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Join us for an exciting two-week summer school in food studies at the University of Reading.

The University of Reading is ranked 22nd in the world and is the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry, including Food Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024)

What you’ll learn

The international summer school programme offers a unique blend of academic learning, hands-on experience, and cultural immersion. During this course, you will:

  • learn about various aspects of food science, including sensory evaluation, food processing, and food systems from world-leading experts  
  • gain hands-on experience through practical sessions in our state-of-the-art pilot plant and laboratories
  • enhance your communication and English language skills through dedicated tuition and interactive activities.

You will also gain a deeper understanding of the UK higher education system, study culture, and have opportunities to explore the towns of Reading, Oxford, and Cambridge.

 

Course details

This course is held annually in the department of Food and Nutritional Sciences.

  • Duration: 14 to 25 July 2025 (two weeks) 
  • Fees: £1,400 (including airport pickup and drop off) 
  • Accommodation: University Halls, £25-30 per night (depending on room facilities) 
  • Application deadline: 1 May 2025 

To apply for the course, email us at q.cheng@reading.ac.uk 

 

Detailed schedule

14 July: Welcome and campus tour 

  • Registration and campus card. 
  • Department welcome.
  • Library skills and tour.
 

15 July: Food research in Reading 

  • Sensory evaluation of foods.
  • Induction to pilot plant.
  • Ice cream processing.

16 July: Trip to Oxford 

  • Walking tour of historical colleges, museums, library, and chapels.
  • Dedicated tour guide

17 July: Sensory science for quality evaluation 

  • Vocabulary development. 
  • Sensory evaluation. 
  • Result discussion. 
  • English tuition. 
 

18 July: Studying and living in the UK 

  • Introduction to the University of Reading.
  • Study skills for UK higher education.
  • Applying for MSc or PhD courses.
  • English tuition. 
 

21 July: Food research and industry 

  • Food systems. 
  • Food for the future.
  • Tour of the Nutrition Clinic. 
  • Group discussion for new product development.
 

22 July: Food chain and health 

  • English tuition. 
  • Visit to the University farm. 
 

23 July: Visit to Cambridge 

  • Walking tour of historical colleges, museums, library, and chapels.
  • Dedicated tour guide
 

24 July: Laboratory experience 

  • Health and safety in the chemistry lab. 
  • Determining salt content in butter.
  • History of Huntley and Palmers Biscuits.
 
25 July: New product development competition 

Travel information

Reading is conveniently located and well connected to airports and railway stations. The average journey time is approximately: 

  • 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport 
  • 80 minutes from London Gatwick airport 
  • 25 minutes by train from central London. 

Visit our travel information page to find out more.