Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of PlymouthIf you’re passionate about understanding how food, fitness, and lifestyle shape people’s health, this degree is a fantastic choice. The course combines science with real-world application, giving you the knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle modern health challenges like obesity, chronic disease, and physical inactivity.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in how the human body works and how it responds to diet and exercise. You’ll explore Introduction to Human Nutrition, Investigation and Experimentation in Nutrition & Exercise Sciences, and Human Physiology—blending classroom theory with practical lab sessions. You’ll also develop important study and personal development skills to help you succeed throughout your degree.
Year 2
The second year takes you deeper into the science behind nutrition and physical activity. You’ll study modules like Nutritional Science 1 and Exercise Physiology to understand how diet and exercise can prevent or manage disease. You’ll also look at Epidemiology to learn how to analyze health trends across populations. Alongside this, the Placements and Employability module helps you prepare for real-world experience and career planning.
Year 3 (Placement Year)
Your third year is all about putting your learning into action. You’ll spend a full year on placement in a professional setting—this could be with health organizations, sports performance teams, or community health projects. It’s a chance to gain hands-on experience, grow your network, and boost your confidence in a workplace environment.
Year 4
In the final year, you’ll pull everything together and apply your knowledge to advanced topics. Modules include Nutritional Science 2 and Nutrition and Exercise in Practice, alongside an independent research project where you can focus on a subject you care about. This year prepares you to graduate not just with knowledge, but also with the critical thinking and practical skills employers look for.
Focus Areas
Nutrition | Exercise Science | Public Health | Health Promotion | Clinical Nutrition
Learning Outcomes
Scientific understanding of nutrition and exercise | Practical lab and research skills | Ability to analyze health data | Professional development | Real-world application of theory
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This program is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), meaning you can apply to join the register as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) as soon as you graduate.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Plymouth is ranked 4th in the UK for Food Science in the 2026 Complete University Guide—showing its strength in both teaching and graduate prospects.
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
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