(Full time) 2021 start
Nutrition MSci, BSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
We offer a Nutrition integrated Masters programme, that develops your understanding of the science underpinning the relationship between diet and health.
Food-health issues are regarded by many as being as important as global warming. Nutrition is a fast-moving discipline that focuses on understanding the role of diet in maintaining a healthy human body and preventing disease. Nutritionists play an important role in providing evidence-based nutritional guidance.
On this course, you’ll examine the scientific, social and ethical considerations that inform the nutrition profession. You’ll develop a deep understanding of the scientific basis underlying nutritional recommendations. You’ll examine nutritional issues in the context of key topical issues, such as the global obesity problem.
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Course content
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 addition, you’ll be introduced to microbiology, human physiology and nutrition; these modules allow you to gain a practical understanding of how food affects health and wellbeing, and appreciate the role of food as a carrier of nutrients.
In second year, you’ll be introduced to the concepts and methodology for studying nutrition in populations and explore how the metabolic demand for nutrients varies during the lifecycle. This allows you to understand the scientific basis of nutritional recommendations for different groups of people, from infants to the elderly. 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.
In your third year you will apply your skills to designing new foods, from concept through formulation and processing, through to sensory evaluation, packaging and marketing. Your team project, based on new product development (NPD), will explore the role of nutritionists in developing and marketing novel healthy foods to fill gaps in the present market and to meet new demands for healthy foods. You will deepen your understanding of how foods can affect health and in nutrition through topics that may include nutritional policy and practice, obesity and personal nutrition, food and cancer, and diet and cardiovascular health.
In your final year you will undertake an extended individual research project; you will be given a choice of topics to investigate in the School. You will also develop problem solving skills through an interactive module in which you will assess the properties of foods on the market and how their ingredients give the food its nutritional profile as well as desirable tastes and textures, and then investigate how to improve the nutritional profile without changing the taste and texture of the food. You will also be given a choice of modules that will allow you to extend your knowledge in a field of your choice that may include nutritional epidemiology, effects of processing on nutrition, food allergy and functional foods.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Food: Origins and Form 10 credits
- Key Industrial Processing Operations for Food 20 credits
- Key Skills in Food and Nutritional Sciences 20 credits
- Principles of Human Physiology and Nutrition 20 credits
- Physicochemical Properties of Food 20 credits
- Cell and Molecular Biology 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Molecules Controlling Sensory and Nutritional Properties 20 credits
- Microbiological and Chemical Food Safety 20 credits
- Food Analysis 10 credits
- Literature Review in Food Science and Nutrition 10 credits
- Nutritional Issues in the Life Cycle 20 credits
- Principles of Research: Diet in Populations 10 credits
- Physiology II - Integration Between Physiology and Nutrition 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Food and the Allergic Reaction 10 credits
- Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease 10 credits
- Introduction to Food Product Development 10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Diet and Cardiovascular Health 10 credits
- Critical Appraisal of Scientific Literature 20 credits
- Food and Cancer 10 credits
- Food Product Development - Team Project 30 credits
- Nutrition Policy and Public Health 20 credits
- Obesity and Personalised Nutrition in the 21st Century 10 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Research Project 60 credits
- Problem Solving: Functionality of Ingredients in Food Design 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Food Biotechnology 10 credits
- Food Science and Nutrition Research: Recent Revelations and Disputes 10 credits
- Impacts of Food Processing on Nutritional Quality 10 credits
- Food and the Allergic Reaction 10 credits
- Functional Foods 10 credits
- Exercise Physiology, Health and Sports Nutrition 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding 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
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
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, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA 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.
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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.
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BTEC
D*D*D in a relevant Science subject. We do not accept Health and Social Care or Sports and Exercise Science
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 including two science subjects.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall (17 points at higher level, including two science subjects).
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H2 including two core science subjects at higher level.
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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 AAAAA including 2 sciences 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: ABB 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. 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.
Applicant days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Environment Taught Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,750 (per year)
Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 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 and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 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 Government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
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.
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.
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.
Career opportunities
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
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 dedicated 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.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
Study abroad and work placements
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.
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.
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. 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.
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 about Industrial placements.