Sport and Exercise Nutrition - BSc (Hons)
- UCAS Code: B400
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 years)
- Location: City South
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Our practice-based, innovative Sport and Exercise Nutrition BSc degree will provide you with the underpinning scientific knowledge of nutrition, science and physiology for sports performance, exercise and health. This course is based at our recently extended £71 million City South Campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham and is approved by the Sport & Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) to ensure that the knowledge and competencies are aligned with professional standards.
What's covered in the course?
You’ll study nutrition and exercise at both ends of the spectrum, from assessing professional sports teams to health-based clients with specific nutritional issues. It’s a chance for you to gain experience in developing nutritional strategies that aid performance, health and wellbeing.
You'll undertake physiological and nutritional assessment of sports performers in our state-of-the-art laboratories. However, it's important to know that the course isn’t just about analysing elite athletes - you'll also have the opportunity to learn how nutrition and exercise can impact upon people with different physiques and states of health.
Upon graduating, you can apply for jobs as a performance nutritionist, as well as within other areas of sport science, health and fitness.
We also boast partnerships with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Edgbaston Priory Club and City of Birmingham Swimming Club. These partnerships not only keep our courses fresh and relevant, they also provide valuable placements, trips and case studies for you and your fellow students.
Why Choose Us?
- Professional accreditation - This course is endorsed by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition register (SENr)
- Student satisfaction - 90.5% of students were happy with this course. (NSS 2020)
- Partnerships - our Sport and Exercise department works in partnership with professional sports clubs such as Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Kidderminster Harriers Football Club
- Gain relevant work experience - There will be live projects to work on with professional sports teams and the general public, as well as compulsory work placements, enabling you to gain first-hand experience and build your knowledge. See what our students have been up to at The Priory
- Expert knowledge - you'll receive talks from guest lecturers who work within the sector and can provide relevant, up-to-date advice
- Get work experience abroad - you can apply for a travel scholarship and take part in exchange programmes, as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas
- Experienced staff - many of our staff are PhD-trained and remain active in their chosen fields to provide you with current and inside knowledge in the field
- £71 million campus - we have recently invested an additional £41 million into our £30 million City South campus complete with new, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources and equipment – including a nutrition kitchen, environmental chamber and specialist labs
Similar Courses
Open Days
Our next Open Day is taking place in Summer 2021. It's the perfect opportunity to tour our facilities, hear from some of our staff and get a feel of what it's like to study at BCU.
Register your interest
This course is open to International students
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Course Accreditations
This course is endorsed by:
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| Level 2 Qualifications | ||
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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| British bachelor's degree |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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| Open University courses |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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| International qualifications | ||
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International Baccalaureate: Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall with grade 4 or above in at least one Higher Level subject from Group 4. |
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Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no element below 6.0. |
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Worried about teacher assessments?
However you're being assessed this Summer, it can be a stressful time. We've got a load of tips on revision skills and time management to help you feel as prepared as possible.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Work Experience
We understand that it is difficult to obtain work experience in the current situation and the restrictions in place. If you are unable to obtain work experience relevant to your course, this will not affect your application. If you do want to gain some experience to help prepare you for your course, there are other options available. The UCAS website details a range of alternative activities that you might want to consider.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Course structure
The sport and exercise nutrition course will be a mix of work-based placements, enabling you to build your knowledge and gain first-hand experience, and assessments.
You'll have the option of taking a sandwich year between Year 2 and Year 3 of study.
This course is endorsed by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition register (SENr).
SENr
Sport at BCU
Check out our sport facilities, clubs, athlete support and weekly activity sessions that are offered here at BCU.
Find out more
Enhancing your employability skills
The sport and exercise nutrition course covers a variety of sectors, so you'll be able to secure employment in a number of roles. You could work in clinical practice, working for professional sports teams and performers. Or you could work in the health sector, where you’ll aid members of the public with specific dietary issues.
Placements
Placements play a significant role in this course, helping you to build up your experience and knowledge of working within the sector.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
Graduate jobs
Career opportunities could see you work as a sports and exercise nutritionist, work for a professional sports team or set up your own practice.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our facilities
Our sports facilities include a fitness suite, sports hall, biomechanics lab, nutrition kitchen, research lab and sports therapy clinic. Over £750,00 has been spent on our sports facilities making them industry-standard to expose students to systems and equipment that they will be expected to use in the work place after graduating.
These facilities mean that our students are able to host and work with professional sports teams, schools and clients which provides students with real-life experience right here on campus.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Doug Ellis Sports Centre
Our £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall, and workout and spinning studios. The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness training equipment and plenty of room for team sports including five-a-side football and cricket. An all-weather pitch adds the finishing touches to the centre, which is located close to our City North Campus.
Visitors to the gym can choose a personalised fitness programme, instructed by qualified fitness trainers, and take advantage of a selection of classes, such as yoga, salsa or body combat.
Our staff
Many of our PhD-trained staff have incredible industry links and a wealth of experience, and often continue to work in their specialist areas.
Matthew Cole
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
As a registered Sport and Exercise Nutritionist, Matt has provided nutrition support to a variety of elite athletes and teams, as well as being part of the anti-doping team at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Jennie Carter
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
With over 10 years' experience, Jennie is passionate about supporting athletes through the implementation of nutritional intervention to enhance health and sports performance. She currently works with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and Warwickshire County Cricket Club, alongside lecturing and has previously worked with West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa Football Club.
Dr Meghan Brown
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Alongside her academic roles, Meghan has provided support as a registered Sport and Exercise Nutritionist to athletes from a range of sports, including Forest Green Rovers FC, Bristol City Women's Football Club and Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. Meghan also has a special interest in female athletes and dancers.
Dr Adam Herbert
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science
Adam has extensive applied experience having worked in both the elite sporting environment and private healthcare for clubs including Port Vale FC and Spire Healthcare based at the National Football Centre, St Georges Park. Adam completed his PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University, and has published in internationally renowned journal articles and presented his research at international conferences.