Bournemouth University’s BSc (Hons) Nutrition with optional placement year is all about understanding the science behind food and how it impacts health, wellbeing, and disease prevention. It’s perfect if you’re curious about biology, care about health, and want to use nutrition to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll start with the basics: how the human body works (Human Anatomy & Physiology), what food is made of (Principles of Food & Nutrition, Chemistry), and even the psychology behind eating habits. Alongside that, you’ll build your research and academic skills so you feel confident moving into more advanced studies.
Year 2
Things get more applied here. You’ll look at how nutrition affects different diseases (Nutrition in Health & Disease), explore how food is developed and kept safe (Food Processing & Product Development, Food Safety & Microbiology), and learn how to design research (Conducting Research). You’ll also complete a 150-hour Nutrition in Practice placement—your first real taste of working in the field.
Optional Placement Year
If you choose the “sandwich” option, you can spend a year on a full placement in the UK or abroad. This is a fantastic way to get professional experience, make industry connections, and stand out when you graduate.
Final Year
You’ll pull everything together with a big Research Project on a topic you’re passionate about. Alongside this, you’ll dive into Nutritional Requirements Throughout Life, Advances in Applied Nutrition, and Psychological & Social Aspects of Health and Wellbeing. This is where you really become an independent thinker, ready to advise on complex nutrition issues in the real world.
Focus Areas
“Food science and microbiology; nutrition in health and disease; public health and wellbeing; psychology and behaviour; research and applied nutrition.”
Learning Outcomes
“By the end of this degree, you’ll know how to assess nutritional needs, design and carry out research, advise on health promotion, and apply food science and safety knowledge—all while understanding the social and psychological factors that shape our diets.”
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The course is currently being accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Once complete, graduates will be able to register as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr)—a valuable professional credential.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings)
Around 90% of BU nutrition graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
DiscoverUni reports show 100% employment/further study for some recent graduate groups.
BU has a strong track record in health and food sciences, and is consistently recognised for its applied, career-focused teaching.
When you study BSc (Hons) Nutrition with placement year at Bournemouth University, it’s not just about reading textbooks — it’s about doing. You’ll get your hands on real lab work, take part in group projects, and experience placements that show you what working in nutrition is really like. From the moment you start, you’ll have access to modern labs, specialist equipment, and supportive staff who are active researchers in nutrition and public health. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the practical skills and confidence to step straight into a professional role.
Here’s how your learning will be hands-on and career-ready:
State-of-the-art labs & facilities:
Work in fully equipped nutrition, health science, and physiology labs on campus, where you’ll carry out food analysis, metabolic testing, and physiological experiments.
Placements & real-world experience:
Complete a 20-day compulsory placement in a nutrition-related setting to see theory in action. You can also opt for a year-long sandwich placement, gaining deep industry experience.
Collaborative projects & research:
Take part in group work, case studies, and peer learning throughout the course. In your final year, you’ll design and complete an independent research project, often linked to current faculty research.
Professional skills & reflection:
Keep reflective portfolios and logbooks during placements and labs, helping you track your growth and meet professional standards set by the Association for Nutrition.
Research centers & interdisciplinary links:
Connect with BU’s Nutrition Cluster, Centre for Wellbeing & Long-Term Health, and Centre for Public Health — opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge research.
Library & digital tools:
Access BU’s libraries, online databases, and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for flexible, 24/7 learning support.
You’ll be fully supported with facilities, staff guidance, and real-world experience that makes your learning meaningful and career-focused.
Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Nutrition with placement year at Bournemouth University leave ready to take on a variety of exciting roles in nutrition and health. They gain the skills to work in public health, the food industry, or clinical settings, ensuring they can make a real impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Typical career paths include: Nutritionist, Food Product Developer, Clinical Nutrition Assistant, Health Promotion Specialist.
University Support Services
Bournemouth University provides strong support to help students move smoothly into their careers:
Careers & Employability Service – guidance on CVs, interviews, and job applications.
MyCareerHub – access to job listings, internships, and career events.
Placement Opportunities – includes a compulsory 150-hour placement and optional 30-week sandwich placement to gain practical experience.
Graduate Outcomes & Industry Links:
Employment Rate – 90% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months.
Median Salary – approximately £24,500.
Industry Partnerships – placements and collaborations with local and international companies in healthcare, food, and public health sectors.
Accreditation – accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), allowing graduates to register as Associate Nutritionists (ANutr).
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies with postgraduate courses, such as the MSc Nutrition & Behaviour, for advanced knowledge in nutrition science and public health applications.
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