BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health at University of Plymouth. You'll combine core theoretical foundations with research methods, specialist options (such as nutrition for performance, exercise prescription, or health behaviour change), and an independent project that draws your learning together.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Nutrition and dietetics graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Introduction to Human NutritionCore20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce learners to the science, application and consequences of food choice and lifestyle on human nutritional health.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Study skills and personal developmentCore
Module details
This module supports the development of key study and learning skills. Timetabled tutorials will help promote self-reflection and provide a framework for personal development planning and careers.
- Investigation and Experimentation in Nutrition & Exercise SciencesCore20 credits
Module details
To introduce the learner to key elements of investigation and experimentation within the biomedical and nutritional sciences and to support the development of the basic skills and knowledge required for effective practice in these discipline areas.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals
- Infection and ImmunityCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces the student to infection & immunity and the study of microorganisms with a particular emphasis on food-borne pathogens. It explores concepts of food safety, gut organisms, infectious disease and the body's ability to resist and repel such disease via a range of immune responses.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Physiology & GeneticsCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides the background in physiology and genetics to enable the learner to develop and incorporate these concepts into modules at level 5. The module has been designed to include the majority of the material that is considered to be essential in providing a sound understanding of the biosciences that underpin nutrition.
Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Examinations
- Psychobiological and Cognitive Aspects of Health BehaviourCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces the psychology of choices and behaviour, with an emphasis on health and risk. We will examine health behaviours, choices, and risks with a particular consideration of how these are influenced by biological and social factors. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct research projects in groups, with presentation of this project forming the assessment for the module, in addition to assessment by Multiple Choice Quiz.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Nutritional BiochemistryCore
Module details
This module offers an introduction to the biochemistry underlying human metabolism. In particular, the module explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the human body extracts energy from nutrients to sustain life. The significance of metabolic dysfunction in relation to human disease pathology and diagnosis is emphasised.
Year 2 7 modules
- Nutritional and Exercise EpidemiologyCore20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on approaches to the study of and the relationships between diet, physical activity and health-related outcomes
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practicals
- Nutritional Science 1Core20 credits
Module details
This module focuses on core skills and techniques required by nutritionists including assessment of body composition, generation of data, statistical analysis of findings, interpretation and application of findings. It also explores the physiological and metabolic background to nutrition through the lifecycle.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Exercise PhysiologyCore20 credits
Module details
This module explores how the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and muscular systems respond to support the increased energy requirements during exercise and how each of these physiological systems adapt to longer-term exercise training in humans. The laboratory practical element is focused on the development of skills in the collection and interpretation of physiological data related to measuring different fitness components.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Nutritional Science 2Core20 credits
Module details
This module explores the physiological and metabolic background to diet related diseases, the role of nutrition in immune function, and the influence of nutrients and exercise on the maintenance of optimal health.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Placements and EmployabilityCore
Module details
This module provides programme specific guidance on personal and professional aspects relating to employability. It also introduces the placements process and careers service. It aims to enhance programme specific and personal employment related skills and assist planning for the final year.
- Applied Exercise ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
This module explores the theoretical basis underpinning exercise programming including the principles of training and their application toward improving different components of fitness across a range of populations.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Individual Differences in BehaviourCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to give an overview of how individuals vary in thinking, behaviour, and emotion, and the consequences this may have for their physical and mental health. This module consists of three strands. 1 Personality & Intelligence (development, measurement) 2 Health Psychology (physical health, behaviour change) 3 Special Educational Needs (Neurodiversity, neurodevelopment)
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
Optional placement year 1 modules
- Biomedical Sciences: PlacementCore
Module details
This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved placement provider or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.
Final year 6 modules
- Personal Research ProjectCore
Module details
The module requires students to perform a self-directed research study project that includes the design, implementation, collection, analysis and interpretation of scientific data. It also involves the evaluation and interpretation of scientific literature, evaluation of current issues and concepts and the ability to reflect upon continuing professional and personal development.
- Athletic Performance, Sport and NutritionCore
Module details
This module is designed to enable learners to provide advice to individuals engaged in exercise, sport or other activities requiring sustained effort. It will provide opportunities to assess nutrition and food impact on performance and health of those engaged in regular exercise programmes.
- Diet, Exercise and Chronic DiseaseCore
Module details
This module examines the roles of diet and exercise in the development and management of chronic disease states. The focus is on the major chronic diseases - obesity, CVD, type2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis.
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Public HealthCore
Module details
This module examines the roles of physical activity and nutrition in the promotion of health throughout the lifecycle. It reviews epidemiological and experimental evidence for the development of intervention strategies and policy aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.
- Personal Development and EmployabilityCore
Module details
The module aims to provide personal academic support and careers guidance. It will provide a forum for students to discuss their achievements and develop plans to address potential areas of weakness and achieve future career and professional goals.
- Contemporary Issues in Human HealthOptional20 credits
Module details
Rapid developments in the biomedical sciences are affecting many aspects of human health, and there are profound economic, social, legal and ethical implications of many recent advances. This module allows students to select topics of personal interest for in-depth study and encourages effective communication to peers and other audiences, providing good skills for future career development
Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Examinations
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study how the body moves, adapts to exercise and exercise science research. A course like this usually begins with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology, alongside practical coaching sessions. In year two, you'll typically progress to biomechanics, training physiology and research methods. By year three, you'll specialise in areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sport psychology, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching. You'll apply this learning through a workplace placement and conclude with an independent research dissertation or project.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're interested in how nutrition and physical activity shape health across populations, and if you want to move from theory to practical work. You'll thrive here if you're analytical and curious about research, but also comfortable working with clients or patients in clinical, community or sports settings. If you enjoy combining science with tangible outcomes, and want to pursue a career where you can apply evidence directly, you'll find the balance of study and practice valuable.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Among those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings figures show a starting range of £22,000–£30,000 at 15 months, rising to £23,375–£33,000 after five years. The course prepares you for careers in clinical nutrition, exercise science, health promotion, sports science support, or further study in specialist fields.
University & format
This is a full-time Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Exercise and Health) studied at the University of Plymouth campus over 3 years in English. The University of Plymouth, founded in 1992, is a UK degree-awarding institution. The course holds Gold recognition for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF (2023).
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 70% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Plymouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £29,000 | £28,500 – £31,500 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £25,000 | £22,000 – £28,000 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £19,000 – £33,000 | 40 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
- Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.5 out of 10: NSS 95.6% · in work or study 90% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Plymouth; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Plymouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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