There is a wide range of opportunity within the food sector for graduates to specialise. These opening include product development and packaging, marketing, quality assurance, food safety, food hygiene, hazard analysis and product information. Food science and technology graduates work not only in the laboratory, but in the field advising clients, trouble shooting and problem solving. Food scientists and food technologists work not only on food for humans but also in the animal food industry where the same stringent quality control standards must be met. The scientific principles upon which the programmes are founded can also be applied to the pharmaceutical industry which is now becoming more and more involved in development of products with specific nutritional applications.
Graduates also have the opportunity to study for a higher degree by research.
Some choose to enter the field of management and join training schemes attached to large companies. I have been able to secure employment in the field which most interests me. The programmes in Dietetics lead to State Registration. This is a requirement for a dietitian to be able to work in the National Health Service. Since places in dietetics are limited in number, the programme focuses on preparing students to work in the NHS as a dietitian.