Enter OTP
The BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health at the University of Plymouth is ideal for students interested in improving public health through diet and physical activity. The program combines scientific knowledge with practical experience, preparing you for careers in health promotion, fitness, nutrition consultancy, or research.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 – Foundations of Nutrition and Exercise:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in human biology, nutrition, and exercise science. Modules like Introduction to Human Nutrition and Exercise Physiology explore how the body responds to diet and activity, while practical sessions in the Exercise and Kitchen Laboratories let you apply what you’ve learned.
Year 2 – Lifestyle and Chronic Disease:
The second year focuses on the impact of diet and exercise on chronic disease prevention and management. Modules such as Diet, Exercise and Chronic Disease and Physical Activity, Nutrition and Public Health help you understand lifestyle-related conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Professional placements provide hands-on experience in real health settings.
Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Research:
In your final year, you’ll study advanced nutrition and exercise science while developing research skills. Modules like Advanced Nutrition and Exercise Science and Research Methods in Health prepare you for your dissertation, giving you the chance to investigate a topic in depth and showcase your expertise.
Focus Areas:
Nutrition Science, Exercise Physiology, Public Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Research Methodology
Learning Outcomes:
Assess nutritional needs, design effective exercise programs, understand diet-disease relationships, and conduct research in health sciences.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the Association for Nutrition, allowing graduates to register as Associate Nutritionists.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Plymouth is ranked 4th in the UK for food science subjects (Complete University Guide 2026), highlighting the strength of its nutrition and health programs.
At the University of Plymouth, the BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health program combines classroom learning with plenty of hands-on experience, so you graduate ready for real-world health and fitness careers. From cutting-edge labs to professional placements, you’ll gain the practical skills and confidence needed to apply your knowledge in a variety of settings:
Exercise Laboratory: Study how the body responds to diet and exercise, using advanced equipment to analyze physiological performance.
Kitchen Laboratory: Practice preparing and planning meals for different needs, from healthy diets to sports nutrition and therapeutic diets.
Clinical Physiology Laboratory: Conduct experiments that link theory to real-life health outcomes.
Phlebotomy Laboratory: Learn how to safely collect blood and saliva samples for nutritional and health assessments.
LABplus Resource Centre & Life Sciences Resource Centre (LSRC): Access modern, well-equipped spaces for practical work, self-study, and research.
Professional Work Placements: Gain hands-on experience in healthcare, fitness, or community settings to support your learning and future employability.
Optional Placement Year: Undertake a full or part-time work placement for at least six months, earning a University Certificate of Professional Experience.
Research Summer Placements: Compete for placements within the Biomedical Research Group to gain valuable research experience.
Level 3 Personal Training Award: Enhance your qualifications and career opportunities in the fitness and health industry.
These opportunities ensure you leave the program not just with knowledge, but with the skills, experience, and professional confidence to succeed in nutrition, exercise, and health careers.
At Plymouth, this program isn’t just about lectures and textbooks – it’s about getting hands-on and seeing how nutrition and exercise really impact health. You’ll have access to modern labs, real-world placements, and unique opportunities that let you practice your skills and gain confidence before you graduate:
Exercise Laboratory: Explore how the body responds to diet and exercise using advanced testing equipment.
Kitchen Laboratory: Learn to plan and prepare meals for different needs, from everyday healthy eating to sports and therapeutic diets.
Clinical Physiology Laboratory: Conduct experiments that connect classroom theory to real-life health outcomes.
Phlebotomy Laboratory: Practice safely collecting samples like blood and saliva, essential for nutrition assessments.
LABplus & Life Sciences Resource Centres: Modern, well-equipped spaces for practical work, independent study, and research projects.
Professional Work Placements: Gain real-world experience in healthcare, community, or fitness settings to boost your employability.
Optional Placement Year: Take a six-month (or part-time equivalent) work placement and earn a University Certificate of Professional Experience.
Research Summer Placements: Compete for placements with the Biomedical Research Group to gain hands-on research experience.
Level 3 Personal Training Award: Earn a recognized qualification to enhance career opportunities in the fitness and health sector.
These experiences give you the confidence, practical skills, and professional exposure you need to excel in careers related to nutrition, exercise, and health.
A levels : AAB or ABB minimum of 3 A levels, including grade B in Biology/Human Biology and grade C in a relevant second science (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography, and Psychology). General Studies excluded.GCSE : Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills.IB : 26 points overall to include grade 5 in Higher Level Biology and grade 5 in a second relevant science. English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level – 4, standard level – 5.American curriculum : High School Diploma (Grade 12) with minimum of 3.0 GPA with Grade B or higher in Biology and second scinece subject Grade B or higher (acceptable subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, or Applied Science)Indian boards : Overall 65% in Grade 12 with Biology: 65% or higher Second Science Subject: 65% or higher (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, or Applied Science)IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0, with no component below 5.5.TOEFL : Overall 80, with component scores of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18NutritionistTeacherSports Scientist ProfessionalNutritionist / Public Health NutritionistFood Industry / Product Development RolesHealth Promotion Officer / Wellness ConsultantExercise and Fitness SpecialistResearcher / Academic
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Plymouth
