5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The Nutrition BSc (Hons) with Foundation Year and Placement Year at Surrey is perfect for students who are passionate about food, health, and science but want extra preparation before starting the full degree. The foundation year builds your knowledge in biology, chemistry, and study skills so you’re ready to succeed. Once you progress into the main degree, you’ll explore how nutrients affect health, gain hands-on experience in labs and professional settings, and benefit from a placement year that lets you apply your learning in the real world, make industry connections, and boost your career prospects.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year – Laying the Groundwork
Your foundation year covers the essentials of science and academic skills. You’ll study Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Study Skills, giving you the confidence and knowledge to take on the challenges of the full degree.
Year 1 – Exploring Nutrition Science
In your first official year, you’ll dive into the science behind food and health. Modules like Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Human Nutrition and Health, and Food Science help you understand how nutrients interact with the human body.
Year 2 – Applying Knowledge in Practice
Year two focuses on practical skills and real-world applications. Modules such as Applied Nutrition, Human Nutrition, and Nutrition Practice Development give you hands-on experience, preparing you for work in nutrition settings.
Placement Year – Professional Experience
Between your second and final year, you’ll spend a full year on a professional placement. This is your chance to work in hospitals, public health organizations, food companies, or community projects — applying your skills, building professional connections, and gaining confidence for your future career.
Year 3 – Advanced Studies and Research
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics such as Nutrition Across the Life Course and Nutrition and Ageing, while completing a Dissertation. This gives you the opportunity to conduct independent research and specialize in areas of interest, preparing you for professional practice or further study.
Focus Areas
Nutritional Science, Public Health, Food Science, Biochemistry, Physiology, Human Nutrition, Ageing, Life Course Nutrition, Research Methodology
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong understanding of nutritional science, the ability to apply it to promote health and prevent disease, and the skills to carry out independent research. The foundation year and placement year together ensure you graduate confident, experienced, and work-ready.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), allowing graduates to register as Associate Nutritionists and take the next steps toward a professional career in nutrition.
Reputation (Employability)
Surrey graduates are highly employable, with most securing jobs or further study soon after graduation. The combination of strong industry links, hands-on placement experience, and career support makes this program a launchpad for a successful career in nutrition.
At Surrey, studying Nutrition isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on experience. From cooking in state-of-the-art labs to conducting your own research, you’ll develop practical skills that are highly valued by employers, while learning in real-world environments.
Here’s a glimpse of what that looks like:
Food and Nutrition Kitchen Lab – Practice meal preparation, food hygiene, and recipe development in a fully equipped kitchen with ovens, hobs, blenders, and other tools.
Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory – Explore advanced equipment and methods to understand the science behind nutrition and health.
Food Research Lab – Use tools like colorimeters, HPLC systems, and texture analyzers to carry out your own nutrition research projects.
Exercise Physiology Lab – Study nutrition in action with treadmills, metabolic carts, and blood glucose-lactate analyzers.
Professional Training Placements – Gain real-world experience with organizations such as the NHS, government agencies, or nutrition companies.
Dissertation Projects – Conduct independent research on topics you’re passionate about, using Surrey’s top-notch facilities.
Collaborative Learning – Take part in group projects and activities like ‘Come Dine With Me’, where you cook meals reflecting different cultural diets, building teamwork and cultural awareness.
These experiences are designed to make sure you leave Surrey confident, skilled, and ready to succeed in a career in nutrition.
Graduating with a Nutrition BSc (Hons) from the University of Surrey opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. With your solid foundation in nutritional science and practical experience, you could work as a Registered Nutritionist, Public Health Nutritionist, Nutrition Consultant, or Health Educator.
Surrey supports your career journey every step of the way:
Professional Training Placements – Gain hands-on experience with over 2,300 partner organizations in the UK and abroad, giving you real-world skills and valuable professional contacts.
Graduate Outcomes – 100% of Biosciences graduates are employed or in further study within a short period after finishing their degree.
Industry Partnerships – Work with organizations like the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and benefit from guidance aligned with professional standards.
Accreditation – The program is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), making you eligible to register as an Associate Nutritionist in the UK.
High Employability – Many graduates secure roles in nutrition and health soon after completing the program, reflecting Surrey’s strong reputation and career support.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, there are plenty of ways to continue your studies and specialize further:
MSc in Human Nutrition – Deepen your expertise in nutrition science and its applications in health and wellbeing.
PhD Research – Conduct advanced research in areas like clinical nutrition, public health, or food science, paving the way for academic or specialist careers.
Postgraduate Diplomas or Certificates – Short courses to build expertise in specific areas of nutrition and expand your professional qualifications.
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