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Food and beverage studies courses

A food and beverage studies degree is an excellent basis for a career where you are responsible for the preparation, preservation and serving of food and drink to individuals. This covers the spectrum of food and drink groups, cooking techniques and methods, serving styles, as well as the management of premises and facilities where these acts take place to ensure they meet high standards and do not result in illness. Food and beverage graduates can apply this knowledge to careers in the hospitality and service industry where elements such as menu creation come into play. However graduates can also take on roles which are slightly more “behind-the-scenes” and further up the chain, ensuring that ingredients are sourced, stored and prepared properly.

Studying food and beverage studies at university

Example course modules

  • Food science
  • Food industry in practice
  • Food nutrition
  • Food business financial management
  • Food processing and preservation
  • Quality management
  • Food standards and quality
  • Nutrition and the food web
  • Society, lifestyle and food

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 65%
    Male : 35%
  • Mature : 35%
    School leaver : 65%
  • Full-time : 78%
    Part-time : 22%

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • At least two core science subjects (choose from Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Food and beverage studies graduates are equipped to work in hands-on roles as catering and service staff in restaurants, hotels, bars and other places where food and drink is prepared and served to customers. However with the knowledge they gain in this field, they can also move into management positions, overseeing those carrying out these roles and the premises as a whole. Graduates should therefore look to career opportunities in large cities or resorts which attract clientele for both business and pleasure. These can even be further away from home, providing acclaimed international experience and the opportunity to see the world. It’s worth researching areas which are emerging as new hotspots for tourism to identify career prospects.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Engineering professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Hospital doctor
  • Catering supervisor
  • Restaurant manager
  • Dietitian

Other real-life job examples

  • Production manager
  • Purchasing manager
  • Quality manager

What employers like about this subject

A food and beverage studies degree provides students with an in-depth understanding of how food and drink should be sourced, prepared, stored and presented. While this might seem rather specific, it does sharpen qualities such as attention to detail, which is looked for in a number of contexts. Meanwhile the elements of the course which involve managing individuals and premises draw on your communication skills and ability to respond to problems quickly as they arise.