Food Science

About the Course

Most of the top universities across the globe offer this course at degree level, associate level, and diploma level as well. Moreover, you can choose from a diverse range of twenty specializations and more. You can pursue the degree course as a BSc, in general, which takes three to four years to complete. Technology in food also comes along as an additional subject in most courses. If you pursue the course in the US, then you have to devote four years to the study. Some integrated courses are available in the UK, wherein you can study the course for four years, after which you will be granted a master’s qualification in the same. You can also study in the Master’s program after graduation. The total years of study will be six years. 

The course will combine detailed theoretical knowledge along with practical. You will be required to attend laboratory work, seminars, group discussions, and industry visits, as a part of the curriculum. Some of the subjects that you will study in the course include food chemistry, physiology, public health, food microbiology, analysis of food, plant science, food processing, and food economics. 

General Entry Requirement (In Scope to The Countries)

The general entry requirements vary from one country to another. Moreover, the courses may have different entry requirements, in various universities in the same country. You need to check separately for each one before applying. 

However, you can find a general summary of the eligibility conditions here:

• You must complete 10+ 2 with science subjects.

• The subjects, which you must study in Class 12, include biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or Home Science. 

• The minimum marks criteria are 60-70%. 

• If you are from a non-English speaking nation, you must sit for tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. 

• You have to sit for examinations like ACT, OET, and SAT, to study BSc in Food Science abroad. 

• At the postgraduate level, you can study the course after the completion of the BSc in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics or Btech or BE in Food Technology. 

What Courses Are Available?

There is a plethora of options for studying Food Science abroad. Some of the top countries, where you can pursue the course are the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia, to name a few. You should be able to find the below courses there:

• BSc in Food Science

• Agricultural Science and Food Science – BSc

• Agricultural Science and Food Technology – BS

• Animal Sciences – Meat Science – BSc

• BSc – Nutrition and Food Sciences

• BSc -Honours in Food Science and Technology

• Agricultural Science, Food Science- MSc

• MSc Chemical - Biotechnical Technology and Food Technology 

• MSc in Food Science 

• Bachelor of Food Science and Technology

These are a few options that you can avail yourself of. The top universities offering Food Science and allied courses are Cornell University, National University of Singapore, Melbourne University, Sydney University, University of Edinburgh, Toronto University, University of Tokyo, Arizona State University, and RMIT University. 

Personal Statement (SOP Requirement)

You should write your personal statement very carefully while applying for a BSc or MSc course in Food Science abroad. Competition is very tight, so only the best will be absorbed by the colleges and universities abroad. Your food science personal statement should explain your strengths, skills, experience, or any future plans for yourself. You should also sound enthusiastic while applying for the course. If you like cooking and baking, then you should highlight these as your hobbies. A passion for anything will work in the favour of the student in the long run. So, most admission counsellors look for passion in what you do. 

There are certain professional competencies which you should have as a Food Science student or later in your career. They are:

• Interest in Food and Nutrition

• Problem solving skills

• Organizational skills

• Research skills

• Scientific analysis and reasoning

• Awareness 

• Time management

When you write the statement of purpose, it is highly important that you highlight the above competencies and then explain them with examples. The language need not be too flowery. Most admission counsellor run short on time, so do not bother writing elaborate statements. Short and direct statements make a mark.