Retail

Consumer scientist

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

Annual Salary

£19,000 to £50,000

Working hours

37 to 39 a week

You could work: between 8am and 6pm;

4.3%
Future employment

There will be 4.3% more Consumer scientist jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

Duties will vary depending on your industry but you may:

  • recruit and train panels or focus groups
  • conduct interviews with consumers
  • investigate consumer trends
  • give advice to manufacturers and retailers on improving products and services
  • develop tests to make sure products meet quality standards and legal requirements
  • produce information on new products for the public
  • research, write and present reports
  • advise on healthy living in schools, colleges and universities

Working environment

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

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • applying directly
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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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.

More information

With experience you could move into a management post or specialise in one area, for example data analysis.

With training you could use your experience to work in education.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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