Triangle

Course overview

Everything we eat and drink impacts whether we function at our highest standard. For elite and high-performance athletes, what they consume can also make a difference in breaking records or winning events.

Sports nutrition is recognised as a fundamental element of sporting excellence. This course will enable you to advise both recreational and elite athletes on the impact that carefully planned nutrition can have on body and mind. Whether helping them complete a new event, achieve a personal best, reach 'race weight', or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be prepared to make a difference.

You will learn how to work with people from diverse backgrounds, providing dietary advice to fuel their lifestyle and exercise needs. Alongside dedicated teaching staff, you’ll attend guest lectures from a wide range of experts in their fields, expanding your knowledge. You will also be able to undertake placements in a sporting environment to gain practical experience working as a Sports Nutritionist.

Taught at various locations, including Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC)-one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK- University Park and Jubilee Campus, all based in the vibrant city of Nottingham. Your learning will include:

  • Sport And Exercise Nutrition
  • Metabolism
  • Muscle Physiology
  • Research skills in the expanding field of nutritional science

With easy access to University Park Campus and the QMC, you will have full use of libraries, computer rooms, and study spaces, as well as cafes, shops, and informal areas to relax and socialise with other students.

The full-time course of study will consist of two semesters for taught modules and a continuing research project in the summer, totalling approximately twelve months. The part-time course can be taken over two years, or over three or four years if no Student Loan Company funding is required

Why choose this course?

A top 20 university

The University of Nottingham is ranked a top 20 university in the UK 2023. *

*Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

Specialist facilities

including a sensory science centre, dietetics suite and food labs

Top employer in the UK

Ranked 2nd in the UK for top employers in 2023. *

* High Fliers Graduate Market Report 2023

Course content

Modules are taught by a variety of lectures, practical classes, seminars, journal clubs, nutrition placements, tutorials, e-learning and directed private study.  Module content may be varied from time-to-time.

Modules

Fundamentals of Nutrition 20 credits

This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts in the field of Nutrition, including requirements for macronutrients (e.g. proteins, carbohydrates and fats) and micronutrients (e.g. vitamins and minerals).

Nutrition and Metabolism 20 credits

This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the role of nutrition in a variety of physiological & pathological situation covering:

  • Metabolism in the Fed, Fasted and Starved States.
  • Nutrition, Metabolism and Exercise
  • Disorders of Metabolism
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular Disease, Lipoproteins, Hyperlipidaemia and Atherosclerosis
Research Methods 20 credits

This module will develop your critical appraisal skills so you can take an evidence based approach to your work. It covers the strengths and weaknesses of different types of study design, the key principals relevant to evaluating research (both quantitative and qualitative), whether a published journal paper or undertaking your own research projects.

You'll also be taught how to use statistical software and how to analyse qualitative data.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition 20 credits

The overall aim of this module is to give you a practical grounding in sport and exercise nutrition. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills to advise the public (including different groups of athletes) on nutrition for sports and exercise. This requires you to be able to understand key nutritional concepts and metabolism, develop a critical awareness of evidence, and apply this knowledge to the assessment, monitoring and planning of diets.

Project and Dissertation 60 credits

Skills:

  • Intellectual: critical thinking, analysis and evaluation of research data
  • Professional: ability to conduct valid research into topics related to sports and exercise medicine, review published research literature

You will complete a research project in a topic of your choice relevant to sports nutrition, exercise and metabolism, exercise and health, physiology or medicine.

The research subject will be approved by your supervisor and module co-ordinator, and you will be individually supported throughout by a research supervisor.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 11 October 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Seminars
  • Journal club
  • Placements
  • Tutorials
  • eLearning
  • Self-study

Taught by a variety of lectures, practical classes, seminars, journal clubs, nutrition placements, tutorials, e-learning and directed private study.  

How you will be assessed

  • Exams
  • Essays
  • Presentation
  • Reflective portfolio
  • Dissertation

Your work will be assessed by written exam, essays, oral presentation, reflective portfolio and dissertation. Module content may be varied from time-to-time. 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Undergraduate degree2.1 in a relevant degree
Additional information

We may consider applicants with a 2:2 with relevant work experience or degrees on a case-by-case basis.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
Medical School - Queen's Medical Centre

Where you will learn

Medical School - Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals.

There are dedicated clinical skills facilities and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

The hospital is located opposite University Park Campus and connected by a footbridge for easy access. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

University Park Campus

Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

UK fees are set in line with the national UKRI maximum fee limit.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

This content was last updated on Friday 11 October 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.