Explore the science of nutrition, diet and health on a nutrition course
A degree in nutrition typically covers a broad range of topics related to food, nutrients, and human health. Students will learn about the structure and function of the human body and how it processes food and nutrients, the chemical processes that occur within living organisms, the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals and how to evaluate the nutritional status of individuals and populations using methods such as dietary analysis and anthropometric measurements.
In recent decades, the UK has gained tremendous popularity as a favoured destination for students to study nutrition and food science courses. Understanding nutrition science can help you gain the scientific knowledge and specialist background in nutrition to understand how nutrients are digested, absorbed, and utilised by the body and how they affect our health and well-being.
What is the difference between nutrition and food science courses?
Nutrition and food science are related fields that share some common ground, but they are also distinct in terms of their focus and emphasis.
- A nutrition degree typically focuses on the science of food and its relationship to human health. Nutrition courses cover topics such as nutrient metabolism, dietary analysis, and the role of diet in the prevention and management of chronic diseases and students in nutrition programs may also study the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence food choices and access to healthy foods.
- Food science courses focus more on the science of food itself, including its composition, processing, preservation, and safety. These courses cover topics such as food chemistry, microbiology, food engineering, and sensory analysis. Students in food science programs may also study the legal and regulatory framework governing food production and distribution.
Types of Nutrition Degrees
BSc Nutrition
Bachelor’s courses in food and nutrition science cover various topics, such as human anatomy and physiology, culinary skills, food manufacturing, and eating behaviour. Students also have the opportunity to explore advanced subjects like food product design development, food supply and sustainability, and food technology. The degree aims to introduce students to the basics of anatomical science, with elements of chemistry, genetics, and microbiology.
Master’s in Nutrition
A master’s in nutrition emphasises an in-depth understanding of food production, legislation and development. Popular modules of these courses include Developing Food Concepts And Products, Life-Course Approach To Nutrition, and Nutritional Physiology And Biochemistry. These programmes are generally two years long and play significant roles in transforming one’s career in the field of nutrition.
Graduate Nutrition Careers and Salary
Food and nutrition science degrees in the UK help students gain extensive scientific, clinical and educational expertise. Many nutrition graduates go on to roles such as registered dietitian/nutritionist, food scientist, product development, quality control, food safety, research scientist and education.
- Average starting professional salary: £20,000
- Average salary of an experienced food scientist: £45,000
Source: National Careers Service (UK Government)
Nutrition UK Entry Requirements
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: At least 96 points with 80 points from at least two A-level passes.
- Typical A-level requirements: BBB (Required subjects: Biology and Chemistry, or Biology/Chemistry at grade B)
- Typical IELTS requirements: At least 7.0 overall with no sub-test below 6.5
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Nutrition in the UK?
To learn more about the best nutrition universities in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Nutrition and Food Science universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:
- Ulster University
- London Metropolitan University
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Leeds
- University of Nottingham
- University of Surrey
- University of Reading
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Nottingham Trent University
- King’s College London
Study Nutrition in the UK
If you want to study Nutrition in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.