School of Food Science and Nutrition
On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about starting your studies at the School of Food Science and Nutrition.
You can scroll to a section that has information that specifically applies to you as a new student or returning student, and there is information for all students.
We’ve also included some helpful links at the end of the page to direct you to anything else you might need.
If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.
For all students (whether you are new/returning, undergraduate or postgraduate)
Where can I go for support?
For the Student Education Service team and student support, please email the Student Information Point at studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk in the first instance. The Student Information Point (SiP) can answer most queries and anything they cannot answer will be referred to the specialist support teams. If you would rather visit them in person, you can find the points around campus on the asking for help page.
The Student Education Service team
- Helen Jones – School Education Service Manager
- Katie Tate – Student Education Service Officer
- Rachel Rigby – Student Education Service Assistant
- Ibby Ibrahim – Student Education Service Officer
If required, the SiP will put you directly in contact with the Student Education Service team within the School and they can make you an appointment with the Student Support Officer.
Postgraduate researchers can also email the Faculty Graduate School office at pgr-env-fgt@leeds.ac.uk.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
The majority of our teaching will be through Minerva. You can also use our Food Science and Nutrition library resources.
Where can I find relevant career information throughout my studies?
Our Employability team is here to support, guide and advise you. You can also access the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country with experienced advisers and strong relationships with graduate recruiters.
You can email Becky Winwood, our Employability and Placements Officer at r.winwood@leeds.ac.uk.
Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?
Leeds has one of the largest students’ unions in the country. Leeds University Union (LUU) exists to represent, support and entertain you throughout your student years. The union has over 300 clubs and societies to choose from – you can get involved in anything from football to chess, wine tasting to skydiving, dance to ‘a cappella’. You can even try your hand at Quidditch! Through the Global Community you can connect with students from over 140 different countries and take part in a range of international activities.
Within the School of Food Science and Nutrition, we have the Food Science and Nutrition society, which is open for students on any course within the School of Food and Nutrition to join. The Food Science society organise trips and socials to give you a chance to widen your interest in food studies and get to know people on your course outside of lectures.
We hold many activities and socials and we have a new LUFSS Women's Netball team for those who enjoy sport. We have regular socials planned throughout the year which include: nights out, cheese and wine night, Bongo Bingo and a summer BBQ. To find out more you can join ‘LUFSS – Leeds Uni Food Science Society’ on Facebook.
The Sustainability society is the newest society within the Faculty of Environment, and we’re open to all who would like to get involved and socialise with new people. We aim to provide opportunities for members to meet each other through fortnightly socials, faculty sports teams as well as via trips and volunteering opportunities.
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
You have access to a range of tutors who are there to support you. Your personal tutor can help with any questions or your module leader can talk you through aspects of your module that you don’t understand.
The Faculty of Environment also, uniquely, have an online platform supplied by the Royal Literary Fund (RLF) to run sessions with students. RLF Writing Fellows are professional writers who offer individual appointments where students can discuss all aspects of their writing, such as structuring an argument, making the essay clearer and improving style. The sessions are free, confidential and independent of the university.
In addition to this, all University of Leeds students get free access to over 16,000 LinkedIn Learning courses, to support with study skills, time management, building resilience and many other areas.
Do I need to provide my core reading texts?
The Library liaises closely with academic staff delivering on the BSc, MSci and MSc Nutrition courses to ensure that the Library’s print and electronic material is appropriate to the curriculum. Many books and most periodicals are available in electronic format. Reading lists for the modules of the BSc, MSci and MSc Nutrition programmes are submitted to the Library and updated by module leaders via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.
This information is used to ensure adequate numbers of required texts are available for students. Stock usage is monitored and, where necessary, additional copies are purchased or loan periods adjusted to meet student demand You can find your reading lists on the module catalogue.
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?
The majority of our teaching will be through Minerva. Certain modules use specific software and you will be taught how to use this software in those modules. You’ll see ‘Navigating Minerva’ sessions in your timetable which we encourage you to attend to learn how to use the software.
What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?
The School has specialised teaching laboratory facilities in food processing, food sensory evaluation, texture analysis and food analysis. Laboratory classes are considered fundamental to the Nutrition programme, and on average, students will spend around 3 to 6 hours per week in practical work.
Academic staff and experienced technical staff support students’ experiential learning and development, and laboratory sessions introduce and develop many important transferable skills relevant to the course as well as future employability.
Laboratory sessions are embedded into different modules and focus on food analysis, food biochemistry, food processing, product development and physiology. In addition, modern research facilities (e.g. iDXA, indirect calorimetry, genomic and proteomic lab and human cell culture) are available to students during specialised modules and during the final year, as dictated by the specifics of their individual research project.
Our specialist research facilities include the latest equipment for investigating the colloidal nature of foods, small and wide angle X-ray scattering equipment (SAXs and WAXS), cutting-edge electron microscopy facilities, texture analysers, tribometers as well as HPLC and GC analytical equipment.
Across the University of Leeds campus there are computer clusters, study areas and library spaces that are available to book.
What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?
As a course representative you’ll work in a community alongside your School’s staff, School representatives, and other students to effectively create change. By representing students on your course you’ll enhance the student learning experience by voicing and challenging academic issues. Your role can influence major changes.
Find out more about the role of the Environment course reps and how to apply (PDF) and then apply to be a course rep via the application form by Monday 9 October at 12pm. Further information will be given to you during induction week.
What previous course reps have said:
“I loved being able to bridge the gap between the university and students – by both relaying feedback and responding to it by taking action. One of these ways was improving communications between students through a faculty instagram page which shared events, opportunities and updates for students. This was a casual and informal way for students to be updated on what's happening around them.”
“I really enjoyed feeling like a part of the university community and getting to learn about its inner workings and feeling like I was making a difference.”
“Being a course rep allowed me to get to know my coursemates more. It is also a great opportunity to improve the course experience.”
“It was such a rewarding experience, especially because I got to understand each individual in my cohort so much better, making lasting connections.”
If you have any questions please e-mail the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.
How does assessment work on my programme?
Over the course of your degree programme, we will assess you in lots of different ways. You can see how we’ll assess you on specific modules on the module catalogue.
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?
The majority of our teaching will be through Minerva. Certain modules use specific software and you will be taught how to use this software in those modules.
Where can I get my questions answered?
You can check our School of Food Science and Nutrition Padlet where you can ask questions and see what others have asked too. You can also visit the SiPs or email the Student Education Service team at studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk. Make sure you attend all your induction activities to find out more.
I’m a new student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
If you’re an international student, read our international orientation pages.
For home students, there isn’t anything you need to prepare specifically for the School. You’ll be given all the information you need before you come with regards to things like registration and setting up a bank account if you don’t have one. Just turn up to the School induction and we’ll let you know what needs to be done. You should keep checking your University email address to keep up to date with the latest information.
What does my induction timetable look like?
Your induction timetable consists of different talks and activities that are designed to introduce you to the School of Food Science and Nutrition, explain more about your course and let you meet other students.
All induction events will be in person, on campus. Induction week will introduce you to the personal tutor scheme, allow you to meet your student community, attend a laboratory induction, a programme talk and more. You should attend all sessions because the activities are designed so that you can meet other students, meet the staff and create a sense of belonging to the School.
For detailed information regarding your induction week, see the undergraduate induction timetable or postgraduate induction timetable. The relevant timetable will also be emailed to your University account.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
You’ll be allocated an academic personal tutor when you join us in September. Academic personal tutorials and meetings with project supervisors can take place either on campus or online as decided by both the student and supervisor. The tutor will manage discussions, meetings and any forms that need to be completed.
You’ll meet your personal tutor in one-to-one meetings six times a year – this may be as a group or individually. You’ll find out more about this during induction week. As an undergraduate student, you’ll have the same personal tutor throughout your course.
During induction week, you’ll be introduced to your programme leader and personal tutor who you’ll be able to contact for support too.
How will I find out more about my programme?
During induction week, you’ll meet your programme leader who will tell you all about the programme you are on, how it works, how it fits together and the modules assigned to it. You’ll also meet the other students on that programme and in the School by attending talks, activities and socials.
How will I get to know other students?
There are lots of ways to get to know each other. Alongside your talks, during induction week, we’ll be running a faculty-wide social event on the Friday, as well as campus tours, group tutor meetings and welcome sessions. All of these will create the perfect opportunities for you to meet other students, as well as by engaging with Leeds University Union and activities going on in your accommodation.
The University Buddy Scheme offers friendship and peer support to help you feel at home and part of our community, as well as enjoying getting involved in student life. The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you and with someone who has similar interests.
Follow the Faculty of Environment Instagram. This is a student-led account which you can join to hear from all your reps! If you’d like to start a new initative or share content on the Instagram please contact your School rep. If you have any questions on the Instagram account, please email the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.
Undergraduates aged 21 or older when they start their studies with us (defined as mature students by the University) will be automatically enrolled in the 21+ Network. The network is an opportunity to meet other mature students within your school, from the Faculty of Environment, or from other departments at the University. Members of the network also receive updates via Microsoft Teams on relevant opportunities and activities happening within your School, faculty, or across the University. Keep an eye on your emails for information about The 21+ Network. Students will be added to Microsoft Teams in late September/early October. If you have any questions about opportunities for mature students, please either email your faculty contact Sophie Renville at s.renville@leeds.ac.uk or email the Lifelong Learning Centre at lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk.
I’m a returning student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Nothing, just turn up. You should keep checking your University emails to keep up to date with the latest information.
What does my induction timetable look like?
You’ll be able to see the talks you need to attend on your University timetable.
Will I be required to attend in-person sessions?
Yes, unless you have a valid reason (such as illness) you’re expected to attend all in-person teaching on campus. Please see our absence page for details on how to report your absence.
Personal tutorials can take place either on campus or online as decided by both the student and supervisor. Students undertaking a literature review or final year research project are also able to meet with supervisors on or off campus and we have requested that library tutorials relating to these modules be timetabled on campus.
Final year projects can be lab-based, computer/desk-based or a combination depending on the project area you select.
How will I find out more about my programme?
The details should be on Minerva, following on from students end of year talks in June.
How will I get to know other students?
The University Buddy Scheme offers friendship and peer support to help you feel at home and part of our community, as well as enjoying getting involved in student life. The scheme is open to all students and you can apply at any point during your student journey. You'll be matched with a new or returning student from anywhere in the University at the same study level as you and with someone who has similar interests.
Follow the Faculty of Environment Instagram. This is a student-led account which you can join to hear from all your reps! If you’d like to start a new initative or share content on the Instagram please contact your School rep. If you have any questions on the Instagram account, please email the Faculty Student Experience Officer at foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk.
Taught Postgraduate Students Buddy Programme
You can join the School of Food Science and Nutrition Taught Postgraduate Buddy programme, which is open for applications (links below) and has been designed to help you make connections with other students in your year group, based on your preferences including hobbies and interests. You can choose to be matched one to one or in a small group.
Find a buddy in the School of Food Science and Nutrition!
The deadline is Friday 7th October so that we can match you quickly, in your first few weeks. Look out for an invitation to the Meet Your Peers Socials in October, which will be an opportunity to meet your buddy, other students and join the programme!
If you have any questions, please e-mail foe-studentexperience@leeds.ac.uk