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Consumer scientist

Consumer scientists study why people use or buy products and services, and give advice to retailers and manufacturers.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become a consumer scientist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

You’ll usually need a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject like:

  • consumer studies
  • food and consumer product management
  • food science or technology
  • psychology
  • marketing
  • statistics

Some employers may ask for a postgraduate qualification in behavioural psychology or consumer behaviour.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More information

Direct application

You may be able to apply directly if you've got relevant experience in a related industry, for instance food manufacturing or market research analysis.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of English language
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • researching and writing reports
  • testing recipes
  • recruiting and training panels or focus groups
  • conducting interviews with consumers
  • researching the tastes, needs and preferences of consumers
  • giving advice to manufacturers and retailers on improving items and services
  • developing tests to make sure products meet quality standards and legal requirements
  • representing consumers' rights 
  • advising hotels, restaurants, schools, residential care homes or hospitals on catering
  • advising on products ranging from household goods to public places
  • producing information on cookery, family health and new products
  • talking with the media
  • advising on healthy living in schools, colleges and universities
  • working for bodies like the Food Standards Agency or Trading Standards

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, at a university or in an office.

Career path and progression

With experience you could progress into a management post. 
With training you could use your experience to move into a career in teaching.  

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a consumer scientist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Diploma in Food Technology

  • Provider: ALL SAINTS' CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 02 September 2020
  • Location: Sheffield

Food Technology

  • Provider: SACRED HEART CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
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