BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Nutrition

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Bath Spa University

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about sports, fitness, and helping people perform at their best, the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Bath Spa University is designed for you. You’ll explore how diet and exercise work together to boost performance and improve health, while learning to apply science in real-world settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Level 4)

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both science and nutrition. You’ll study Anatomy and Physiology to understand how the body works, Introduction to Biochemistry to get to grips with the chemical processes behind health, and Food and Nutrition, where you’ll explore what makes a balanced diet. Alongside this, modules like Sports Management and Nutrition and Exercise for Health give you practical insights into how nutrition influences everyday life and athletic performance.

Year 2 (Level 5)

The second year gets more specialized, helping you connect theory to practice. You’ll dive into Human Nutrition and Human Pathophysiology, learning how diet affects the body in health and disease. Sport Psychology shows how mental factors impact performance, while Food Product Development for Quality, Health, and Exercise lets you explore creating foods tailored for fitness and well-being. Research skills modules also prepare you to tackle real-world nutrition questions confidently.

Year 3 (Level 6)

In your final year, you’ll focus on independent learning and advanced applications. Your Dissertation allows you to research a topic you’re passionate about, while Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition teaches you how to create nutrition strategies that improve performance. Modules like Epidemiology and Public Health and Medical Biology expand your understanding of nutrition’s role in society and health, giving you the tools to make a real impact in the field.

Focus Areas

Nutrition science, exercise physiology, sports performance, health promotion, food product development, public health

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to assess nutritional needs, design diet plans, understand exercise physiology, and apply research skills to support athletes and active individuals.

Professional Alignment

While this program doesn’t qualify you as a Registered Dietitian, it provides a solid foundation if you want to pursue postgraduate studies in dietetics or sports nutrition.

Reputation

Bath Spa University is recognized for its excellence in Nutrition and Food Science, ranked #1 in the South West by the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bath Spa University, learning goes far beyond lectures. On this Sport and Exercise Nutrition degree, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that helps you connect theory to real-world practice. From analyzing diets to exploring how exercise affects the body, you’ll use professional tools, work on projects, and develop skills that prepare you for a career in sports, nutrition, or health.

You’ll have access to top-notch facilities and plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge into practice, including labs, software, and research spaces:

Food and Nutrition Labs: Work in modern labs at the Wellow building, where you can experiment with food product development, recipe formulation, and nutrition analysis. These include low hazard labs, instrument rooms, and dedicated student learning spaces.
Nutritics Software: Use this industry-standard nutrition software to analyze diets and create evidence-based meal plans.
Adobe Creative Suite: Present your findings creatively with unlimited access to Adobe tools for reports, infographics, and presentations.
Project and Research Laboratories: Conduct your own research or collaborate on group projects in labs designed for student innovation and experimentation.
University Library: Access textbooks, journals, and digital resources to support your assignments, research, and independent learning.
Newton Park Campus: Learn in a vibrant campus environment with modern facilities, green spaces, and collaborative study areas.

With these resources, you’ll not only understand the science behind nutrition and exercise but also gain practical experience that employers value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Sport and Exercise Nutrition degree at Bath Spa University leave ready to step straight into exciting careers where they can make a real impact on people’s health and performance. Typical roles include:

Sports Nutritionist – helping athletes improve performance and recovery through tailored dietary plans.
Health Coach – guiding clients to live healthier lifestyles with personalized nutrition and exercise strategies.
Nutrition Consultant – advising organizations or individuals on nutrition and wellness initiatives.
Food Product Developer – creating nutritious food products that meet the needs of active lifestyles.

To support you in reaching these goals:

Employment Support Services – the university offers career advice, CV workshops, interview prep, and one-to-one guidance to help you land your dream role.
Industry Partnerships – the program is designed in collaboration with experts and employers, keeping your skills aligned with real-world needs.
Graduate Outcomes – around 80% of graduates from related courses in sport and biological sciences go on to work or study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Accreditation & Professional Value – while this program doesn’t confer Registered Dietitian status, it equips you with industry-relevant knowledge and skills that employers value.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduating, you can continue your studies in a variety of ways:

Postgraduate Degrees – pursue a Master’s in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Exercise Science to specialize further.
PhD Studies – engage in advanced research in nutrition, exercise physiology, or related areas.
Professional Certifications – gain recognized industry certifications to boost your career prospects and professional credibility.