Interested in becoming a sport and exercise nutritionist?
The aim of this programme is to provide suitable academic training relating to the foundation of biosciences for the study of sport and exercise nutrition (SEN). Work based learning will be a major focus of the programme highlighting the wealth of professional roles within sport and exercise nutrition practice.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Diet and nutrition significantly affect sport performance. The food and fluid which an athlete consumes before, during, and after training and competition affects health, body mass and body composition, as well as performance in, and, recovery from, the effects of exercise. As such, an optimum diet can help to maximise sport performance.
An increased level of participation in physical activity, exercise and sport also helps to improve the health and well-being of our sedentary general population. Increased physical activity can help to reduce obesity, the risk of heart disease, some cancers, and osteoporosis, and can play a role in promoting mental health. Sound knowledge and practical application of sport and exercise nutrition can ensure a healthy balance between exercise and diet of individuals and groups of individuals at all levels of fitness.
The aim of this programme is to provide suitable academic training relating to the foundation of biosciences for the study of sport and exercise nutrition (SEN). This course will provide knowledge relating to the biosciences of sport and exercise nutrition, critical awareness and transferable skills for job opportunities in the wider nutrition and sports industry. It will also equip those with aspirations to work in the area of sports nutrition with the knowledge required before pursuing a one year Masters of Science postgraduate course (at Ulster) or other institution before securing practitioner registration to practice as a registered sport and exercise nutritionist.
Course Structure
Year 1
In the first year of the programme students will complete the following modules:
Year 2
In the second year of the programme, students will complete the following modules:
Year 3
The third year will be an optional placement in sport/sport and exercise nutrition setting (25-week minimum).
**students not taking the placement year, can progress into their final year**
Final Year
In the final year of the programme, students will complete the following modules:
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Full time attendance for 3 academic years (semesters one and two) plus optional placement year.
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. A course handbook and other course related material is made available on the course support area to guide you through your studies.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. For this course, the assessment will be a combination of coursework and examinations. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: video cooking demonstration, essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, discussion board or portfolio.The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental biochemical pathways, an understanding of which are necessary for the further study of life and health sciences. The structure, function and metabolism of biological macromolecules and the regulation of the pathways involved in their metabolism are discussed in detail
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces general descriptive, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry and the principles underlying chemical properties and reactions of simple organic and inorganic compounds with applications to pharmacology.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will assist first-year students to prepare for success in their university studies and success in the planning of their future careers.
Year: 1
Status: C
Through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminar sessions, students will understand the theoretical and practical importance of sport and exercise psychology to enhancing performance.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module provides students with a foundation of anatomy and physiology that is relevant to higher level study within physiology and other related interdisciplinary subjects within sport and exercise science. In addition, the module seeks to establish basic measurement, evaluation and writing skills that are pertinent to discipline.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce basic concepts of sport and exercise nutrition which underpin the study of sport and exercise nutrition.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module provides an integrated overview of food science and technology across the food supply chain and in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Core topics include principles of food processing, structure and chemistry of food components, elements of food microbiology and food safety hazards/risks. Students are introduced to the production and processing of the main food commodities, challenges in food (re)formulation and other factors for sustainable and ethical food quality, safety and security of supply. Students will engage and report on laboratory practicals, and will undertake a site visit to a local company to gain insights into the food production process.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to promote an understanding of the fundamentals of nutritional assessment through directed learning on anthropometry, body composition and dietary assessment methodologies. Students will gain practical skills in the measurement and collection of anthropometry and dietary intake data.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module discusses the changing nature of nutritional requirements and determinants of food selection through the human life cycle.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module considers the acute and chronic adaptations of exercise on the physiological systems. The effects of the environment and nutrition on sport and exercise performance will also be discussed. Practical experience of the use of contemporary sport and exercise physiological techniques is also provided. The knowledge and skills obtained from this module will be pertinent for related sport, exercise, and health modules available in final year.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will explore the range of professional practice in performance nutrition, how to work safely with athletes with the overarching aim of assisting in preparing students for their professional placement.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module explores key scientific principles in exercise physiology and sports nutrition permitting students to develop a detailed understanding of the appropriate practical skills and procedures required for the integrated assessment of physiological function and nutritional needs of clients in field/ laboratory settings.
Year: 2
Status: C
Students face a variety of challenges in a complex higher education environment combined with an increasingly competitive global graduate labour market with ever-evolving technologically centric selection and recruitment methods. It is important therefore that students are aware of the people, resources, platforms, systems and the processes available to assist them to understand, review and evaluate their Career Action Planning development and their ability to successfully articulate their attributes, skills and experiences, as they progress through university and along their employability journey.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an integrated overview of nutrition- and food-related research as the ongoing basis of the knowledge that informs future practice, research & development. The module provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills necessary to produce a critical review of scientific literature, conduct statistical analysis using relevant computer software and acquire presentation skills, which help to prepare students for the Food, Nutrition and Dietetics research project module (NUT517).
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides students with experience in research in a selected area of investigation in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics conducting an independent research project and interpreting the findings for presentation to a scientific audience in the form of scientific poster and scientific paper for publication.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will provide an overview to an exciting new area of exercise science, and will provide the student with an opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body during conditions of exercise stress.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers the relationship between nutrition and exercise performance. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body and how appropriate nutritional practices can be effective for exercise performance and overall health and wellbeing.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, health and disease. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body and how good nutritional practices can be effective for good health and disease prevention.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers the links between theory and practice of modifying dietary intake for training and competition to aid athletic performance.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and
professional work experience in a sport and exercise nutrition work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
CCC
Subject specific requirement:
At least one subject from Nutrition and Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Environmental Technology.
PE or Single Award Life & Health Sciences only acceptable where accompanied by AS level in Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Biology (Grade C or above).
Provided the above subject requirement is met you can substitute a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University for one of the A level grades.
***Only science-based BTECs accepted***
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Award profile of MMM
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
Award profile of MMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Award profile of MMM
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Award profile of MM (will also need Grade C in A level or other alternative accepted qualification at Level 3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
Award profile of MM (will also need Grade C in A level or other alternative accepted qualification at Level 3)
OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
Award profile of MM plus Grade C in A level or other alternative accepted qualification at Level 3
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC or other alternative accepted qualifications at Level 3
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC or other alternative accepted qualifications at Level 3
OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC or other alternative accepted qualifications at Level 3
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include H3 in one subject from Physical Education, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Biology or Home Economics.
English and Maths grade H6 or above (Higher Level) or Grade O4 or above (Ordinary Level)
CCCCC including at least 1 subject at grade C from Sport, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Applied Science, Physics, Home Economics.
English & Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
DDD including at least 1 subject from Sport, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Applied Science, Physics, Home Economics.
English & Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
minimum 24 points to include 12 points at higher level to include at least 5 points in one of: Sport, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Biology, Home Economics.
Higher or Subsidiary level in English Language and Maths required at Grade 4 or above.
ed at Grade 4 or above.
Only science-based programmes are accepted.
Overall profile of at least 60% (120 credits) including 60% in each level 3 module (NI Access Couse)*
Overall profile of at least 45 credits at Merit (GB Access Course)*
*to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
For full time study you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at Grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Also you must hold a GCSE pass in Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent) and either Double Award Science (grade CC) or Chemistry (grade C) or above.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 15 distinctions in level 5 credits/units may be specified.
Pass HNC with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions in level 4 credits/units may be specified.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met). Examples of acceptable combinations include:
2 A Levels and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma
OCR National Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma
2 A Levels and Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
A Level and BTEC National Diploma
In this section
With this degree you could become:
Increasingly recognised as a vital part of public and individual health, sports nutrition graduates use their skills to help people and communities make the right dietary choices. Whilst this programme is not envisaged as a vocational course, the specialist knowledge and graduate level skills that it provides will enhance opportunities for attaining employment in a variety of areas. Graduates can pursue careers in the following contexts: educational welfare, local government, educational and community development, social/educational research, medical sales; further and higher education, nutrition, as well as training roles in business-contexts, in health services and in physical activity and health. Typically, graduates will find themselves in roles where they use their graduate skills to create learning/training content and supporting materials, to teach/advise a variety of population sectors e.g. young people, athletes and gym users using a variety of traditional and online tools. As aforementioned, there is also opportunity to follow the undergraduate programme with further study of SEN at Ulster by completing the PgD/MSc SEN (accredited programme) to become a registered sport and exercise nutritionist.
The third year will be an optionalplacement in sport/sport and exercise nutrition setting (25-week minimum).
**students not taking the placement year, can progress into their final year**
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Students will need access to Nutritics software for nutritional analysis (estimated cost £20).
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
