BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

St Marys University Twickenham

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition at St Mary’s University Twickenham is perfect for students who are passionate about how nutrition affects physical performance and overall wellbeing. Whether you want to work with elite athletes, sports teams, or help people lead healthier lifestyles, this program equips you with the practical skills and scientific knowledge you need to make a real impact in the world of sports nutrition.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces the fundamentals of nutrition and exercise science. You’ll study Energy and Nutrition, Micronutrients, and Research Methods 1 to understand the science behind diet and health. Modules like Physiology of Exercise, Food Science and Novel Foods, and Professional Skills for Nutritionists combine classroom learning with hands-on experience to develop your practical skills.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into the science of sport and exercise nutrition. Modules such as Nutritional and Physical Activity Assessment, Sports Nutrition, and Physiology of Health, Exercise, and Performance II will give you the tools to analyze and optimize performance. Optional modules like Nutritional Biochemistry and Nutrition and Physical Activity for Health and Disease Prevention allow you to explore areas of personal or professional interest.

Year 3

The final year focuses on applying your knowledge in real-world contexts and preparing for your career. You’ll complete a Research Project, explore Nutrition and the Athlete, and study Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology and Management of Weight and Related Conditions. Optional modules like Applied Sport Psychology and Environmental Physiology and Ergogenic Aids let you tailor your learning to your career goals, while modules such as Building a Start-up Business equip you with skills to work independently or start your own venture in the nutrition field.

Focus Areas: Nutrition science, exercise physiology, sports psychology, weight management, disease prevention, research methodology

Learning Outcomes: Understand nutrition’s role in health and performance, assess dietary intake and physical activity, conduct research, develop nutrition strategies for athletes, and gain professional skills for a career in sports nutrition

Professional Alignment: Designed to meet the standards of the Sports and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR), ensuring graduates are ready for professional practice

Reputation: St Mary’s University is renowned for sport and exercise science, with high graduate employability in the nutrition and sports sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At St Mary’s University Twickenham, learning goes far beyond the classroom. In the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition program, you’ll gain hands-on experience from day one, working with real clients, athletes, and professional tools. You’ll learn to combine theory with practice in state-of-the-art labs, dedicated nutrition suites, and performance facilities, giving you the confidence and skills to excel in the field.

Here’s how you’ll get practical experience:

Fitness and Conditioning Suite: Apply exercise principles in a fully equipped space designed for strength and conditioning training.
Performance Hall: Join interactive workshops, seminars, and practical sessions in a versatile learning environment.
Nutrition Suite: Conduct dietary assessments and develop nutrition plans in a professional setting.
Exercise Physiology Laboratories: Carry out experiments in BASES-accredited labs to understand human performance and metabolism.
Internships and Placements: Work with sports clubs and organizations, gaining real-world experience and professional connections.
Student-Led Nutrition Clinic: Provide advice on healthy eating, weight management, and sports nutrition under supervision, building client-facing skills.
Research Projects: Explore areas of personal interest and contribute to current research in sport and exercise nutrition.
Workshops and Seminars: Learn from industry experts about cutting-edge practices in sports nutrition and exercise science.

These experiences, combined with expert faculty guidance, ensure you graduate ready to make an impact in sports nutrition and exercise science.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from St Mary’s BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition leave university ready to make a real impact in the fields of sports, health, and wellness. With a strong mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, you’ll be well-prepared for careers such as Sports Nutritionist, Dietitian, Nutrition Consultant, Health and Wellness Coach, Exercise Scientist, or Performance Advisor. These roles let you work with athletes, healthcare organizations, or wellness programs, helping people optimize health and performance:

Career Support: St Mary’s Career Services provides guidance on CVs, interviews, job searches, and career planning to ensure you’re ready for the professional world.
Placement Opportunities: Gain practical experience with sports clubs, fitness centers, or healthcare organizations, building your professional network while you study.
Alumni Network: Connect with graduates who offer mentorship, advice, and potential job opportunities.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 90% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £23,000, and half of graduates using their degree knowledge directly in their work.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with sports clubs and healthcare providers give you insight into real-world nutrition practice and potential career paths.
Professional Accreditation: The program aligns with the Sports and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) standards, ensuring you meet industry expectations, while modules with Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accreditation build entrepreneurial and management skills.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you could continue your studies with:

MSc Applied Sports Nutrition – focus on advanced strategies for athletic performance.
Postgraduate Diplomas/Certificates – specialize in sports nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
PhD in Nutrition or Exercise Science – pursue research and contribute to advancing the field.

These pathways give you the flexibility to specialize, grow professionally, and excel in the dynamic world of sport and exercise nutrition.