BSc (Hons) Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science with foundation year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Solent University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science at Solent University is perfect for anyone passionate about promoting health, wellbeing, and fitness. This program gives you the skills and knowledge to design, assess, and deliver exercise and nutrition interventions for a variety of people, helping you make a real difference in health and performance.

Curriculum Structure:

Foundation Year (Year 0):
The foundation year sets you up for success, giving you a solid grounding in the key scientific and academic principles needed for the degree. You’ll explore modules like Introduction to Human Biology, Fundamentals of Nutrition, and Introduction to Physical Activity and Health, building confidence in both knowledge and study skills.

Year 1 – Foundations of Health and Exercise Science
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the basics of nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing. Modules such as Human NutritionExercise Physiology, and Health and Wellbeing introduce you to how diet and physical activity influence health, preparing you for more applied study in later years.

Year 2 – Applying Knowledge in Real Settings
The second year is all about putting theory into practice. You’ll study Sports NutritionExercise Prescription, and Health Promotion, while also having the option to choose a pathway in Personal Training or Health and Exercise Science to tailor your learning to your career ambitions.

Year 3 - Placement Year (Optional)
Between your second and final years, you can take an optional placement in a professional setting. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, apply what you’ve learned in real-world environments, and build your professional network — all of which will make you highly employable after graduation.

Year 4 – Advanced Topics and Independent Research
In your final year, you’ll explore advanced topics and complete an independent research project. Modules like Advanced Exercise PhysiologyPublic Health Nutrition, and your Research Project allow you to specialise in areas that interest you, sharpen your research skills, and demonstrate your expertise to future employers.

Focus Areas:
Health promotion, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, client assessment, program design, research methodology

Learning Outcomes:
Assess health and fitness levels, design personalized exercise and nutrition programs, conduct scientific research, communicate effectively with clients, and apply evidence-based practices in health and exercise settings

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Fully endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), ensuring your degree is recognized and valued in the industry

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

  • Top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction with assessment in sport science (Guardian University Guide 2026)

  • Top 10 in the UK for learning resources in sport and exercise sciences (NSS 2025)

  • Top 10 in the UK for teaching quality in sports science (Times Good University Guide 2026)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Solent, learning goes far beyond the classroom. From your very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience working with real clients, applying nutrition advice, and designing exercise programs. Our approach ensures you develop the practical skills employers really value, while using cutting-edge facilities and resources to support your learning.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Solent Personal Training Scheme – Work directly with clients to create tailored fitness plans, gaining practical experience in a supportive, real-world environment.
  • Exercise Referral Scheme – Collaborate with healthcare professionals to design exercise programs for clients with medical conditions, bridging fitness and health care.
  • Solent Nutrition Service – Put your nutrition knowledge into action by providing dietary guidance and support to clients.
  • Sports Excellence Programme – Work with athletes to optimize performance through exercise and nutrition strategies.
  • Work-Based Learning – Complete at least 100 hours of professional experience between Years 2 and 3, applying your skills in real workplace settings.
  • CIMSPA Industry Awards – Earn recognized certifications in personal training, gym instruction, and working with referred populations, boosting your employability.
  • Research Opportunities – Conduct independent research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • International Opportunities – Optional study, work, or volunteering abroad to gain intercultural experience and a global perspective.

All of this is supported by Solent’s Sports Complex, Teaching Gym, and Physiology Laboratory, giving you the tools and environment to thrive.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are ready to step straight into exciting roles in the health, fitness, and wellness sectors. By combining hands-on experience, professional qualifications, and industry connections, students leave with the confidence and skills to pursue careers such as fitness instructor, personal trainer, health coach, exercise referral specialist, wellness consultant, or sports nutrition advisor.

Here’s how Solent supports you on your career journey:

  • Industry-Recognized Qualifications – Earn certifications like the Association for Nutrition (AfN) Certificate in Intermediate Nutrition Essentials for Fitness and Leisure, giving your CV a competitive edge.
  • Placement Opportunities – Benefit from a dedicated placement year, gaining real-world experience and building professional networks that employers value.
  • Strong Industry Links – Collaborate on live projects and consultancy services through Solent’s partnerships with local and national health and fitness organizations.
  • Accreditation – The program is endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), ensuring your degree meets professional standards.
  • Graduate Success – Alumni have gone on to roles in health development, exercise referral schemes, personal training, and wellness consultancy, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your degree, you could continue your studies with postgraduate programs such as MSc Clinical Exercise ScienceMSc Strength and Conditioning, or other specialized master’s courses that build on your undergraduate knowledge and skills.

Program Key Stats

£16,125
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

DDE
2.5
24
50

N/A
N/A
5.5
72

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Fitness instructor
  • personal trainer
  • health coach
  • exercise referral specialist
  • wellness consultant
  • sports nutrition advisor

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