Nutrition BSc

We're ranked 1st in the Guardian University league tables 2019 (Agriculture, Forestry and Food).

We offer a Nutrition programme that develops your knowledge and understanding of human nutrition and the science underpinning the relationship between diet and health. This programme is professionally accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and the Institute for Food Science and Technology.

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

On this course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of human nutrition and the scientific basis underlying nutritional recommendations. You’ll examine the scientific, social and ethical considerations that inform the nutrition profession, all within the context of current issues, such as the global obesity problem and food insecurity.

This course offers you the opportunity to spend a year working in industry or studying at a university abroad, both of which provide valuable experience and help your personal development. Both of these schemes add an additional year to your course, taking the total course length to 4 years. There is also the option, subject to satisfactory academic performance, to transfer to the MSci, BSc Nutrition (Industrial) degree, in which your industrial placement replaces the third year of your degree.

Our industrial placement scheme gives you the opportunity to gain work experience in an industry relevant to your degree and interests. Our students often describe this industrial experience as an invaluable part of their degree and one which stands them in good stead for their future careers.

The study abroad year enables you to gain insight into the study of nutrition at one of our partner universities overseas. Many students find this to be an extremely worthwhile option, that broadens their horizons and provides valuable cultural and learning experiences, while also improving their foreign language skills.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN)

AfN accreditation supports the development of nutritionists’ skills by recognising university courses that deliver evidence-based nutrition education to a professional level. Our programme’s accreditation recognises that our course meets the quality standards established by the AfN, and upon graduation you’ll be eligible to apply for direct entry at Registered Associate level to the Association for Nutrition.

Accredited by the Institute for Food Science and Technology

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.

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

Year 1 introduces you to the major sources of food and their history, current trends in consumption, and key industrial processing operations. You’ll study food chemistry and develop your laboratory and experimentation skills in food and nutritional science. In addition, you’ll be introduced to microbiology, human physiology and nutrition; these modules allow you to gain a thorough understanding of how food affects health and wellbeing, and appreciate the role of food as a carrier of nutrients.

In the second year, you’ll be introduced to the concepts and methodology for studying nutrition in populations, and you will explore how the metabolic demand for nutrients varies during the life course. This allows you to understand the scientific basis of nutritional recommendations for different population groups at different life stages, e.g. pregnancy, childhood, older age. 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

There is an optional placement year between the second and final year. Two options are available:

1. Industrial one-year placement (salaried)
2. International taught or research study abroad one-year placement

The two options are based on Leeds’ long-standing relationships with industry and other worldwide leading academic institutions. Gaining a place on the industrial placement and study abroad programme is competitive and dependent on the grades you achieve.

In your final year, you’ll examine nutrition policy and public health, and gain an understanding of the role of nutritionists, industry, government and consumers in the policy making process, and how best to communicate nutrition policy to a lay-audience. You’ll examine the clinical 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 ranges in the food industry. You’ll also undertake an individual research project which will give you the experience of developing your research skills; you’ll be given a selection of research topics, which will relate to the nutrition research activity in the School.

Course structure

Details of typical modules/components for this course will be published on May 1st. These may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

As a student in the School of Food Science and Nutrition, you’ll be taught by world-class experts who’ll use a variety of teaching methods to deliver an inspiring student experience. With the continuous support of our staff, you’ll acquire the knowledge and transferable skills relevant for employment in key areas of food science, so that when you graduate you are ready to take on the wide range of job opportunities and academic positions that are available.

The fundamental approach used in all our programmes is research-based learning. We use several different teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, practical work, workshops and independent study. This ensures you become a successful graduate, who is equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes that you need to be successful in your desired career path that you choose to follow after graduation.

We provide exceptional student support to our students. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor, who’ll play an important role in supporting your academic and personal development throughout your studies. We also have a peer mentoring scheme to help you settle in when you first arrive at the University of Leeds.

There are many ways that we help you develop your academic and life skills during your time here at Leeds. To support you with your studies we have extensive computer clusters and virtually universal wireless connectivity. You'll be able to find multiple copies of the recommended books for your course within both the Edward Boyle Science and Engineering Library and our new £9 million Laidlaw Library, which are both situated centrally on campus. There are a variety of different study environments across campus, such as personal and flexible group work areas.

We have a wide range of support available through the University skills centre and the Leeds for Life scheme to help you develop your range of skills within your programme of study. There are many ways which you can broaden your horizons through participating in various activities, societies and volunteering opportunities that we provide.

Assessment

The types of assessment used for each module aim to measure the learning outcomes we want you to achieve. 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. Students 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: C/4 in English, or an equivalent English language qualification, and C/4 in Mathematics.

• 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 in a relevant Science subject. We do not accept Health and Social Care or Sports and Exercise Science

• 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 Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  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.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Food Science and Nutrition Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)

- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)

- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for 2019 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For all full-time students starting in 2020, our fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed and we expect to publish an update later in 2019.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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.

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.

The School of Food Science and Nutrition offer a range of scholarships for Home, EU and International students.

Scholarships for 2020 entry are to be confirmed.

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.

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. Some graduates even choose to set up their own business with the help of our Enterprise Scholars scheme.

There is a worldwide shortage of qualified food and nutrition graduates, so there has never been a better time to study this highly sought after degree at Leeds. Our dedicated careers centre will provide all the advice, support and guidance that you need throughout your time here. The School of Food Science and Nutrition has links with industry, meaning that whichever path you choose, you will be a highly sought after graduate.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. There are many benefits to studying abroad, including building self-confidence, broadening horizons, taking the opportunity to learn a new language and experiencing a different cultural environment. Students not only develop new skills that improve their future job prospects, but also study additional modules which complement those studied at Leeds. This experience is also added to their degree title: for example, BSc Nutrition (International).

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

The industrial placement (“Year in Industry”) scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews. In addition, the opportunity to work every day with experts in their field is an incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge.

In previous years, students have undertaken placement years at many organisations, including:

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

• research centres, such as the MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory and Campden BRI

• manufacturers, such as Nestlé and Unilever

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

As a BSc student you may include your industrial placement as an additional year of your studies, or, subject to satisfactory academic performance, transfer to our MSci, BSc Nutrition (Industrial) degree scheme in which your study abroad year replaces your third year at Leeds.

If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.