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.
CONTENTS
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What’s 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?
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What’s Nutrition?
Nutrition is the science of how food and drink affect your body and overall health. Study a degree in Nutrition and you’ll learn about human anatomy, genetics, physiology and food microbiology, among other areas. Through scientific research you’ll analyse the impact of food on health, immunity and performance, interpreting your findings to offer nutritional advice or guidance.
If you wish to work in the NHS as a dietitian, you will need to take an accredited Dietetics degree. Find out more from our guide to studying Dietetics.
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 80–165 UCAS points. Some courses may specify certain qualifications rather than UCAS points, in a range of grades as follows:
- A Levels: AAB– CCE
- BTECs: DDD– MMP (sometimes in combination with A Levels)
- Scottish Highers: AAAAA–ABB
- International Baccalaureate: 36–32
- Universities will usually ask that you’ve 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’ll 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)
- Dietitics qualifications must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
What do Nutrition graduates earn?
An entry-level salary for a Nutrition graduate is between £22,000–£27,000.
If you complete an approved Dietetics qualification (at bachelor's or master's level), you will be able to work in the NHS as a dietitian. Starting salaries are Band 5 (currently £31,049) and roles may be found at all levels, including consultant (up to £88,682).
Average salaries in other sectors vary. Food technologists may earn up to £45,000, while income for a sports nutritionist may range from £25,000–£43,000.
Read more about what graduates do and earn.
What jobs can you get as a Nutrition graduate?
Nutrition graduates could seek career opportunities in sport, hospitals or food science – 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’s 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’re 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 – we’d love to hear from you.
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