Study Nutrition, why & how to study
Nutrition degrees explore how food affects the body, from biological functions to physiological processes, with a focus on public health, physical performance and food technology.
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CONTENTS
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What鈥檚 Nutrition?
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What Nutrition degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Nutrition degree?
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What topics does a Nutrition degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Nutrition?
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What do Nutrition graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Nutrition graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Nutrition
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Have any questions?
What鈥檚 Nutrition?
Nutrition is the science of how food and drink affect your body and overall health. Study a degree in Nutrition and you鈥檒l learn about human anatomy, genetics, physiology and food microbiology, among other areas. Through scientific research you鈥檒l analyse the impact of food on health, immunity and performance, interpreting your findings to offer nutritional advice or guidance.
What Nutrition degrees can you study?
Undergraduate degrees in Nutrition include:
- Nutrition BSc
- Food and Nutrition Science BSc
- Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition BSc
- Physiology, Sports Science and Nutrition BSc
- Nutrition and Dietetics MNutr
These course options may include an integrated foundation year, placement or the opportunity to study abroad.
What do you need to get onto a Nutrition degree?
Undergraduate Nutrition courses ask for between 80鈥�165 UCAS points. Some courses may specify certain qualifications rather than UCAS points, in a range of grades as follows:
- A Levels: AAB鈥� CCE
- BTECs: DDD鈥� MMP (sometimes in combination with A Levels)
- Scottish Highers: AAAAA鈥揂BB
- International Baccalaureate: 36鈥�32
- Universities will usually ask that you鈥檝e studied: A Level/Higher biology and/or chemistry
Experience that would look good on your application:
- Work or experience in healthcare, catering, or food businesses (relevant to the degree)
- Further research on topics of interest, such as TED talks
- Courses in a related area, including online
- Summer schools (in nutrition or food science)
Other requirements for this subject include:
- Pass in the practical element of sciences
What topics does a Nutrition degree cover?
Depending on whether your degree has a focus on Dietetics, Food Science or Sports Science, modules may include:
- Cell biology and genetics
- Chemistry and composition of foods
- Clinical nutrition
- Diet, nutrition and lifestyle
- Food product development
- Global issues in nutrition
- Human physiology and practical skills for nutrition
- Microbiology and immunology
- Nutrition in health and disease
- Physiology and sports science
- Public health nutrition
How will you be assessed?
Assessments are likely to be based on coursework and exams, and may include:
- Case studies
- Debates
- Exams (oral, practical, and written)
- Essays
- Group projects
- Lab reports
- Online quizzes
- Poster presentations
- Project work
- Business plan or video pitches
- Final year dissertation or research project
Why study Nutrition?
Study a degree in Nutrition and you鈥檒l develop analytical and presentation skills that can be applied to other fields that include biochemistry and microbiology.
Career-specific skills:
- Presenting scientific reports
- Collecting, analysing, and interpreting scientific data
- Putting scientific results in context
- Developing commercial knowledge
- Lab-based practical skills
Transferable skills:
- Data handling and statistical analysis
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Planning and problem-solving
- Observation and analysis
- Communication
- Presentation skills
- Research skills
Professional accreditation:
- Degrees may be accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), towards becoming a Registered Associate Nutritionist
- Degrees may also be accredited by the British Dietetic Association, or the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST)
What do Nutrition graduates earn?
Nutrition graduates can go directly into work as a nutritionist. Assistant nutritionists may have an entry salary starting at about £19,000 鈥� those in the NHS will start out on Band 5 (currently £25,655). With experience, this may rise to Band 6 or above (£39,000 or more). Those working in sports nutrition could earn up to £45,000.
Average salaries in other sectors vary. Food technologists may earn up to £45,000, while a health promotion specialist鈥檚 earnings range between £21,000鈥�£40,000, with experience.
What jobs can you get as a Nutrition graduate?
Nutrition graduates could seek career opportunities in sport, hospitals or food science 鈥� or influence policy or public attitudes in government departments, charities or publishing. Roles could include:
- Assistant dietician
- Clinical trials researcher
- Community education officer
- Health promotion specialist
- Lifestyle consultancy
- Personal trainer
- Product development technologist
- Regulatory advisor for food products
- Science writer
- Sports nutritionist
- Teaching
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Postgraduate courses in Nutrition include taught master鈥檚 and research degrees:
- Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc
- Clinical and Public Health Nutrition MSc
- Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition MSc
- Nutrition & Behaviour MSc
- Food, Nutrition and Health PhD
Similar subjects to Nutrition
If you鈥檙e interested in nutrition, these subjects may also be of interest:
Have any questions?
Ask our experts! You can email ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying Nutrition 鈥� we鈥檇 love to hear from you.
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