About this course
Nottingham Trent University’s Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship has been designed in conjunction with the food and drink manufacturing industry.
Degree Apprenticeships help employers to grow their own talent and nurture the employees who will go on to play a key role in their business. For many employers it provides an alternative option to graduate recruitment. Employees get the opportunity to gain a degree in BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology, with the addition of hands-on experience gained through work.
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Nottingham Trent University’s Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship has been designed in conjunction with the food and drink manufacturing industry. -
Degree Apprenticeships help employers to grow their own talent and nurture the employees who will go on to play a key role in their business. For many employers it provides an alternative option to graduate recruitment. -
The apprenticeship offers structured, quality assured education alongside practical on the job learning that benefits both the employer and the employee. -
98% of Level 6 Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship students are positive about the teaching on their course (National Student Survey 2024).
Who is this aimed at?
The Degree Apprenticeship is equivalent to the first steps on the Higher Education ladder, and is aimed at applicants, aged 18 and over, interested in developing a scientific or technical career. Some Apprentices start in entry level roles whilst others are more experienced staff perhaps without formal qualifications in the field. Usually their career and responsibilities progress throughout the duration of the programme. It is ideal for those in roles covering quality assurance, technical, production and new product development.
- You will study a range of disciplines in food science and technology, including biochemistry, product development and manufacturing processes and technologies.
- The block study approach allows you to combine studies with work and apply what you learn at University to the workplace.
- You will be working with others from the food industry, sharing work and study experiences.
- This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology
How is the degree apprenticeship course run?
The Degree Apprenticeship is a four-year programme which leads to a full BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Technology.
Here's what our students say:
"The best thing about doing my Apprenticeship is getting the combination of work experience and a salary, while getting a degree and not racking up tens of thousands of pounds of debt to pay for university." Ryan Clifford, Research and Development Apprentice.
Contact us
We can guide you through the complexities of applying, employer commitments and fees and funding. Get in touch to find out how to get started.
Tel: +44 (0) 115 848 4793
We are the top-rated University provider of higher and degree apprenticeships in the UK in the RateMyApprenticeship Top Training Providers list for 2024-25.
What you’ll study
How will I learn?
You will experience a range of learning and teaching methods. As well as traditional lectures and tutorials you will undertake practical work in our food processing laboratory and chemistry laboratory. Visits to commercial businesses are also arranged. Course material will also be delivered by online learning.
How will I be assessed?
You will likely be assessed through coursework and exams.
Block study periods
The course is delivered by a combination of fourteen 5-day block study periods alongside online learning to deliver additional material. Years One and Two will each contain four study blocks and years Three and Four will each contain three study blocks.
Food Chemistry
Study aspects of chemistry that are of particular relevance to food production. Carry out laboratory analysis of foodstuffs and learn the principles of data analytics.
Food Raw Materials
Understanding the different attributes of a range of food raw materials and evaluate how agriculture practices affect their quality. The module also covers supply chain management procedures, and how primary production is manipulated to modify characteristics of raw materials.
Food Safety
Gain the knowledge and skills to implement safe practices in the production of food. This module covers the professionally recognised Level 4 Food Safety syllabus.
Food Product Manufacture
Learn how to combine theory with practical application. You'll use the pilot plant equipment in the food processing hall to undertake a range of food processing operations and apply principles of safety, hygiene and quality to food production.
Principles of Product Development
Assess the market and identify the need for a new product across different sectors of the food industry. you'll also learn about technical feasibility and cost analysis of developing a new product.
Quality Assurance
Examine concepts, methodologies and techniques of food quality assurance, including hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). Carry out shelf-life assessments and apply quality assurance techniques to food products.
Microbiology of Food Processing
Develop knowledge and understanding of microbial food spoilage and toxin production. Undertake laboratory work, learning and applying a variety of techniques for the microbiological assessment of food.
Sustainable Food Production
Discuss the challenges, problems and benefit related to the sustainability of food production and food supply chains. You'll also identify and evaluate methods by which the environmental impact of the food industry can be minimised.
Professional Development for the Food Industry
Learn business and management skills and understand organisational structures within the food industry.
Consumer Nutrition and Health
Understand human nutrition and develop an ability to analyse foods for macronutrients associated with nutrition and allergens. You'll also investigate how consumer needs affect product development.
Food Technology
Gain a sound understanding of processing operations used in the food industry, including mixing and emulsifying, filtration, heat-processing methods and dehydration.
Project
Carry out an individual work-based study project on a topic approved by the University and your employer.
Food Biochemistry
Study the biochemical aspects of food processing, both beneficial (e.g. fermentation processes) and detrimental (e.g. food spoilage). Genetically modified (GM) crops and microbes will also be explored.
Product Innovation
Consider the stages involved in the development of a new food product from specification design and cost analysis through to packaging, labelling and marketing. Understand the various constraints within which new food product development takes place.
Food Industry Management
Develop and promote your management skills. You'll focus on management issues within the food industry, including understanding the integrated nature of the supply chain and the commercial and political environment in which the industry operates.
Advances in Food Processing and Technology
This module will broaden your understanding of a range of food processing technologies, including membrane processes, high pressure processing and freezing, chilling and controlled atmosphere preservation. You will also learn about the scientific principles underpinning these technologies and their impact on food production, quality and safety.
Completing your Apprenticeship
To achieve the apprenticeship, all apprentices must complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is an independent assessment that ascertains whether an apprentice is competent in their occupation.
Gateway
Gateway is the period of time between the end of the off-the-job training (practical period) and the beginning of the assessment period when EPA will take place.
At Gateway, the apprentice, employer and training provider will review the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to determine whether they are ready to take their EPA. This is normally done at a Gateway review meeting which takes place near the end of the apprenticeship. At this meeting, all three parties will check that the mandatory aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed and that the apprentice is ready to take their final assessment(s).
Apprentices must meet the Gateway requirement set out in the assessment plan before taking their EPA.
End-Point Assessment
This apprenticeship is integrated. This means that the end-point assessment is administered by Nottingham Trent University and is usually linked to the academic award that apprentices study whilst in their off-the-job training period. The assessments are conducted by Independent End-Point Assessors who have been selected to assess apprentices against industry-specific competences.
Details of the assessment elements can be found in the assessment plan.
There are two elements to this end-point assessment:
- Work-based project
- Technical interview
Successful apprentices will be eligible to apply for membership with the Institute of Food Science and Technology and attain Registered Scientist status.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Our current students and recent graduates tell you all about their time at NTU and what they've gone on to do next.
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Careers and employability
Your career development
This qualification will assist your career progression within the food and drink sector. They are appropriate for a range of roles including quality assurance, technical, production and new product development.
This course does not currently offer placements.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 hectares of stunning countryside.
Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level equivalent in a Science subject.
Other requirements: GCSEs - English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology, Environmental Studies, Sports Science and Design and Technology: Food Technology.
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility.
Additional requirements for UK students
Other requirements
You must be employed in the food industry under an 'Apprenticeship Agreement'. Your employers must fully support you in all aspects of your learning programme including time off to attend study sessions.
Applications are also encouraged from industry professionals or mature students who may not have formal entry qualifications, but who can demonstrate commitment or have relevant experience.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email us.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Unfortunately English apprenticeships are not available for EU or international students.
Additional requirements for international students
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
