Overview
As the number of people with diseases and disorders associated with physical inactivity and poor nutrition rises, the quality and safety of food, and the nutritional impact of what we eat on human health and development, has never been higher in the public awareness.
Sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition are associated with a wide range of health problems from obesity to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Overweight and obesity related ill-health alone is estimated to cost the NHS several £Billion per year.
Both nationally and internationally, nutritionists are being called upon to work with individuals, groups and communities, the food industry, regulatory bodies and policy makers to promote healthy diets and develop a better scientific understanding of food. This course aims to enhance your understanding of the scientific basis of nutrition with an emphasis on human health and disease.
This multidisciplinary course draws on the expertise of academics from biological and analytical sciences, public health and dietetics to provide an integrated course, centred on human nutrition and healthy eating, food safety and regulatory processes, food analysis and public health.
100% of students agreed this course is intellectually stimulating, National Student Survey 2018.
See the facilities available in our brand new Alison Gingell Building.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costOur Facilities
SuperLab
The Alison Gingell building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab, capable of holding up to 270 people at once. The lab's facilities include equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.
Hospital Wards
We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.
Strength and Conditioning Suite
Our multi-purpose suite is equipped with multiple Olympic lifting platforms, a 20m gait analysis track, an anti-gravity treadmill and even a 3D motion capture system!
Course information
This course is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of the relationship between nutrition and human health.
You will have the opportunity to learn about the dietary requirements of individuals from pre-pregnancy to old age, the psychosocial factors affecting food choice in modern society and the science of behaviour change, as well as how good nutrition enhances wellbeing and can help manage or prevent disease.
100%
of students agreed this course is intellectually stimulating
National Student Survey 2018
Course Specification
Download PDF (262kb)
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
overall and 2nd for graduate prospects for Food Science (Complete University Guide 2020)
In more detail...
Food and drink production is now the largest industry in Europe, but food has become much more than simply a biological necessity. Scientists are not only needed to ensure food remains nutritious, safe and of high quality, but also to further our understanding of the long-term health effects of changing dietary habits.
Capitalising on the expanding field of nutrition, this exciting degree explores the physiological, biochemical and psychosocial aspects of nutrition, as well as public health and health promotion.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop your academic, practical and professional skills. You will be taught in a variety of settings, including laboratories and a purpose-built kitchen for nutritional testing sessions, so that you have the chance to develop the analytical and practical skills required by employers – working with accuracy and precision to obtain data and results.
You’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of scientific techniques. Assessments are designed to mimic real life scenarios, such as analysing nutrient intake from a food diary, developing dietary interventions and designing health promotion campaigns.
At Coventry University, our experienced teaching staff aim to bring a range of professional and research expertise into their teaching. Having worked as food scientists, public and environmental health professionals and nutritionists for both governmental and local councils as well as working in the food industry, they maintain links with major external organisations, such as Coventry City Council and Public Health England to ensure you receive up-to-date information and help you begin to establish your professional networks. You will be given the opportunity to undertake a short work placement or a professional work placement for one year either in the UK or abroad*. We also offer sponsored summer studentships in a variety of related areas and projects in schools to enhance your employability (subject to application and availability, meeting visa requirements and additional costs may apply).
Employment opportunities in Nutrition and Health are extensive and varied. The health and fitness industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy. Within both the private and public sectors, there is an increasing demand for skilled nutrition professionals to implement new initiatives to deliver on public health and activity targets in the fight against illness and obesity.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Free access to specialist computer software for assessing the nutritional adequacy of dietary intake, such as Nutritics.
- Strong network of professional agencies and potential employers – Coventry City Council and Public Health England, as well as local government agencies.
- Based in the multimillion pound state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building which provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring access to state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical equipment.
- Well-established academic and practical support systems for students, includes weekly ‘drop-in’ surgery sessions for students to talk to staff about academic material, general study skills and personal problems.
- Support with applying for short and long-term placements* in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire. Past students have undertaken one-year placements* in the food industry with organisations such as Coventry City Council and Public Health England.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student. - Opportunity to apply for registration as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) by submitting a portfolio of evidence after graduation (please see the Association for Nutrition website for up-to-date information about the application process and fees).
overall and 2nd for graduate prospects for Food Science in the Complete University Guide 2020.
Your main study themes are:
- Nutrition: Encompasses the science of nutrition and the use of dietary strategies to improve health and prevent illness. We cover nutrient metabolism – digestion, absorption, storage and utilisation of macro- and micro-nutrients – and biological influences on dietary intake, body composition, diet and weight management.
- Public health: Examines patterns of nutrition-related disease and disease prevention, public health policies and health promotion initiatives.
- Disease development and prevention: Explores the underlying biological mechanisms involved in a range of diet-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer.
- Psychosocial Influences on diet and Health: Covers some of the psychological and social influences on dietary intake and health behaviour. You will also examine a range of behaviour change theories.
The BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Health is available as a three or four-year course, with the latter incorporating a work placement or study year* in a related field.
A variety of teaching methods includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and practical skills sessions in the maintenance and improvement of food quality and safety, for example, food microbiology laboratory sessions and cooking sessions. These will be taught in our Superlab and in the kitchen, where you can work with a range of ingredients and use food processing equipment. We also incorporate the use of specific nutrition-based software, such as Nutritics.
A series of workshops will be offered during the first year of study with the aim of developing your scientific writing, research and laboratory skills. In laboratory sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling, reporting and broader scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, data processing and the use of statistics.
Where possible, coursework uses applied tasks that mimic the skills needed in jobs to help ensure you are attractive to potential future employers, such as collection and interpretation of nutritional data to assess nutrient intake from a food diary, or critically appraising evidence to inform the public of current nutrition and health topics. We also offer the opportunity for industry visits and fieldtrips (subject to competitive application, availability, and fees may apply), which have previously included trips to venues such as Food Matters Live and Food Bank.
Throughout the course, you will receive insight from researchers and current practitioners who will bring you the latest issues on a wide range of nutritional and health topics, such as pre- and probiotics and health benefits, good food at affordable prices, nutritional supplements, Coeliac Disease and the gluten free diet, and weight loss diets. We will also discuss current global issues and trends in food and nutrition, such as food security, sustainability and diseases.
If you choose the sandwich option, you will be able to spend a year studying abroad or on professional placement either in the UK or overseas*, which has led to past placements at Coventry City Council.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays, presentations and posters, practical or project work, formal examinations and group work.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:
- The Scientific basis of nutrition including nutrient metabolism, biological influences on dietary intake, assessing dietary intake, body composition, diet and weight management.
- Public health policies and health promotion initiatives. Patterns of nutrition-related disease and disease prevention.
- The underlying biological mechanisms involved in a range of diet-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer.
- Psychological and social influences on dietary intake and health behaviour. Behaviour change theories.
- Food production, labelling, marketing and advertising.
- The role of the food industry in influencing food choice and product development.
- Contamination and infection, quality control of processes, legislative and regulatory systems.
- Health and safety in the laboratory.
- A variety of research methods and how to critically appraise research articles.
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an analytical approach to problem solving by having the ability to recognise and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution.
- Assess the adequacy of dietary intake in relation to the current dietary guidelines using a range of tools.
- Assess body composition using a variety of techniques, including skinfold measurements, bioelectrical impedance, BOD POD.
- Work safely in the laboratory, adhering to health and safety guidelines and demonstrating good laboratory skills and competencies.
- Critically assess literature, evaluate and interpret information from a variety of sources, taking account of diversity, integrity and ethical considerations.
- Produce well-structured and logical arguments, demonstrate numerical and data manipulation skills and appropriate statistical interpretations.
- Communicate effectively using appropriate language and means of delivery.
In a typical teaching week, you will have around 18 contact hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: workshops/online tutorials each week.
- Medium group teaching: workshops or seminars each week
- Large group teaching: lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 18 hours of self-directed study each week e.g. revising.
Coventry University is committed to developing global graduates. Throughout the course, we will explore international, national and local food and nutrition practices and policies. This course attracts many international students, particularly from China and the EU, providing a diverse learning experience. This enhances the discussion of issues such as globalisation of foods and provides all students with a global perspective of developments in food, health and nutrition.
The University runs several specific schemes to allow students periods of overseas study or work experience*, offering numerous grants to subsidised costs (subject to application); past students in our department have been successful in securing places to study in Spain, France, Canada and the US. The School of Life Sciences also offers participation in a range of annual cultural exchange trips to Africa, Europe and the USA*.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.As well as covering UK field trips, key materials and laser print, the fees for this course also include:
- Laboratory coat and safety spectacles provided for use
- Free copy of SPSS statistics software
- Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children
- IFST Membership (Institute of Food Science Technology) OR Nutrition Society
The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Refundable deposit for turning point handset
- Any optional field trips or visits.*
*This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The need for nutritionists is growing with the increasing incidence of diet-related health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Consequently, graduates from this course should be well equipped for a wide range of roles in the field of nutrition and health – from working on emergency relief projects in low income countries to devising health initiatives to target dietary intakes of specific groups, such as pregnant women, school children and the elderly.
Opportunities may exist within local authorities, charitable organisations, the NHS, parenting organisations, health promotion, and the food and leisure industries. You could also find yourself advising policy makers, regulatory bodies or working in education or the media.
You will be strongly encouraged to take a year out by applying for a work placement or completing a summer internship*. Both activities allow you to demonstrate to potential employers that you can apply your skills and knowledge. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences’ own Talent Tam can help you to find suitable work placements and give you advice on how to get the most out of them.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
£22K
average salary six months after the completing course
DLHE 2016/17
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
