Overview
The BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition course is designed to develop graduates with a scientific understanding of nutrition and its impact on human health, alongside the research and data skills needed to evaluate evidence and communicate findings clearly. You will explore how diet influences health, growth and development across the lifespan, and examine how nutrition contributes to improving community health and addressing inequalities through evidence-based practice.
A key foundation of the curriculum is person-centred practice, placing individuals and communities at the heart of decision-making and service design. Interprofessional education is embedded to prepare you to work effectively in multi-professional environments, with equality, diversity and inclusion integrated throughout.
You will also develop practical and analytical skills relevant to real-world applications of nutrition science, including experience in evaluation and assessment, supporting graduate readiness for a dynamic and evolving field.
Please note: Subject to Association for Nutrition (AfN) accreditation.
Course details
Across three years you will develop core nutrition science knowledge and the skills to apply evidence to real-world contexts. You will learn to:
- Understand how nutrition influences human health, growth and development across the lifespan.
- Critically evaluate scientific studies and use data to support evidence-based guidance.
- Explore public health nutrition and the role of nutrition in addressing health inequalities.
Assessment will use a variety of authentic approaches to help you build a broad skill set, which may include written work, applied case-based tasks, data and research-focused assessments, presentations and group work.
Work experience opportunities are expected to be supported through external partners and practice-facing activities.
This is a full-time course delivered through a blended model. Your week will typically include a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and guided independent study. Workload will vary across the academic year.
Unit breakdown
Please note: The following units are provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change pending approval.
Year 3
Foundations of evidence-based practice – 15 credits 
Develop core academic and enquiry skills to interpret evidence and apply it within nutrition contexts.
Communication, ethics and person-centred practice – 15 credits
Build foundations in professional behaviours, communication and inclusive practice.
Foundations of Human Nutrition – 30 credits
Explore key concepts in human nutrition and how diet relates to health and wellbeing.
Food Science and nutrients – 30 credits
Develop understanding of nutrients, food composition and scientific principles underpinning nutrition.
Public Health, wellbeing and nutrition – 30 credits
Examine nutrition in population health, prevention and the wider determinants of health.
Year 2
Research for clinical decision‑making– 15 credits
Strengthen research literacy and data skills to support evidence‑based clinical decisions and service improvement.
Clinical reasoning and collaborative working – 15 credits
Advance clinical reasoning, documentation and teamwork skills, including interprofessional learning activities.
Nutrition across the lifespan – 30 credits
Study nutrition needs across growth, adulthood and ageing, including prevention-focused perspectives.
Nutrition, health inequalities and behaviour change – 30 credits
Explore how social and behavioural factors influence diet, health outcomes and inequalities.
Applied nutrition science and practical skills – 30 credits
Develop practical and analytical skills linked to real-world applications of nutrition science.
Year 3
Research project – 30 credits
Complete an independent project involving research, evaluation or analysis within a nutrition topic area.
Leadership, enterprise and quality improvement– 15 credits
Develop leadership and improvement skills to support safe, effective services and a smooth transition into practice.
Nutrition in health and disease – 30 credits
Examine the relationship between nutrition and health outcomes, with application to prevention and wellbeing.
Nutrition in communities and services – 30 credits
Apply nutrition knowledge to community and service contexts, including evaluation and improvement approaches.
Contemporary issues in nutrition – 15 credits
Explore emerging topics and real-world applications of nutrition science in a changing environment.
Entry requirements
Essential requirements
Indicative entry requirements for this course:
- GCSE: English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
- UCAS Tariff: Typically 112-120 UCAS points achieved through A levels or equivalent qualifications (e.g. BTEC National Diplomas and Extended Diplomas, T Levels in relevant subject areas, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, International Baccalaureates, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, Irish Leaving Certificates and other national and internationally recognised Level 3 qualifications)
The University is committed to ensuring that it offers a route to high-quality education for students from a range of backgrounds. Contextual offers may be made to applicants who meet our contextual eligibility criteria. The university may also make offers on the basis of work/life experience and non-academic aspects of the application.
Is there anything else that’s required?
Some elements of the course may include practical and laboratory-style learning.
Additional requirements (if any) will be confirmed once validation is complete.
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (UK applicants).
An interview as part of the selection process.
International students
International Students
International applicants are welcome. Entry requirements and English language requirements vary by country/qualification.
Please refer to our International Entry Requirements and English Language Requirements guidance and contact Admissions if you need support.
Why study Human Nutrition at HSU?
Study BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition at Health Sciences University and develop the scientific, analytical and professional skills needed for careers across nutrition, public health and related industries. The course is designed to support evidence-based decision-making, person-centred approaches and interdisciplinary working.
Careers and progression
Opportunities for nutrition graduates exist across a range of sectors, including roles in public health and wellbeing, private sector services, corporate wellness, the food industry, and sport and fitness-related contexts.
Distinctiveness at HSU
The course is designed to prepare students for a diverse range of employment routes across public and private sectors, with entrepreneurship and business development skills embedded within the curriculum approach.
Interprofessional learning
Interprofessional education is integrated to support collaborative working and inclusive practice across multi-professional environments.
Additional costs
Mandatory additional costs are expected to be minimal. Recommended costs include access to a laptop/tablet and standard study-related printing/photocopying as needed.
Support and next steps
If you have questions about entry requirements or applying, contact Admissions. We encourage you to visit an Open Day or arrange a campus tour to explore facilities and meet the team.
Facilities
Access to specialist teaching spaces and clinical skills laboratories for workshops and applied learning.
Simulation facilities supporting skills development and applied learning activities.
Learning resources supported by existing dietetics provision and library/digital resources.
Access to food preparation and cooking facilities via external arrangements, where required for learning activities.
Still have questions about applying?
Register your interest
Register your interest / enquiry
Course fees
Tuition Fees 2027/28
UK/ROI/Channel Islands
£10,050 Fees for overseas students are still to be confirmed.
These fees are for the 2027/28 academic year only and may be subject to an increase in subsequent years of study. Any future increase will be in line with our Tuition Fees Policy which can be accessed on our Study Money Matters page.
Additional Course Costs
In addition to tuition fees, there may be further course-related costs and requirements which should be taken into consideration when planning for your studies. Visit our Additional Costs page for more information.
More information
Visit The Funding Clinic for more information.
For questions related to payment of tuition fees please visit our Fees and Payment Information page or contact studentfinance@hsu.ac.uk
Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth?
If you’re joining a programme and looking for accommodation, we’ve got you covered with a range of options to suit your needs.
Why choose Health Sciences University
There are many benefits to studying at Health Sciences University, from our expertise and history in teaching health sciences, to our state-of-the-art facilities, on-site clinical training, and of course our location on the beautiful Bournemouth coast.
Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University is sponsoring the inaugural MSK Awards 2026, including the Innovation in MSK Practice Award, with Professor Steven Vogel also joining the expert judging panel.
Health Sciences University (HSU) welcomed over 50 healthcare professionals from across the musculoskeletal (MSK) community for the launch of the new Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Innovation (IMHI), bringing together expert speakers, clinicians, students and educators for a day of continuing professional development centred on clinical reasoning and decision-making.
Health Sciences University has been shortlisted for Specialist Institution of the Year at the THE Awards 2026, recognising the University’s specialist approach to education, clinical care, applied research and workforce impact.
