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

This programme will enable you to develop a range of skills valued by graduate employers:

• problem-solving and critical thinking skills, through scientific investigation and the exploration of psychological and social aspects of health behaviour
• data analysis, evaluation and interpretation through conducting and evaluating experiments
• behaviour change and motivation, through the study of the psychology of health and wellbeing
• practical laboratory skills, through the collection and interpretation of physiological data
• oral and written communication through report writing and presenting
• teamworking skills through group activities

15 months after graduating

100% of our nutrition, exercise and health graduates are in work or further study

100% of our nutrition, exercise and health graduates agreed that their current activity is meaningful

92% of our nutrition, exercise and health graduates are in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage*

Nutrition, Exercise and Health is a versatile degree that will open a wide range of career choices within the nutrition, leisure, food and healthcare industries.

With a degree accredited by the Association of Nutritionist you could work in the private sector or freelance, helping clients to manage their health, weight or improve their sports performance. Some graduates enter the leisure and fitness industries as personal trainers, developing and advising on exercise and nutrition plans for clients. You could also work in the food industry in product development, quality control, advising on nutrition labelling, composition of food products and devising menus for schools, prisons, weight loss companies and hospitals.

In the public sector, there are a variety of graduate opportunities in public health. These include health and wellbeing practitioners delivering community-based health and weight management programmes,.  Some graduates may enter public health research and policy development roles.

Further postgraduate study is possible for careers in dietetics, physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, physician associate studies and other health and sports related careers. 

A number of graduates consider self-employment options. The University offers advice and support around self-employment and entrepreneurship through The Cube.

Researching your career options

Given the diversity of career options open to graduates of the course, it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

Take a look at Prospects, TargetJobs and other useful websites for inspiration:

• Prospects - What can I do with my degree? (Nutrition)
• Prospects - What can I do with my degree? (Sports and exercise science) 
• Association for Nutrition
• Nutrition Society
• BASES career guide for sport and exercise science
• Working in Public Health

Employment opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth Nutrition, Exercise and Health graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping stones’ to other roles by providing relevant workplace experience:

• Account Manager
• Fitness And Nutrition Advisor
• Fitness Instructor
• Health Coach And Nutritionist
• Health Improvement Practitioner
• Nutrition Consultant
• Nutritionist
• Nutritionist And Physical Activity Specialist
• Personal Trainer
• Preschool Manager
• Research Assistant
• Teaching Assistant And Sports Coach In A Primary School
• Wellbeing Advisor
• Wellness Coach

Employers

Some examples of employers of University of Plymouth Nutrition, Exercise and Health graduates:

• BT
• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue
• Everyone Health
• Exercise 4 Less
• FISH (Fun in school holidays) Preschool
• McCaulays Health Clubs
• Medical Research Council
• NHS
• Radipole Primary School
• Solutions4Health
• University of Plymouth
• Virgin Care
• Zoe Global Ltd

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys of 2017/18 and 2018/19. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 21 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Some of the careers chosen by Nutrition, Exercise and Health graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study option related to graduates of this course:

MSc Physician Associate Studies

10 ring-fenced competitive places on the MSc Physician Associate programme are available for graduates from the School of Biomedical Sciences.

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation.

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable post-graduate programme;

• Find a Masters
• Find a PhD
• Prospects

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni, find out your funding options here.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

• effective career planning
• job hunting techniques
• finding part-time work
• CVs and interviews
• mastering LinkedIn
• and more.

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service; however, they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn alumni’s tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

• search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
• click on ‘Alumni’
• filter the results by subject, sector, company or location

For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

You have plenty of options open to you. You could apply for a placement year, work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

Clubs and societies

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members can develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion.

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to your studies or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.

Tutor and academic support

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.