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Consumer preferences are continually changing. Our programmes help you to acknowledge the importance of consumer demand and its effects on the industry.
Additionally, our modules are developed to aid your understanding of what influences consumer demand – and how it changes over time.
You will develop a number of core skills and techniques through varied study methods and research work.
Our staff are actively engaged in world-class research, and we tailor our teaching to reflect changing trends and emerging technologies within the sector.
Learn from our internationally-recognised experts in areas that include marketing and consumer behaviour, business management and strategy, economics, and food and consumer policy.
You will also have opportunities to be part of this research. For example, during your final-year research project you can choose a topic of interest related to our work and conduct your own in-depth research. You can also participate in a summer placement through the Reading Internship Scheme.
Because of our extensive industrial links, both of our marketing programmes give you the opportunity to work – with support – on real projects for companies such as Sainsbury's, Hotel Chocolat and Procter & Gamble.
Put theory into practice and experience working with clients as you gain an understanding of the real issues faced by the industry today, and the options available to marketers to help address their needs.
A year working in industry allows you to put what you've learned into practice, develop professional skills, and make contacts within the industry -it's a time to separate yourself from the competition.
Finding the balance between theory and practice is vital to maximising your future career prospects. A placement gives you closer insight into the marketing sector while developing useful links with the industry.
We have strong links with employers, including businesses and not-for-profit organisations, and many look for Reading undergraduates when recruiting.
Many of our students apply for placements with large, established organisations such as Marks & Spencer, Microsoft, and Nestle in a particular department. Other students have spent a rewarding year working for a smaller-scale business to gain broad experience of the whole operation, from design and production to marketing and sales. Students have also spent a rewarding year working for smaller-scale non-governmental organisations or charities abroad and in the UK.
Recent placements in Consumer Behaviour and Marketing have included:
Recent placements in Food Business and Marketing have included:
We have a dedicated placement officer who offers support, including CV checking and placement search, and a large Careers Team that organises one-to-one support sessions and employer-led events.
Please visit the School's undergraduate placement page for further information on the benefits of placements, how the School supports you in finding a placement, and placement FAQs.
Many of our students undertake three months of paid work experience during the summer vacation to gain further insight into the career path they want to pursue.
You can also participate in a six-week placement linked to research undertaken at the University. These placements are generally completed in the summer before your final year.
Stand out from the crowd by considering our Study Abroad option. By choosing to do a four-year degree, you can apply to study at one of our partner institutions for a year, or spend six months abroad and another six months working in the sector.
In an increasingly international and mobile world, studying abroad can help boost your future employability. It provides an exciting opportunity to acquire numerous transferable and desirable skills, and study specialisms additional to what's offered at Reading. It's also a fantastic life experience.
To qualify for the Study Abroad option, you must meet the requirements of the host institution. This option is highly competitive and is therefore not guaranteed.
All courses offered by our partner universities are taught in English.
Join a thriving community of students and staff from over 80 countries in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development – home to the Department of Agri-Food Economics and Marketing.