BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition (with Foundation Year)

Examine the science behind the effect of nutrition on athletic performance. Use our dedicated sport performance kitchen and human performance laboratories, working with a range of athletes, including from our Championship rugby team, sports academies, and recreational sports men and women.

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition qualification.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 or 5 years full-time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: CF13

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Foundation Year Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

You don’t have to have a background in sport or nutrition, you just have to have an interest in how the body adapts to training, is fuelled by nutritional strategies and the psychology of performance.

You’ll be taught in line with the guidelines set by the Sports and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr), which sets the standards for all practitioners in the field, so you can be confident you’ll be industry-ready when you graduate.

Develop your skills using specialist dietary software, cooking and producing menus for our recreational and performance athletes across campus. You’ll be supported throughout by research-active staff who are experts in their field.

You’ll be encouraged to develop your practical skills, but also to think critically about existing theories and practices, as well as carrying out your own research to help shape the future of the industry. You could also boost your CV with industry qualifications and work placements opportunities, alongside our sports academy teams or externally.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of optional modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based or international employer, to match your interests and career goals. Students have worked with organisations such as Cheltenham FC, Team Bath, and Gloucester Rugby, as well as our own sports academies.

Students will also gain experience understanding athletes’ lifestyle and training demands, working closely with our performance sports teams on site. Various professional development opportunities will also give you the chance to make links and network with industry.

Our practitioner workshops offer an ideal chance for further applied experience. These could cover nutrition-related subjects, or cover key employment skills such as interview techniques, and professional conduct and standards.

You’ll be prepared for the multidisciplinary nature of working in sport through a professional practice module at Level 6. You could also boots your CV by completing a Level 2 Food Safety and Handling qualification.

Throughout the programme, everything you do will be measured against the SENr framework, as well as their code of conduct. You’ll be required to map your competencies against the framework throughout to ensure you’re industry-ready when you graduate.

Graduate destinations

As a sports graduate you’ll have opportunities in varied career paths. With your nutrition background you may choose to work directly in the sports nutrition industry. Your programme also provides you with knowledge and experience in strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and coaching. You may choose to focus your path in that direction instead. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

Sports or performance nutritionist
Varied roles within professional or amateur sport, and with national governing bodies
Working with the NHS, supporting GP referral schemes and other healthy living programmes
Teacher training / Lecturing (with additional qualifications)
Postgraduate study

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic Support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

Further details

The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Graduate destinations

Sports or performance nutritionist
Varied roles within professional or amateur sport, and with national governing bodies
Working with the NHS, supporting GP referral schemes and other healthy living programmes
Teacher training / Lecturing (with additional qualifications)
Postgraduate study

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic Support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Further details

The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. This course covers a broad range of sport topics, through core modules, from sport nutrition, and exercise physiology, to sports biomechanics, strength and conditioning and sports psychology.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your foundation year will focus on human biology, study skills and sports science, ensuring you are fully prepared to succeed in year one.

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

An introduction to central human biology, anatomy and physiology and its adaption to sport training. The module will explore the psychological and physiological factors that impact the performance of athletes.

Business Enterprise and Management

This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.

This year will focus on the key skills you require to be a successful sports scientist. You’ll cover data analysis and research design, as well as team and leadership skills. You’ll also study a range of fundamental topics introducing you to degree-relevant skills, including sports nutrition, exercise physiology, sports psychology and sports biomechanics.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Functional Anatomy and Sports Biomechanics

Learn the basic anatomical structures and functions of the musculoskeletal system and mechanical principles.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Understand the physiology of the muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, and their control through the nervous and endocrine system.

Principles of Strength and Conditioning

Focuses on the basics of performance training, and its physiological effect on the body.

Introduction to Sports Nutrition

This module covers the metabolic and biochemical pathways of energy transfer from macronutrients.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

In this year you’ll start to study more specialised topics through a range of optional modules, starting to tailor your studies to suit your interests. Pick from topics including strength and conditioning, health-related exercise and sports psychology. Build on the skills, knowledge and experience gained in the previous year as you learn how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. You’ll also develop your research design and analysis skills.

Compulsory Modules

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Applied Skills for Sport and Exercise Nutritionists

This module covers the methods of assessing energy and nutrient intake in an athletic population.

Exercise Physiology

Learn the theoretical principles and physiological mechanisms that underpin the body’s responses to exercise.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Ergogenic Practices and Nutritional Manipulation

Explore the interactions and relationships between dietary manipulation strategies and specific ergogenic aids / food supplements on metabolism, sports performance and health.

Optional Modules

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Strength and Conditioning in Practice

Strength and Conditioning in practice is a deep exploration as to how practitioners can manipulate biomechanical and physiological variables to further improve athletic performance.

Sport Psychology

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

Integrated placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

In your final year you’ll delve into the finer details of the importance of exercise and nutrition. Investigate the needs of varying demographics, from diabetics and vegetarians, to children and disabled athletes. You’ll also complete your undergraduate dissertation, in which you’ll focus on contemporary challenges in your chosen subject area. You’ll also use more advanced theory and practice, gaining an insight into where current research is focusing.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Sports Nutrition for Elite Athletes

Study the nutritional demands of training and competition in various sports.

Advanced Sports Nutrition

Investigate the needs of varying demographics, from diabetics and vegetarians, to children and disabled athletes.

Professional Practice in Sports Nutrition

Understand the role of the nutritionist in dietary practice and care, using the SENr code of conduct and other professional guidance.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Carry out physiological assessments on the field and in our laboratories, and interpret athletes’ exercise data.

Optional Modules

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Sport Psychology in Action

The purpose of this module is to give students a real picture of sport psychology in action by providing the framework from which psychological techniques can be applied to facilitate psychological and performance outcomes.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Your foundation year will focus on human biology, study skills and sports science, ensuring you are fully prepared to succeed in year one.

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

Business Enterprise and Management

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Functional Anatomy and Sports Biomechanics

Learn the basic anatomical structures and functions of the musculoskeletal system and mechanical principles.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Understand the physiology of the muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, and their control through the nervous and endocrine system.

Principles of Strength and Conditioning

Focuses on the basics of performance training, and its physiological effect on the body.

Introduction to Sports Nutrition

This module covers the metabolic and biochemical pathways of energy transfer from macronutrients.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Learn academic and research skills through work with other sports science disciplines.

Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology

Understand athlete behaviour through key theories in sport exercise psychology.

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Applied Skills for Sport and Exercise Nutritionists

This module covers the methods of assessing energy and nutrient intake in an athletic population.

Exercise Physiology

Learn the theoretical principles and physiological mechanisms that underpin the body’s responses to exercise.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Ergogenic Practices and Nutritional Manipulation

Explore the interactions and relationships between dietary manipulation strategies and specific ergogenic aids / food supplements on metabolism, sports performance and health.

Optional Modules

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

Strength and Conditioning in Practice

Strength and Conditioning in practice is a deep exploration as to how practitioners can manipulate biomechanical and physiological variables to further improve athletic performance.

Sport Psychology

Learn and apply psychological skills to improve athlete performance.

Integrated placement year (optional) / Level Six (final year)

Integrated placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Sports Nutrition for Elite Athletes

Study the nutritional demands of training and competition in various sports.

Advanced Sports Nutrition

Investigate the needs of varying demographics, from diabetics and vegetarians, to children and disabled athletes.

Professional Practice in Sports Nutrition

Understand the role of the nutritionist in dietary practice and care, using the SENr code of conduct and other professional guidance.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Carry out physiological assessments on the field and in our laboratories, and interpret athletes’ exercise data.

Optional Modules

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Special Populations

Sport Psychology in Action

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. The Foundation Year also includes an internship using Hartpury’s on-site facilities and industry links. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three foundation year (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	24%	0%	76%
Level five (year three)	24%	0%	76%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	18%	0%	82%

You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given on assessments, in class, and during tutorials to support students throughout their academic studies.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three foundation year (year one)	15%	35%	50%
Level four (year two)	45%	49%	6%
Level five (year three)	20%	38%	42%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	20%	43%	37%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear

Students have an option to purchase sports kits which can be bought as a bundle via Hartpury’s website for approximately £150.

Optional field trips

Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. A comprehensive package of non-repayable financial support is available to facilitate engagement with placements and study tours / trips where additional costs are involved.

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

CIMSPA-endorsed

This degree programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Teaching Quality

We're in the top 10 UK universities for teaching quality

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Sport facilities

"We consider what sports nutrition actually is and apply nutritional knowledge and sporting disciplines such as physiology, psychology, strength and conditioning into practical situations. Our graduates have gone on to specialise in other sports science roles, as well as more health-related positions. Some have gone on to further study to become dieticians, and work in clinical backgrounds."

James Stanbury, Programme Manager, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Sport matters

When you have passion, you're far more likely to achieve your goals – especially when you study that passion in a place that shares it.

We're home to top-level coaches, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, conditioners, medics and athletes, across our Sports Academy programmes and student-led teams. Our students graduate with valuable skills to succeed in a range of different careers.

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Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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Key Information

Course information

Your career

Work placements and experience

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic Support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Further details

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic Support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Further details

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Integrated placement year (optional)

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Integrated placement year (optional) / Level Six (final year)

Integrated placement year (optional)

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Academies

Accommodation

Finance

CIMSPA-endorsed

Teaching Quality

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Sport matters

Meet our academic team

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching (with Foundation Year)

Our partners & accreditations