Nutrition BSc

Our Nutrition BSc degree develops your knowledge and understanding of human nutrition and the science underpinning the relationship between diet and health.

Nutrition is a fast-moving discipline that focuses on understanding the role of diet in maintaining health and preventing disease. Nutritionists play an important role in providing and implementing evidence-based nutritional guidelines and recommendations.

On this course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of human nutrition and the scientific basis underlying nutritional recommendations. You’ll examine the scientific, social and ethical considerations that inform the nutrition profession, all within the context of current issues, such as the global obesity problem and food insecurity.

Course highlights

• Our courses are shaped by our world-leading research in areas such as digestion and delivery, food safety, functional biopolymers and novel food design.

• There are lots of opportunities for you to work alongside our academics and get involved in the research happening in the School.

• During your project work you will access specialist facilities and laboratories.

• Our theoretical modules are supported by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, allowing you to perform experiments that reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures.

• Small tutorial groups are used to support the teaching, so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.

Programme team

Dr Hannah Ensaff is Programme Leader for Nutrition.Her primary areas of research are quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess populations' diets (analysis of food choice datasets to examine dietary patterns, qualitative data analysis to develop models of food choice), and the development and evaluation of nutrition interventions, with an emphasis on food choice architecture and nudging.

The wider programme team is made up of academics and researchers from across the School of Food Science and Nutrition who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.

Specialist facilities

You will have access to excellent teaching and laboratory facilities, supplemented by extensive computing equipment. Our specialist facilities include the latest equipment for investigating the colloidal nature of foods, small and wide angle X-ray scattering equipment (SAXs & WAXS), cutting-edge electron microscopy facilities, texture analysers, tribometers as well as HPLC and GC analytical equipment.

Find out more about our facilities.

Enhancing your degree

During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement. Both options take place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study. It’s also possible to transfer to a four-year Integrated Masters (MSci, BSc) degree up until the end of your second year.

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Association for Nutrition (AfN).

This accreditation signifies that Leeds offers the best possible food-related education, giving students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into employment in the food industry, research, education and the public sector.

AfN accreditation supports the development of nutritionists’ skills by recognising university courses that deliver evidence-based nutrition education to a professional level. Our programme’s accreditation recognises that our course meets the quality standards established by the AfN, and upon graduation you’ll be eligible to apply for direct entry at Registered Associate level to the Association for Nutrition.

Studying an accredited degree can help you to stand out to employers because it assures them that you meet the standards of the food profession.

Online taster course

Food Science and Nutrition: From the Farm to You is a free online course, delivered via FutureLearn, introducing you to the fascinating world of food. You will learn how Food Science and Nutrition combine knowledge from engineering, biology and physical sciences to study all aspects of food and to ensure what we consume is safe and wholesome. Join the online course now.

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We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. We offer skills development modules and modules that will give you an insight into industrial new product development, from concept to market, in the food production and allied industries. These modules lead you through the various stages of setting up a new social enterprise, from the inception and development of the idea itself, through preparation of a business plan to creating a funding proposal for potential investors/grant awarding bodies.

Discovery modules are available in all years of your degree, as long as you are taking enough credits of your own subject for that year.

Year one

Introduces you to the major sources of food and their history, current trends in consumption, and key industrial processing operations. You’ll study food chemistry and develop your laboratory and experimentation skills in food and nutritional science. In addition, you’ll be introduced to microbiology, human physiology and nutrition; these modules allow you to gain a thorough understanding of how food affects health and wellbeing, and appreciate the role of food as a carrier of nutrients.

At the end of year one, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto our Integrated Masters degree, subject to suitable academic performance.

Year two

You’ll be introduced to the concepts and methodology for studying nutrition in populations, and you will explore how the metabolic demand for nutrients varies during the life course. This allows you to understand the scientific basis of nutritional recommendations for different population groups at different life stages, e.g. pregnancy, childhood, older age. Studying food analysis, you’ll examine how the nutritional content of food is established, the additives and contaminants in food, and the need for food analysis to comply with legal requirements. The relationship between nutrition and physical activity will also be explored in the context of the global obesity problem, including the physiological, psychological and cultural barriers to dietary change. You’ll deepen your understanding of how food components affect the chemical and microbiological safety of food, and the integration between human physiology and nutrition

Year three

In your final year, you’ll examine nutrition policy and public health, and gain an understanding of the role of nutritionists, industry, government and consumers in the policy making process, and how best to communicate nutrition policy to a lay-audience. You’ll examine the clinical aspects of nutrition and the concept of personalised nutrition, as well as the role of diet in cardiovascular health. A team project based on new product development (NPD) will give you the opportunity to explore the role of nutritionists in developing and marketing new food ranges in the food industry.

You’ll also undertake an individual research project which will give you the experience of developing your research skills; you’ll be given a selection of research topics, which will relate to the nutrition research activity in the School.

Examples of previous research projects include:

• Effectiveness of probiotic therapies on body weight and BMI: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

• Nanostructures of monolinolein as a delivery system for omega-3 fatty acid

• Perceptual differences in portion sizes using the Delboeuf illusion & colour contrast

• Systematic Review: Childhood obesity prevention during the first 24 months of life

See more examples of recent projects on our Research-based degrees webpage.

Placement/study abroad year

At the end of year two, you can decide if you’d like to complete an industrial placement or study abroad year, which will extend your degree by 12 months.

Course structure

Details of typical modules/components for our courses will now be published after July 1st (instead of May 1st), due to current limitations as a result of covid-19. These details may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

As a nutrition student at Leeds we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical lab work.

Laboratory classes and project work allows you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together, they will equip you with in-depth knowledge, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, throghout your degree.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lecture “The Design of healthier food” to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The types of assessment used for each module aim to measure the learning outcomes we want you to achieve. Laboratory work is usually assessed through short written reports, scientific posters or on-line multiple choice questionnaires. We use essays and portfolios to encourage students to conduct in-depth research into interesting topics and develop their writing skills; this is enhanced through literature reviews. You’ll also develop communication and presentation skills through giving presentations and making posters or flyers.

You’ll also have more formal exams, which test your knowledge of particular subject content and develop your ability to think quickly. Details on the types of assessment used for each module can be found on the University Module Catalogue.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics)

Where an A-Level science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be ABB with an A in the EPQ.

GCSE: C/4 in English, or an equivalent English language qualification, and C/4 in Mathematics. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits overall with at least 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 are at distinction level and the rest at Merit. Must contain a significant number of Science modules.

• BTEC

  D*DD in a relevant Science subject. We do not accept Health and Social Care or Sports and Exercise Science

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 M2 including two science subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall (16 points at higher level, including two science subjects).

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H1 H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 including two core science subjects at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though science subjects must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAABB including 1 science at Advanced Higher.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including two science subjects (including at least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics) plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Visit days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit days.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £25,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2021 report.

Graduates of this AfN-accredited Nutrition programme will have the scientific knowledge and relevant practical, interpersonal and intellectual skills to be able to register as a Nutritionist. You’ll be equipped to work as a nutritionist in the food industry, a nutritionist in the community or within nutrition research and consultancy.

Our recent graduates have pursued a range of interesting careers, including in nutritional research, public health promotion, product development, marketing, and humanitarian work related to nutrition and public health.

The course is also a stepping-stone towards obtaining higher qualifications. Some of our graduates choose to stay at Leeds to study our MSc Nutrition programme or to carry out a postgraduate research programme.

There is a worldwide shortage of qualified nutrition graduates, so there has never been a better time to study this highly sought after degree at Leeds. Our dedicated careers centre will provide all the advice, support and guidance that you need throughout your time here.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Tesco

• NHS

• Modelez International

• Premier Foods

• Sainsbury’s

• Arla Foods

• Heart Research UK

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

The study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious organisations, including:

• major retailers, such as Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's

• major manufacturers, such as Nestlé, Unilever and Kraft

• major research centres, such as DEFRA and Leatherhead Food RA

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more about Industrial placements.