Food Science and Nutrition Summer School
Are you fascinated by how chemistry, biology, maths or physics explain the food on our shelves? Curious about how we create safe, nutritious and sustainable food for a growing global population?
Discover the science that shapes the food we eat
Join us from Tuesday 30 June to Thursday 2 July 2026 at the University of Leeds for an immersive Food Science and Nutrition Summer School. This is a free, fully funded 3-day, 2-night residential for Year 12 students.
Across three exciting days, you’ll explore real-world challenges in food safety, product development, sustainability and nutrition—all while experiencing life as a university student.
What you'll experience
You’ll work alongside academics, technicians and current students to uncover how science is used to tackle global issues through a series of workshops, gaining insights into degree options and careers within the food and nutrition industry.
Hand-on lab work
Get practical experience in our specialist teaching laboratories. Learn how scientists analyse food composition, test safety, and develop new products to meet consumer needs.
Industry-focused workshops and meeting professionals
Explore how food companies respond to environmental pressures, changing diets and technological innovations. Meet industry members to get an -insight into the breadth of careers in the food science and nutrition sector.
Product development challenge
Work in teams to create and test your own food product—just like professional food scientists do.
Accommodation stay and campus tour
Stay in University halls, explore campus facilities and get a real taste of student life.
Meet our community
Chat to lecturers, researchers and current Food Science students to understand what studying at Leeds is really like.
Support to apply and prepare for university
Following the residential, you will be invited to our online 'Progression to University' sessions to help you with your next steps. These sessions take place on Zoom, 5-6pm and cover a range of topics:
- Student Finance
- Applying Through UCAS and Personal Statements
- Choosing a Course and a University
- Support Services at the University of Leeds
And many more!
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Year 12 students who are:
- Studying at least one of the following subjects at A-level: Maths, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, or studying equivalent qualifications to meet the entry requirements of our undergraduate courses
- Interested in exploring food science, nutrition or related scientific fields
- Keen to experience university-level study and practical activities
We will prioritise applications from students who meet the criteria to be eligible to Access to Leeds, our contextual admissions scheme, but all are welcome to apply.
There may be a contribution of up to £100 towards travel costs for eligible students. When we send confirmation on whether students are successful in their application to attend the summer school they will also be informed if they are eligible to claim for travel.
Applicants who have submitted applications to the scheme can expect to find out if they have been successful in gaining a place late April 2026.You can find out more about how we process and store your data in our privacy notice.
Why take part?
Subject and career pathways exploration
Experience University life
Enrich your UCAS personal statement
Apply now
Teachers: spread the word!
FAQs
What are the planned activities?
Last year, planned activities included:
- Carousel activities in a lab for a first step into food science experiments
- Smoothie challenge: create a smoothie that lowers blood pressure but is tasty!
- Vitamin C titration
- Nutrition workshop
- Chocolate pudding development workshop
- Careers event: carousel to meet industry members and networking lunch
- Social activities: games, quiz and more!
- Campus tour led by our Student Ambassadors
Please note activities are subject to change in 2026.
Are meals and accommodation provided?
Yes, accommodation will be provided for both nights university halls and all meals will be included. There will be a range of food options to cater for dietary requirements.
Where does the event take place?
The Summer School takes place on the University of Leeds campus. You'll be staying in one of our on-campus halls of residence.