Sport Exercise and Nutrition BSc(Hons)

Select the year

2026-27

2027-28

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

112-104 points

Recent Awards For Excellence

Find out more about these awards

About this course

Overview

Good nutrition is key for everyone, from aiding elite athletes, supporting personal training, and community-based sport, to preventing illness and promoting recovery from diseases.

This course provides the opportunity to gain scientific underpinning knowledge and skills designed to help you secure an exciting and rewarding post-university role within these areas.

During this course, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how nutrition relates to exercise and health, as well as sport performance. You’ll study modules relating to anatomy and physiology, digestion and metabolism, nutrition assessment methods and nutrition of exercise and health.

The course will help you develop skills you need to work as a sports nutritionist, physical activity coordinator, health advisor, sports development officer, personal trainer, or exercise referral specialist. Alternatively, following further training, you might opt to instead become a teacher in educational settings.

Why study Sport, Exercise and Nutrition BSc(Hons)

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)* – the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. This enables you to gain specific skills and knowledge necessary for a range of roles – for example, gym instructor, personal trainer or working with people with long-term conditions. You’ll also have the chance to gain industry-recognised standards and qualifications that are recognised by major employers in the sector aligned to your degree.

In your second year, you’ll secure a work placement. On campus, you’ll benefit from specialist facilities, including our sport and exercise science labs, and our sport and fitness centre; you’ll be taught by lecturers with a wealth of experience, who are active in research and helping to shape real-world practice. This gives you the chance to learn from the best and gain the latest industry knowledge.

*Whilst studying the course you can apply for annual student membership of CIMSPA, at just £5 per student (an 83 per cent saving). This gives you access to e-learning, guest lectures, digital newsletters, magazines, and work placements, volunteering, and job opportunities. On successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for CIMSPA graduate membership, at your own expense.

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBC-BCC at A Level.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass at T level with grade C or above on core.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

No specific subjects are required but subjects including Physical Education, Sports Studies, Sport Development and Coaching, Food Technology, Health-related or Science subjects (Applied Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry) provide a good foundation for our Sport degrees.

You also need enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance to enable you to undertake placements. We arrange this during year 1 of the course. Previous convictions will affect your choice of placements.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

Two branches of science, anatomy and physiology provide the foundation for understanding the body’s parts and functions. You'll be supported to develop an underpinning knowledge and understanding of the human body systems that are of most relevance to sport, exercise and health, as well as homeostatic control and how this relates to the pathophysiology of disease.

You'll be provided with a foundation knowledge within the area of nutrition, bioenergetics and metabolism. The relationship between what we eat, and nutrition will be explored by looking at the importance of the food groups that make up the diet, the nutritional needs for different population groups and the link between diet and disease. You'll also look at the role of macronutrients in the diet in terms of how energy is provided and metabolised.

Biomechanics is the study of the forces acting on and produced by the body. You'll be supported to develop an understanding of the academic and practical skills required of a sport and exercise scientist, providing you with knowledge to interpret biomechanical principles that govern human motion. Biomechanics is one of the key sport and exercise science disciplines recognised by British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

This module will investigate how people think, feel and behave in a sport and exercise context. You’ll have the opportunity to improve diet, exercise and physical activity levels, and gain an understanding of psychological skills and their influence on sports performance and exercise and dietary behaviour.

In this module you'll explore the specific roles of the coach in the context of youth sport. You'll be provided with opportunities to develop practical skills including communication and demonstration skills. It will also help you gain an understanding of underpinning principles of coaching including models of youth development, positive youth development through sport, and coaching styles.

This module focuses on establishing an understanding of the research process and developing the academic skills required to progress in higher education and successfully complete the course. You'll examine essential areas such as essay and report writing, referencing and the use of Summon in searching for information. You'll explore concepts of research design and the research process and you'll identify where support can be accessed to enable academic progression. This module will also introduce key concepts in Professional Practice to support future career goals.

The aim of this module is to connect the science and the practical world of nutrition. You'll be taught the scientific bases of several different methodologies used within nutritional science, and within the practical sessions you'll learn how to carry out such methodologies.

In the first part of the module you'll learn about the nutritional and metabolic significance of energy and the role of the macro and micronutrients in the body. This will include their function, requirements, dietary sources and the effects of deficiency and toxicity. In the second part of the module you'll apply this knowledge to explore the relationships between diet and disease. This will include looking at the link between diet and diseases of affluence including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Factors influencing the nutritional status of individuals through the life cycle will also be considered, for example during pregnancy through to older adults.

The body is an incredibly advanced and complex machine. Millions of processes occur at any given time, from the cellular level all the way up to whole-body level; and that is just at rest. When the body is ‘challenged’ by physical exertion, our nervous system and muscles become more active, initiating an exciting and intricate series of processes. This module is designed to expose you to classic and contemporary issues in sport and exercise physiology, uncovering both the fascinating way our body reacts to exercise, and how this can be harnessed and trained to improve athletic performance and our general health.

This module will help you further develop the skills and knowledge of research methods you learnt in Year 1, supporting you to produce a more considered research proposal for your final year project. You'll focus on the applications of research methods to different kinds of problems, allowing experiential learning to take place. This will help you to become better equipped to undertake your own research and offer a critique of the research of others.

This module provides the opportunity to gain work experience in an industry placement and develop an understanding of the core purpose and management of the organisation. You’ll complete 100 hours on placement where you'll identify, develop and maintain a role as a working member of the team, appreciating the rights and responsibilities of yourself and the organisation.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

Biomechanics is one of the key sport and exercise science disciplines recognised by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Within this module you'll build on your understanding of the basic Biomechanical principles and will be supported in your development of an understanding of how these principles can be applied to real life situations. You'll also be introduced to more advanced aspects of biomechanical theory and practice.

You'll be introduced to a variety of methods and approaches that are widely used in sport and exercise psychology when working with population groups. In sport psychology, you'll apply and evaluate sport psychology theory in a practical coaching setting. In exercise psychology, you'll explore why many individuals do not meet current recommended physical activity levels and look at theories of motivating and encouraging them to do so. You'll learn how to conduct, transcribe and interpret an interview in a sport and exercise psychology setting. You'll also consider and evaluate the implications of these approaches.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

You'll have the opportunity to develop practical research skills by investigating a specific aspect of sport, exercise or nutrition by reviewing the most up-to-date research literature available. You'll produce a project, which will be individually negotiated with a university appointed supervisor and, in some cases, an employer or work-based supervisor who will provide ongoing support. All research projects will be approved by the University’s School Research and Ethics Panel.

This module aims to enhance your understanding and ability to critique the process of metabolic regulation and integration influence how energy is stored and converted during exercise. You'll be taught the biochemical processes at the molecular level linked to metabolism and physiological processes involving the muscular, neuroendocrine, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Notably, the effect of nutrition on the modulation of these processes will be interwoven throughout the module. A large emphasis will be based on the critique of the research methodologies used within studies, as well as analysing classical and contemporary literature.

What we eat affects our health; for athletes, the optimum diet is essential for optimum performance. Consequently, nutrition is of direct relevance to sport, exercise and health professionals. Throughout this module you'll be encouraged to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to critically evaluate nutritional requirements and to give evidence-based advice to a range of individuals within sport, exercise and health.

This module is designed to give you an advanced understanding of human physiology within a sport and exercise context. Building on study in Years 1 and 2, you will explore how we respond and adapt to sport and exercise in a variety of contexts. You will also explore the scientific evidence for using an active lifestyle as a treatment for a range of long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, to develop the knowledge and skills to plan safe and effective exercise interventions.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

The role of a strength and conditioning coach is one that is constantly evolving, requiring not only the ability to coach, but also the ability to critically understand developments in the science of exercise training and injury management. This module will explore the scientific principles that underpin effective application of strength and conditioning training interventions to optimise and develop training programmes. It will also introduce you to information and skills that provide the framework for making judgements to deliver appropriate remedial and rehabilitation advice throughout all stages of the recovery process, considering common sport and exercise injuries and their management.

In this module you'll focus on the practical application of basic and advanced principles of biomechanics. Application of biomechanical principles can aid athletes and coaches in improving performance and technique, as well as aiding recovery and rehabilitation. You'll be supported in both the development of your practical skills and in your understanding and interpretation of data produced from biomechanical tests.

This module explores current practice in applied sport psychology and will introduce you to intervention techniques that are widely used. You'll have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in this module to undertake problem solving and design appropriate interventions.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

The course includes a compulsory 140-hour work placement in your second year, in an appropriate environment, helping you to relate theory to practice and develop skills in a real work context. The teaching staff have developed excellent links with local employers and can provide assistance in finding a suitable placement.

Previous placement providers have included strength and conditioning, professional sports clubs (performance analysis and sport science support), primary and secondary schools, further education colleges, local authority sport development and physical activity units, primary care trusts, research assistants and private physical activity and sport providers. The University also has strong links with local professional sports clubs, so there may be opportunities for you to work with these athletes, for example Huddersfield Town FC and Huddersfield Giants.

I worked alongside Huddersfield Giants nutritionist where I gained a valuable insight into the world of elite performance. I also worked within the local community at VIVE sport helping individuals with learning difficulties and creating a safe environment for individuals to perform sport.

- Thomas Drayton
graduated Sport Science BSc(Hons)

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Careers in sport and exercise nutrition include: Performance Nutritionists, for example with the four UK Institutes of Sport, professional and amateur sports clubs and individual athletes; health promotion eg Health and Wellbeing/Lifestyle Coaches, Weight Management Practitioners; Sales eg supplements, gym equipment, in-store brand ambassador; Academia as researchers and lecturers; and Research and Development and New Product Development for food companies.

Previous graduates from the Division of Sport, Exercise and Public Health have gone on to work in education, research, teaching and the community in organisations including the NHS (Dietetic Assistant), Huddersfield Giants RLFC (Community Development Officer), Halifax RLFC (Performance Analyst), Barnsley Council (Senior Public Health Officer), Kirklees Active Leisure (Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor), Huddersfield Town FC (First Team Performance Analyst), Liverpool FC (Academy Fitness Coach), Everton FC (Lecturer and Coach), Manchester United (Sports Performance Analyst), Leicester City FC (Women's First Team Performance Analyst), Project Sport (Sports Coach) and Nuffield Health (Performance Lead).

89.6%
graduates from the school of Human and Health Sciences were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled

During my course a completed a placement with a company which specialised in the formulation and manufacturing of food and sport supplements. This provided an insight into possible future career pathways, as well as the opportunity to develop essential time management and team working skills, preparing me for the workplace.

- Nathan Martin-Hirsch
graduated Sport Exercise and Nutrition BSc(Hons)

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

If you are competing at a regional or international level you could be eligaible for a Sports Scholarship:

Performance Netball - University of Huddersfield

Performance Basketball - University of Huddersfield

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Gallery

Halifax FC pre-season testing with sport students

Plyometric testing with professional footballers

Halifax FC Players carrying out VO2 Max Testing

Pre-season fitness testing with Halifax FC

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Facilities video

Students Lily and Rohaan provide a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment you'll use when studying a course in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Huddersfield.

Halifax FC pre-season testing

Our Physiotherapy and Sport students collaborated with academics, technicians, and FC Halifax Town to deliver a comprehensive pre-season testing event. This invaluable experience supported player performance and rehabilitation while providing students with hands-on experience with professional athletes.

Placement story

Emily and Michael talk about what it's like working at a Premier League club, how it links to their course and how they feel it will enhance their career prospects. Paul Bower, Lead Academy Physical Performance Coach at Huddersfield Town, talks about the value of work placements through the link between the University and the football club.

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Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise may teach you on this course.

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When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

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Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

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Sport Exercise and Nutrition BSc(Hons)

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Accreditation and Professional Links

Why study Sport, Exercise and Nutrition BSc(Hons)

Entry Requirements