Nutrition BSc

Our Nutrition BSc degree develops your knowledge and understanding of human nutrition and the science underpinning the relationship between diet and health.

The course also allows you to develop the applied and professional skills you will need to work in nutrition-related fields, including as an Associate Registered Nutritionist (Association for Nutrition).

Nutrition is a fast-moving discipline that focuses on understanding the role of foods, nutrients and the overall “diet” in maintaining health and preventing disease. Nutritionists play an important role in providing and implementing evidence-based nutritional guidelines and dietary recommendations.

Registered Nutritionists work in the food industry, scientific research, and health settings. Your University of Leeds BSc Nutrition degree enables you to develop a solid understanding of the importance of human nutrition and nutrition science. While exploring food content and food choices, you’ll also learn about the most up-to-date nutrition and dietary recommendations and what is considered “healthy” and for who. You will also learn about the scientific, social and ethical considerations that inform health advice and the nutrition profession, all within the context of current issues, such as the global obesity problem, plant-based diets, and sustainability.

Why study at Leeds:

• Graduate with an Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Association for Nutrition (AfN) accredited degree at a university ranked in the top ten in the UK for Nutrition and Food Science, Guardian University Guide 2023, and in the top 50 in the world for Food Science and Technology, ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022.

• Take advantage of our world-leading research here at Leeds, in areas such as digestion and delivery, food safety, functional biopolymers and novel food design.

• Experience expertise teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of the industry who specialise in a variety of food science and nutritional disciplines.

• Put theory into practice, with access to our specialist facilities, including lecture theatres and labs fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.

• Start building your future career path from day one, establishing relations in the field with industry professionals through our strong partnerships with UK industry such as Mondelez, Arla Foods, Sainsbury’s and more.

• Broaden your experience before you graduate and give your CV that competitive edge with our industrial work placement opportunities and study abroad programmes.

• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our Food Science society, where you can widen your interest in food studies and get to know people on your course outside of lectures through trips and socials such as nights out, Bongo Bingo and a Summer BBQ.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Association for Nutrition (AfN).

This accreditation signifies that Leeds offers the best possible food-related education, giving students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into employment in the food industry, research, education and the public sector.

Accreditation of the course with the Association for Nutrition supports the development of nutritionists’ skills by recognising the delivery of evidence-based nutrition education to a professional level. The accreditation also recognises that our course meets the quality standards established by the AfN, and upon graduation you’ll be eligible to apply for direct entry as a Registered Associate Nutritionist to the UK Register of Nutritionists (Association for Nutrition).

Studying an accredited degree can help you to stand out to employers because it assures them that you meet the standards of the food profession.

Online taster course

Food Science and Nutrition: From the Farm to You is a free online course, delivered via FutureLearn, introducing you to the fascinating world of food. You will learn how Food Science and Nutrition combine knowledge from engineering, biology and physical sciences to study all aspects of food and to ensure what we consume is safe and wholesome. Join the online course now.

Year one

Introduces you to the major sources of food and its preparation and sensory aspects as well as key nutrition and key nutrition science concepts. Crucial to understanding the principles of how nutrients and food function and support the health of our bodies, you’ll engage with key concepts in human physiology, biochemistry which are of relevance to human nutrition. All these modules allow you to gain a thorough appreciation of how food and its components affects health and gain insight into the role of food as a carrier of essential nutrients with specific roles in the body. You’ll also study food processing and safety (microbiology) and develop your laboratory and experimentation skills in food and nutritional science.

At the end of year one, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto our Integrated Masters degree, subject to suitable academic performance.

Year two

Learning focusses on understanding the scientific basis of nutritional recommendations and the impact of nutrition on health, for different population groups at different life stages, e.g. pregnancy, childhood, older age. You will explore how the metabolic demand for nutrients varies during the life course. You’ll also be introduced to the concepts and methodologies which allow scientists to study what people eat and what sorts of dietary patterns are linked to health and disease.

Studying food analysis, you’ll examine how the nutritional content of food is established, the additives and contaminants in food, and the need for food analysis to comply with legal requirements. The relationship between nutrition and physical activity will also be explored in the context of the global obesity problem, including the physiological, psychological and cultural barriers to dietary change. You’ll also deepen your understanding of how food components affect the chemical and microbiological safety of food, and the integration between human physiology and nutrition.

This year provides the opportunity to build on key skills explored in year 1, including employability and professional aspects of nutrition roles in industry and health settings.

Year three

In your final year you will explore more specific and specialised areas of current thinking in nutrition, food, nutrition-related behaviour and public health. This year encompasses key considerations around what is needed to ensure everyone has access to a healthy diet, via approaches to policy, education, and health promotion. By working on product and health innovation projects alongside peers, you will further appreciate the role of nutritionists, industry, government and consumers in the product development and policy making processes. You’ll have the opportunity to explore some clinically-related aspects of nutrition and the concept of personalised nutrition, as well as the role of diet in cardiovascular health.

A team project based on new product development (NPD) will give you the opportunity to explore the role of nutritionists in developing and marketing new food products and enable you to gain insight into how this works in the food industry.

A major part of our Nutrition Degree is your final year project work- an opportunity to undertake a real life research study, together with experienced academics.

Examples of previous research projects include:

• Investigating the Association of Physical Activity with Blood Glucose Markers: A Mendelian Randomisation Analysis

• Penetration and Presentation of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label Information in UK Supermarket Websites

• Effect of High Carbohydrate Diet on Triacylglycerols from De Novo Lipogenesis

• Age Related Contributions of Fruit and Vegetables to Fibre Intakes in the UK

(Optional) one-year work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide. Both of these options will extend your degree by 12 months.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Nutrition BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

As a nutrition student at Leeds we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical lab work.

Laboratory classes and project work allows you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together, they will equip you with in-depth knowledge, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned academic personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and help you progress, throughout your degree.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lecture “The Design of healthier food” to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

A variety of assessment approaches are used to support students to learn and progress through the course and measure attainment of the learning outcomes. . Assessments have a range of formats to develop learner skills such as report writing, effective presentation and communication, problem-solving and the necessary practical skills such as laboratory and experimental methods, including conducting human-based studies and trials. Our assessments are designed to accommodate the various learning styles and embed equitable and inclusive practices to ensure a supportive and fair assessment framework is presented.

Laboratory work is usually assessed through short written reports, scientific posters or on-line multiple choice questionnaires. We use essays and portfolios to encourage students to conduct in-depth research into interesting topics and develop their writing skills; this is enhanced through literature reviews. You’ll also develop communication and presentation skills through giving presentations and making posters or flyers.

You’ll also have more formal exams, which test your knowledge of particular subject content and develop your ability to think quickly. Details on the types of assessment used for each module can be found on the University Module Catalogue.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics)

Where an A-Level science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be BBB with an A in the EPQ.

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits overall with at least 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 are at distinction level and the rest at Merit. Must contain a significant number of Science modules.

• BTEC

  D*DD National Extended Diploma/3 National Extended Certificates in a relevant science subject. We do not accept Health and Social Care or Sports and Exercise Science. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 M2 including two science subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall (16 points at higher level, including two science subjects).

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H1 H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 including two core science subjects at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though science subjects must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAABB including 1 science at Advanced Higher.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics) plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £27,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job or the skills needed to go on and study for a higher degree.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.

Graduates of this AfN-accredited Nutrition programme will have the scientific knowledge and relevant practical, interpersonal and intellectual skills to be able to register as a Nutritionist. You’ll be equipped to work as a nutritionist in the food industry, a nutritionist in the community or within nutrition research and consultancy.

Studying this accredited degree course can help you to stand out to employers because it assures them that you meet the standards of the food profession. Many nutritionist and nutrition-related jobs now require graduate applications to possess AfN Registration. Our recent graduates have pursued a range of interesting careers, including in nutritional research, public health promotion, product development, marketing, and humanitarian work related to nutrition and public health.

The course is also a stepping-stone towards obtaining higher qualifications. Some of our graduates choose to stay at Leeds to study our MSc Nutrition programme or to carry out a postgraduate research programme.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Nutrition Associate at Kellogg Company

• Policy Advisor at DEFRA

• Health Coach at Oviva

• NHS and further training in dietetics

• Product Developer & Content Creator at City Dietitians

• Nutritionist & Field Survey Manager with The United Nations World Food Programme

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year.

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you will be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

The study abroad year will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas

• All placements are salaried

• Build industry contacts within your chosen field

• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers

• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice

• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry

• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious organisations, including:

• major retailers, such as Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's

• major manufacturers, such as Nestlé, Unilever and Kraft

• major research centres, such as DEFRA and Leatherhead Food RA

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more at the Work Experience website.