You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• food science and technology
• food and nutritional science
• food technology and product development

You may be able to study for a postgraduate qualification in food science if you have a related first degree, such as:

• biochemistry
• microbiology
• agricultural science

You can search for degree and postgraduate courses through the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Experience of working in a food science or food development environment, for example through an industrial placement during your course, may improve your career prospects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

• Food Technologist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Food Industry Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take between 2 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of training on-the-job and classroom study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

You could start as a food technologist, development assistant or lab technician with a food manufacturer. You would then study for relevant qualifications while you work.

You'll need:

• knowledge of food production methods
• Knowledge of chemistry
• knowledge of biology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a food scientist, you'll:

• develop new recipes and improve existing products
• provide accurate nutritional information for food labelling
• test samples to make sure they meet safety and quality standards
• design production processes to be more efficient
• research different ways to combine ingredients, textures and flavours
• investigate and fix problems, like customer complaints or quality issues

You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.