Nutrition

Nutrition is the scientific study of how the foods we eat affect our health, performance and wellbeing. It draws on biochemistry, physiology, epidemiology and behavioural science to understand how nutrients are processed and utilised by the body, how dietary patterns relate to health outcomes across the lifespan, and how nutrition science can be translated into effective advice for individuals and populations. As rates of diet-related chronic disease continue to rise and public understanding of nutrition remains heavily shaped by commercial interests and misinformation, the work of qualified nutritionists is more important than ever.

At the University of Nottingham you will study across the scientific foundations of nutrition, including biochemistry, physiology and the metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients, alongside the applied and public health dimensions of the field. You will engage with nutritional epidemiology, dietary assessment methods, the psychology of eating, food policy and the evidence base for dietary guidelines and clinical nutrition practice. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and work-placement experience, giving you substantial professional and international experience alongside your academic studies.

These opportunities to apply nutritional science in real settings, whether in public health, clinical or research contexts, are formative experiences that strengthen both your competence and your employability.

You will develop skills in nutritional assessment, research design, data analysis, scientific communication and the critical evaluation of nutritional evidence. The programme runs full time over three years of degree study.

Graduates from nutrition programmes move into careers in public health nutrition, community nutrition, clinical dietetics (with further training), the food industry, research, health communication and policy. Many also pursue the postgraduate study needed to register as a dietitian or to work in clinical nutrition settings.