University of Westminster

Human Nutrition BSc Honours

Public and media interest in what we eat has never been greater. Emerging as one of the most popular sciences, human nutrition integrates knowledge from diverse areas of science to present a unified view of this dynamic discipline and its applications. You will examine how nutrients and eating patterns impact on health and well-being, and the role of diet in both health and disease. We have well-equipped laboratories in all bioscience disciplines including a suite of biochemical test facilities for nutritional analysis, whole-body metabolism and determination of body composition.

A lively research culture is reflected in current studies into metabolic features underlying obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2, nutritional intervention in over- and under-nourished populations, chronic disease nutritional epidemiology, and exercise and nutritional interventions for metabolic health. In Years 2 and 3, students on the degree can choose to follow a theme focusing on Human Nutrition or can select the theme of ‘Human Nutrition with Exercise Science’, which focuses on the role that exercise and nutrition play in all aspects of human health and disease. The course will equip you with the skills needed for a career as a nutrition adviser or consultant in regulatory and organizational bodies, and in teaching and research, or to go on to postgraduate study.

Course content

The course presents you with an understanding of the molecular and physiological basis of the relationship between nutrition and human health and performance. You will study modules which cover the relevant aspects of human nutrition, physiology, public health, biochemistry, and psychology. The learning and teaching of the course rely on a mixture of face-to-face teaching and tutorial sessions, laboratory-based practicals, research seminars, and independent study, with classroom-based activities supported by online study material. Assessment methods include open and closed examinations, essays, laboratory reports, literature reviews, oral presentations, in-class tests, dissertations, and portfolios.

Subjects of study

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Year 1 (Credit Level 4)

Subjects of study include:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Exercise, Nutrition, and Health
• Human Physiology
• Principles of Nutrition
• Science: History, Philosophy, and Practice

Year 2 (Credit Level 5)

Subjects of study include:

• Applied Nutrition
• Diet in Health and Disease
• Health and Exercise Practices
• Metabolic Biochemistry
• Physiology of Sport and Exercise
• Research Methods
• Research Techniques in Nutrition and Exercise

Year 3 (Credit Level 6)

Subjects of study include:

• Applied and Clinical Nutrition
• Global Challenges in Food and Health
• Public Health Nutrition
• Research Project
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Work Experience and Career Management Skills

Professional recognition

Our recently updated Human Nutrition BSc Honours is accredited by the Association Nutrition (AfN); graduates from this course are eligible to join the Register as an Associate Nutritionist.

The AfN recognizes the high standards of training offered on our accredited courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) designation is designed to help you make a rapid transition to full registration, normally after a period of three years, and develop a career in nutritional science.

International Foundation course

We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation courses for international students who don’t meet our Bachelor’s degree entry requirements. For more information visit Kaplan International College.