BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health

This degree is accredited with the Association for Nutrition which allows graduates direct entry onto the register of Associate Nutritionists. Nutritionists work with clients to improve their health, control their weight or to improve their sports performance. They may work in public health to provide lifestyle education to individuals and groups and develop public health policy. Nutritionists also work in the food industry advising on nutrition labelling, composition of food products and devising menus for schools, prisons, weight loss companies and hospitals. Also offered, as part of this programme, is a Level 3 personal Training award. This allows graduates to work in the leisure or fitness industries as a personal trainer and advise on appropriate exercise for clients. Further postgraduate study is possible for careers in dietetics, physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, physician associate studies and other health and sports related careers.

Understanding where your degree subject could take you is an important first step in career planning. Due to the transferrable nature of the skills you gain from your studies, you may discover that there is a much wider range of opportunities open to you within this profession that you may first appreciate. 

What can you do with a nutrition, exercise and health degree?

• Study with the Faculty of Health and benefit from strong links with nursing, health professions and psychology.
• Benefit from accreditation by the Association for Nutrition which allows graduates to apply for direct entry onto the register of Associate Nutritionists.
• Boost your employability by taking the option to complete a professional work placement.
  
• Develop practical skills, critical awareness and proficiencies required for professional competence.
  
• Gain a strong foundation in the major disciplines underpinning exercise and nutritional sciences.
• Experience interdisciplinary teaching that addresses contemporary issues in lifestyle-related health.
• Gain a positive learning experience within a work setting that will support your studies and future employability – the school offers 12 work placements between Stage 2 and the final year of your programme.
  
• Further your learning to postgraduate level and set yourself up for careers in dietetics, physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology and other health and sports related careers.
• Take the opportunity to earn a Level 3 Personal Training award.
• The school typically offers a limited number of research summer placements – these are available at the end of Stage 1 and at the end of Stage 2. These competitive placements are available for students who demonstrate excellent performance in their studies and allow students to gain valuable research experience within the Biomedical Research Group.

• On track to gain 1st Class (>70%) or already holds a 1st Class Biomedical Science degree with us achieved in the two years prior to applying.
• GAMSAT requirement waived.
• Satisfactory performance in interview.
• Satisfactory DBS check and occupational health screening.

For further information regarding admissions and interviews, please contact us at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

• Year 1

• In your first year, you'll be introduced to the core sciences underpinning nutrition and exercise science: human physiology, biochemistry, infection and immunity, psychology and nutrition. You'll develop skills in communication, data manipulation and IT.   You will experience a mixture of learning opportunities: lectures with other students in the School of Biomedical Sciences; small group tutorials; practical classes in the biomedical laboratories, nutrition unit and IT suite, self-directed study and group work.

  Core modules

  • Human Metabolism (BHCS1003Z)

    This module offers an introduction to the biochemistry underlying human metabolism. In particular, the module explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the human body extracts energy from nutrients to sustain life. The significance of metabolic dysfunction in relation to human disease pathology and diagnosis is emphasised.

  • Introduction to Human Nutrition (BHCS1010)

    This module will introduce learners to the science, application and consequences of food choice and lifestyle on human nutritional health.

  • Study skills and personal development (BHCS1011)

    This module supports the development of key study and learning skills. Timetabled tutorials will help promote self-reflection and provide a framework for personal development planning and careers.

  • Psychobiological and Cognitive Aspects of Health Behaviour (PSYC108PP)

    This module introduces the psychology of choices and behaviour, with an emphasis on health. We will examine health behaviours, choices, and risks with a particular consideration of how these are influenced by biological and social factors. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct a small research project in groups, with presentation of this project forming the assessment for the module

  • Investigation and Experimentation in Nutrition & Exercise Sciences (BHCS1017)

    To introduce the learner to key elements of investigation and experimentation within the biomedical and nutritional sciences and to support the development of the basic skills and knowledge required for effective practice in these discipline areas.

  • Infection and Immunity (BHCS1006)

    This module introduces the student to infection & immunity and the study of microorganisms with a particular emphasis on food-borne pathogens. It explores concepts of food safety, gut organisms, infectious disease and the body's ability to resist and repel such disease via a range of immune responses.

  • Human Physiology & Genetics (BHCS1018)

    This module provides the background in physiology and genetics to enable the learner to develop and incorporate these concepts into modules at level 5. The module has been designed to include the majority of the material that is considered to be essential in providing a sound understanding of the biosciences that underpin nutrition.

• Year 2

• In your second year, learning becomes more focused on the applied and practical aspects of nutrition and exercise. You will develop skills for professional practice and research.   There will be a variety of different teaching approaches such as interactive lectures, small group tutorials, practical work in the exercise physiology laboratory, student led seminars and workshops.

  Core modules

  • Nutritional and Exercise Epidemiology (BHCS2021)

    This module focuses on approaches to the study of and the relationships between diet, physical activity and health-related outcomes

  • Nutritional Science 1 (BHCS2022)

    This module focuses on core skills and techniques required by nutritionists including assessment of body composition, generation of data, statistical analysis of findings, interpretation and application of findings. It also explores the physiological and metabolic background to nutrition through the lifecycle.

  • Exercise Physiology (BHCS2023)

    This module explores how the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and muscular systems respond to support the increased energy requirements during exercise and how each of these physiological systems adapt to longer-term exercise training in humans. The laboratory practical element is focused on the development of skills in the collection and interpretation of physiological data related to measuring different fitness components.

  • Nutritional Science 2 (BHCS2025)

    This module explores the physiological and metabolic background to diet related diseases, the role of nutrition in immune function, and the influence of nutrients and exercise on the maintenance of optimal health.

  • Placements and Employability (BHCS2027)

  • Applied Exercise Science (BHCS2033)

    This module explores the theoretical basis underpinning exercise programming including the principles of training and their application toward improving different components of fitness across a range of populations.

  • Individual Differences in Behaviour (PSYC522)

    The aim of this module is to give an overview of how individuals vary in thinking, behaviour, and emotion, and the consequences this may have for their physical and mental health. This module consists of four strands. 1 Personality & Intelligence (development, measurement) 2 Health Psychology (physical health, behaviour change) 3 Clinical Psychology (definition, therapy) 4 Positive Psychology (mental health improvement)

• Optional placement year

• You have the option to take up a work placement as part of your degree course for a minimum six months full time (or part-time equivalent). If you successfully complete your placement, you'll be awarded a Certificate of Work Experience.

  Core modules

  • Biomedical Sciences: Placement (BHCS3030)

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved placement provider or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.

• Final year

• In your final year, you will study the interacting contributions of nutrition and exercise to public health and their roles in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle related disease. Other topics include sports nutrition and applied psychology. You'll also have a choice of research project to suit your career aspirations.  The final year entails more self-directed study and you will spend time on your own research project and reading current research to discuss during interactive lectures.

  Core modules

  • Personal Research Project (BHCS3001ZA)

    The module requires students to perform a self-directed research study project that includes the design, implementation, collection, analysis and interpretation of scientific data. It also involves the evaluation and interpretation of scientific literature, evaluation of current issues and concepts and the ability to reflect upon continuing professional and personal development.

  • Athletic Performance, Sport and Nutrition (BHCS3023Z)

    This module is designed to enable learners to provide advice to individuals engaged in exercise, sport or other activities requiring sustained effort. It will provide opportunities to assess nutrition and food impact on performance and health of those engaged in regular exercise programmes.

  • Diet, Exercise and Chronic Disease (BHCS3024Z)

    This module examines the roles of diet and exercise in the development and management of chronic disease states. The focus is on the major chronic diseases - obesity, CVD, type2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis.

  • Physical Activity, Nutrition and Public Health (BHCS3025Z)

    This module examines the roles of physical activity and nutrition in the promotion of health throughout the lifecycle. It reviews epidemiological and experimental evidence for the development of intervention strategies and policy aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.

  • Personal Development and Employability (BHCS3031)

    The module aims to provide personal academic support and careers guidance. It will provide a forum for students to discuss their achievements and develop plans to address potential areas of weakness and achieve future career and professional goals.

  Optional modules

  • Contemporary Issues in Human Health (BHCS3022)

    Rapid developments in the biomedical sciences are affecting many aspects of human health, and there are profound economic, social, legal and ethical implications of many recent advances. This module allows students to select topics of personal interest for in-depth study and encourages effective communication to peers and other audiences, providing good skills for future career development

  • Applied Topics in Psychology 1 (PSYC608)

    This course allows students to develop an in depth and critical appreciation of two areas of psychological research (four topics drawn from the current research programmes of the School's staff).

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc (Hons) Nutrition Exercise & Health Programme Specification 2022-23_4455

UCAS tariff

104 - 120

GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills.

Plus one of the following:

Relevant second sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography, Psychology, Physical Education, and Food/Nutrition Technology.

Access to HE Diploma: Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at merit or distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 18 Level 3 credits in Chemistry, Maths, or Physics.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM – depending on the BTEC and units studied. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application or contact Admissions for further advice.

T level: Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include Grade 5 in Higher Level Biology and Grade 5 in a second relevant science. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5

International qualifications: We welcome applicants offering a wide range of international qualifications. Applications are considered on an individual basis, depending on the subjects studied.

English language requirements

IELTS: Overall average score of at least 6.5, with a score of at least 6.0 in all elements.

Other qualifications: Applicants with other qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for advice.