Key Facts
About the course
Health improvement practitioners increasingly need to understand the impact of nutrition and exercise on health, fitness and disease.
This course offers a scientific basis for health promotion and covers key disciplines that relate exercise and nutrition to health. This includes the physiology and prescription of nutrition and exercise, health behaviour change, and investigative skills.
The course offers you exercise practitioner and nutritionist accreditation opportunities, strong NHS and community health links, and prepares you for employment in the food, health and fitness industries, health promotion, lifestyle education and public health.
Accreditations
- Association for Nutrition: Accreditation No. AC277
Why choose this course?
- Benefit from accreditation by the Association for Nutrition which allows graduates to apply for direct entry onto the register of Associate Nutritionists
- Gain from integrated accreditation opportunities for exercise practice with the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) including Level 3 Personal Training and Level 3 Exercise Referral awards
- Learn about prevention and treatment of chronic disease such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer and benefit from the opportunity to apply this knowledge by working with these patient groups within our specialised clinics
- Study areas including how nutrition and exercise contribute to the prevention and management of disease; health psychology and behaviour change; communication skills for healthcare professionals; research and investigative skills
- Study with a world-leading research team in community and field settings and in our sport and exercise science laboratories using state-of-the-art equipment
- Benefit from employer links with the NHS and local community health programmes, which keep the course relevant to current practice
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
- Lifecycle Nutrition (SPO066-1) Compulsory
- Principles Of Nutrition (SPO024-1) Compulsory
- Scientific Research Methods (SPO086-1) 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?
Assessment on the course is both formative and summative in nature and occurs at various points throughout the academic year. A wide variety of strategies and activities are employed to assess the specific unit learning outcomes and to permit all students opportunities to utilise their personal strengths across different assessment types. Modes of assessment include examinations (seen and unseen), essays, practical tests, laboratory reports, research projects, case studies, presentations and data-analysis exercises. These assessment methods will develop and assess core knowledge and skills relevant to your future employment and/or further education. At level 4 you will be assessed primarily on your breadth of knowledge pertaining to core relevant topics. At level 5 you will be assessed on your level of knowledge and ability to critically evaluate specific key topics. At level 6 your assessments will evaluate your ability to critically analyse core topics, synthesis literature and theories and apply this in various situations through a process of problem-solving. Formative assessment points provide feedback regarding your progress and diagnostic assessment will be used to assess your knowledge, understanding and skills. Summative assessment for the units includes a combination of the assessment modes set out above.
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 2021/22 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 2021/22 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 2021/22 is £12,350 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 2021/22 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 2021/22 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 2021/22 is £12,350 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
Campus Library
The Bedford Campus Library set over four storeys offers students access to our extensive range of physical and digital resources with 300,000+ books & 80,000+ ebooks.
PCs are provided on each level for students to use offering access to a wide range of applications as well as access to group-work areas and presentation-practice rooms and a dedicated silent study floor.
BedsSU - The Hub
The Hub is home to BedsSU providing a great space for socialising with friends, catching up on some coursework or taking a well-deserved break.
The Hub is the place to go to take a break from your studies, play table tennis, socialise and watch live sport on the big screen.By night the venue becomes the place to be, with a variety of student events such as pub quizzes, live music and various themed club nights. Evening food includes delicious freshly made pizzas as well as a range of other beverages and snacks.
Bedford 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.
Dance Studios
At the centre of our campus is four fully sprung dance studios equipped with ballet barres, mirrored walls, audio playback and projection for our dance and performing arts students.
Our two campus theatres also provide the ideal performance space for students with regular events held that are open audiences of students, staff and the wider community.
Campus Theatres
Set within the Campus Centre is a 260 seat professional theatre on the ground floor with industry-standard lighting, media desk, roll-down screen, full backstage comms system and large dressing rooms with en suite showers. On the first floor there's also a well-equipped 80 seat studio theatre.
Our theatres welcome new and existing audiences to see a range of student work including contemporary dance, theatre and performing arts; holding regular events that are open to students, staff and the wider community.
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.
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
