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Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSci

2024-25 (also available for 2025-26)

It’s not too late to apply for September.
It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

16 September 2024

Duration

4 years full-time

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB-BBC

BTEC - DDM-DMM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

15

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. This course is approved by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). This enables you to meet industry-recognised standards and gain qualifications which are recognised by major employers.
  2. On campus, you’ll benefit from specialist facilities, including our fully equipped sport and exercise science labs, as well as our sports hall and fitness suite. In your second year, you’ll secure a work placement which will give you valuable real-world experience that employers are looking for in graduates. The third year will give you the opportunity to study a specific aspect of nutrition in depth in the dissertation project.
  3. You can utilise the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a work placement in your second year, putting the skills and knowledge you’ve gained on the course to the test. 

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and making time for regular exercise are important for wellbeing. Good nutrition helps to achieve optimal performance in sport – within elite sport, personal training, and community-based initiatives – and this course could lead to an exciting and rewarding career.

An integrated Master’s four-year degree, Sport Exercise and Nutrition MSci is designed to combine both undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single degree. This is a requirement to be able to register as a Sport and Exercise Nutritionist on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr), held by the British Dietetic Association.

During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how nutrition relates to exercise and health, and sports performance, with modules relating to anatomy and physiology, digestion and metabolism, nutrition assessment methods, and nutrition of exercise and health.

On campus, you’ll benefit from specialist facilities, including our fully equipped sport and exercise science labs, as well as our sports hall and fitness suite. In your second year, you’ll secure a work placement which will give you valuable real-world experience that employers are looking for in graduates. The third year will give you the opportunity to study a specific aspect of nutrition in depth in the dissertation project. In your fourth year, you'll study Sport and Exercise Nutrition at a Postgraduate level. This will give you the academic edge over graduates with an undergraduate degree.

Example career pathways supported by this degree include sports nutritionist, physical activity coordinator, health advisor, sports development officer, personal trainer, or exercise referral specialist.

Why study Sport Exercise and Nutrition MSci

Reflecting our commitment to equipping you with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively transition into roles in the sector, this course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)* – the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. This enables you to gain the specific skills and knowledge necessary for a range of roles for including gym instructor, personal trainer or working with people with long-term conditions, as well as industry-recognised standards and qualifications that are recognised by major employers in the sector aligned to your degree.

Our lecturers’ research actively helps to shape real-world practice, too, meaning you’ll gain the very latest industry knowledge. If you’re interested in everything from physical activity to healthy eating, sports performance, sports physiology, and sports science, this is the degree for you.

*Whilst studying the course you can apply for annual student membership of CIMSPA, at just £5 per student (an 83 per cent saving). This gives you access to e-learning, guest lectures, digital newsletters, magazines, volunteering, and job opportunities. On successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for CIMSPA graduate membership, at your own expense.

Course detail

Core modules:

Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport and Exercise

Two branches of science, anatomy and physiology provide the foundation for understanding the body’s parts and functions. You’ll be supported to develop an underpinning knowledge and understanding of the human body systems that are of most relevance to sport, exercise and health. You’ll also be supported to develop an understanding of homeostatic control and how this relates to the pathophysiology of disease.

Foundations of Bioenergetics Metabolism and Nutrition

You'll be provided with a foundation knowledge within the area of nutrition, bioenergetics and metabolism. The relationship between what we eat, and nutrition will be explored by looking at the importance of the food groups that make up the diet, the nutritional needs for different population groups and the link between diet and disease. You'll also look at the role of macronutrients in the diet in terms of how energy is provided and metabolised.

Foundations of Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise

Biomechanics is the study of the forces acting on and produced by the body. You’ll be supported to develop an understanding of the academic and practical skills required of a sport and exercise scientist, providing you with knowledge to interpret biomechanical principles that govern human motion. Biomechanics is one of the key sport and exercise science disciplines recognised by British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Foundations of Psychology for Sport and Exercise

This module will investigate how people think, feel and behave in a sport and exercise context. You’ll have the opportunity to improve diet, exercise and physical activity levels, and gain an understanding of psychological skills and their influence on sports performance and exercise and dietary behaviour.

Foundations of Coaching and Instructing

You’ll explore leadership and the role of the coach in the context of sport, exercise, physical activity and health. You’ll be provided with opportunities to develop practical skills such as communication, demonstration, observation, provision of feedback etc. You’ll illustrate and apply an understanding of the coach’s responsibilities and liabilities in safeguarding the physical and emotional interests of the athlete or client. You’ll also gain experience of the coaching process through working in small groups to plan, organise, deliver and evaluate an exercise or physical activity session.

Research Methods 1

This module focuses on developing the academic skills required to progress in higher education and successfully complete the degree course. You’ll examine essential areas such as essay and report writing, referencing and use of Summon in searching for information. You’ll be introduced to concepts of research design and the research process, as well as identify where support can be accessed to enable academic progression. This module will also introduce key concepts in Professional Practice to support future career goals.

Entry requirements

BBB-BBCat A Level including an A Level in PE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Food Technology. If you are studying a Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including an A Level in PE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Food Technology. If you are studying a Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course. Alternatively, the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma or National Extended Certificate in one of the following subjects: Applied Science, Sport or Sport and Exercise Science or NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity is accepted.

Merit at T Level in Health or Healthcare Science.

DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport or Applied Sciences.

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above to include 15 credits in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Nutrition.
  • 120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications including PE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Food Technology at Higher Level.

You also need enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance to enable you to undertake placements. We arrange this during year 1 of the course. Previous convictions will affect your choice of placements.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Placements


The course includes a compulsory 140-hour work placement in your second year, in an appropriate environment, helping you to relate theory to practice and develop skills in a real work context. The teaching staff have developed excellent links with local employers and can provide assistance in finding a suitable placement.

Previous placement providers have included strength and conditioning, professional sports clubs (performance analysis and sport science support), primary and secondary schools, further education colleges, local authority sport development and physical activity units, primary care trusts, research assistants and private physical activity and sport providers. The University also has strong links with local professional sports clubs, so there may be opportunities for you to work with these athletes, for example Huddersfield Town FC and Huddersfield Giants.

For more information visit our placements page.

I worked alongside Huddersfield Giants nutritionist where I gained a valuable insight into the world of elite performance. I also worked within the local community at VIVE sport helping individuals with learning difficulties and creating a safe environment for individuals to perform sport.

None

Thomas Drayton, graduated Sport Science BSc(Hons) in 2018, and is now a Laboratory Technician at Nottingham Trent University

Your career


Careers in sport and exercise nutrition include: Performance Nutritionists, for example with the four UK Institutes of Sport, professional and amateur sports clubs and individual athletes; health promotion eg Health and Wellbeing/Lifestyle Coaches, Weight Management Practitioners; Sales eg supplements, gym equipment, in-store brand ambassador; Academia as researchers and lecturers; and Research and Development and New Product Development for food companies.

 

Previous graduates from the Division of Sport, Exercise and Public Health have gone on to work in education, research, teaching and the community in organisations including the NHS (Dietetic Assistant), Huddersfield Giants RLFC (Community Development Officer), Halifax RLFC (Performance Analyst), Barnsley Council (Senior Public Health Officer), Kirklees Active Leisure (Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor), Huddersfield Town FC (First Team Performance Analyst), Liverpool FC (Academy Fitness Coach), Everton FC (Lecturer and Coach), Manchester United (Sports Performance Analyst), Leicester City FC (Women’s First Team Performance Analyst), Project Sport (Sports Coach) and Nuffield Health (Performance Lead).**

 

*Percentage of graduates from this subject area who were in work and/or further study within fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21, including both UK and non-UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

**LinkedIn.

88-91% Graduates employed*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Human and Health Sciences, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Hub: a one stop shop for students, studying within the School. Their services include offering advice on extenuating circumstances, extension requests, course progression, suspension and welfare support, organising appointments with academic staff and signposting to other support networks.

Academic Skills Development Team: support students to develop their academic skills and build their confidence in order to improve their grades. The team provide support with academic skills including essay writing, being critical, reflective writing, numeracy, research skills, presentations and group work skills; as well as personal development for example time management.

Learning Technology Support Unit: helps students with any problems they experience with the University’s Brightspace Learning System, including logging on or difficulties experienced when accessing and using modules, and with the PebblePad platform, which is used by students when they go out on placements.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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