocational character of the programme means the connection between academic knowledge and real industry practice is made explicit throughout your studies.
Graduates work across the food and drink industry in product development, quality assurance, sensory analysis, food safety management, marketing and consumer research roles. Retailers, food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, caterers and food regulators all recruit from this discipline, as do consultancies that advise the food industry. Some graduates move into public health nutrition, food policy or research roles in government bodies and academic institutions.
Others go on to postgraduate study in food science, nutrition or consumer behaviour, deepening their expertise in a particular area of the field.