Key Facts
About the course
Make the most of our high-spec facilities and equipment, world-leading research team and strong employer connections to become an expert in understanding the impact nutrition and exercise can have on health and fitness.
We know eating well and taking exercise are key factors in promoting good health. For this degree, you explore the science that lies behind this, covering specialisms such as physiology; nutrient metabolism; health psychology; and the prescription of nutrition and exercise. Other study areas include nutrition across the lifecycle; public health nutrition; exercise and behaviour change; and exercise and fitness testing.
You learn about the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge working with these patient groups within our clinics.
Why choose this course?
- Study with a world-leading research team in community and other settings as well as in our sport and exercise science laboratories, with their state-of-the-art equipment
- Benefit from our well-established employer links with the NHS and local community health programmes, which allow you to put your learning into practice and ensure the course stays ahead of the curve with current practice
- Gain accreditation by the Association for Nutrition, which allows graduates to apply for direct entry onto the Register of Associate Nutritionists
- Develop transferable skills in communication; research methods; and researching, preparing and producing your own projects
- Take the course over four years and include a fee-free year in industry (see below), gaining experience and making contacts for the future
- On graduating, your career path could take you into the food, health or fitness industries; health promotion; lifestyle education; and public health
We support you every step of the way
We offer a Merit Scholarship, worth £2,400* over 3 academic years, which is awarded to those who can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, through scoring 112 UCAS tariff points or more for UK and EU applicants.
We also offer a range of financial support for those of you applying from outside of the UK and EU.
Accreditations
- Association for Nutrition: Accreditation No. AC277
Health Nutrition and Exercise with Professional Practice Year - BSc (Hons)
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units
- Academic Writing Skills (SPO048-1) Compulsory
- Applied Exercise Practice (SPO082-1) Compulsory
- Human Physiology (SPO084-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Health Psychology And Counselling (SPO039-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Research Methods (SPO052-1) Compulsory
- Lifecycle Nutrition (SPO066-1) Compulsory
- Principles Of Nutrition (SPO024-1) Compulsory
- Advanced Applied Exercise Practice (SPO092-2) Compulsory
- Dissertation Preparation (SPO095-2) Compulsory
- Nutrient Metabolism (SPO048-2) Compulsory
- Professional Development And Employability (SPO053-2) Compulsory
- Public Health Nutrition (SPO049-2) Compulsory
- Quantitative Research Methods (SPO099-2) Compulsory
- Applied Health Psychology And Public Health (SPO038-2) Optional
- Physical Activity And Health Interventions (SPO063-2) Optional
- Dissertation For Sport Science And Physical Activity (SPO051-3) Compulsory
- Exercise & Fitness Testing For Clinical Populations (SPO085-3) Compulsory
- Nutrition For Metabolic Health And Related Conditions (SPO107-3) Compulsory
- Nutrition In Clinical And Special Populations (SPO100-3) Compulsory
- Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour And Health (SPO015-3) Compulsory
- Work Placement Project (SPO057-3) Compulsory
How will I be assessed?
Our students say our courses, teaching and support are a winning combination, that’s why we are 51st out of 122 for Sport in the Guardian University Guide 2022.
We’re 12th for employability because our courses get you a degree-level job.
We have more one-to-one time for you which is why we are in the top 10 for staff/student ratio.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
UK
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
International
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Extra entry requirements
- A levels in sport science, physical education, natural science or psychology (preferred)
- GCSE Maths, English and double science/2 sciences at grade C/4 are required.
- IELTS 6.5 overall required for International students with no less than 6.0 in any area.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
Opportunities for career development within the health, fitness and nutrition sectors have been expanding in recent years. In the light of an increasing recognition of the importance of physical activity and nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease within government health reports there are significant opportunities for graduates within Primary and Secondary Care, for example:
- Health Improvement Practitioner (e.g. Obesity/Physical Activity or other e.g. mental health, cardiovascular disease, the elderly)
- Healthy Schools Specialists
- Exercise Referral Specialists
- Obesity and Diabetes Specialists
- Lifestyle Advisor
- Health Improvement Specialist
- Community Physical Activity Worker
- Personal Trainer
- Fitness Professional
- Public Health Specialist
There are numerous career paths in nutrition - view career profiles at the Association for Nutrition
Nutrition career paths include:
- Nutrition consultant (following further study e.g. PgDip/Masters in Dietetics)
- Nutritionist
- Clinical Nutrition
- Nutrition Therapist
- Food Safety
- Public Health Nutrition
- Food and drink manufacturers
- Food Service Provider
- Food Ingredient Supplier
For those who wish to pursue a career in Public Health and/or Health Promotion and Education this course provides a foundation of knowledge that will be useful in acquiring the competencies through the Faculty of Public Health (Department of Health) required to join the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR).
This is a register which provides the regulation of public health specialists with a background in areas such as social science, medicine, nursing, health promotion, pharmacy, psychology and dentistry. Completion of this this course will also allow you the opportunity to apply as a member of the Institute of Health Promotion and Education.
Further study paths
There are a range of postgraduate study opportunities open to you for career paths in clinical, counselling, educational, health psychology, physical activity, nutrition, health promotion, business and personnel, research training, teaching and the Health Service.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Fees and Funding
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Extra Costs
School of Sport Science and Physical Activity facilities
The School of Sport Science and Physical Activity houses a multi-million pound, state of the art teaching and research sport sciences laboratory facility.
Facilities include six purpose-built British Association of Sport & Exercise Science (BASES) accredited sport and exercise science laboratories, a nutrition research kitchen, and two molecular and cellular physiology labs, which promote excellence in both teaching and research.
Sports Science Labs
Our specialist sports science labs give students a fantastic environment to develop their research skills and expertise, where a student can explore the biology of an elite athlete who could be performing simultaneously within the sports hall.
The state-of-the-art laboratories are purpose built for research and teaching in the fields of exercise and nutrition science. This includes specialised equipment and facilities for assessing human health risk and delivering exercise and diet interventions for health promotion.
Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre
Our Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre includes three clinical teaching spaces, a sports injury clinic, a rehabilitation room, a community exercise clinic and a private room for consultations and treatments.
Environmental chamber
Our environmental chamber is used for teaching, research and by top-class athletes in training for competition in different climates.
International standard sports arena
Our sports facilities include a gym, strength and conditioning suite, AstroTurf, grass pitches, outdoor basketball, tennis and netball courts, in addition to the International standard sports arena, which seats up to 400 spectators.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gyms offer a range of affordable membership options giving students exclusive use of a convenient campus-based fitness facility.
The Bedford gym facilitates state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smartphone compatibility as well as an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area. Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
