Overview

Through industry-specific modules, you’ll work towards meeting the professional standards expected of an applied sport and exercise nutritionist. This means you’ll develop high-quality practical skills and strong scientific knowledge. The Sport and Exercise Nutrition (Hons) course from Hartpury College is taught in line with the guidelines set by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr), which sets the standards for all practitioners in the field.

Your first year will give you a good understanding of the industry, introducing you to popular subjects including sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and strength and conditioning. You’ll develop your skills in our outstanding sports facilities including gyms and specialist labs, gaining hands-on experience with recreational and performance athletes across a range of sports. 

You’ll observe the effects of diet and dietary components on athletic performance, as well as how exercise can affect the body’s metabolism and its requirement for nutrients.

In year two, you’ll gain further practical experience as you tailor your learning to suit your interest and career goals. You’ll be able to delve deeper into subjects that inspired you in your first year, using a variety of equipment and dietary software in our laboratories to prepare you to progress into your sports nutrition career. Immerse yourself in more specialist areas as you progress into your third year, examining the specific needs of elite athletes within our Sports Academy teams and as individuals. 

The role of nutrition in community and participation sports is also important, so you’ll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge of the nutritional requirements for specific populations including female athletes, children, adolescents and vegetarians. You’ll graduate with quality practical skills and scientific knowledge, ready to hit the ground running in your career.

Industry opportunities

You’ll have many opportunities to work with student athletes in a range of sporting disciplines including rugby, football, equestrianism, netball, modern pentathlon, rowing and golf. You’ll benefit from our links with the sporting industry as part of the work we do with local sporting professionals, teams and businesses. There’s also the option to undertake a sandwich year, giving you vital industry experience and the opportunity to make useful contacts ready for your career.

Graduate destinations

• Sports or performance nutritionist

• Roles within professional or amateur sport and with national governing bodies

• Working with the NHS, supporting GP referral schemes and other healthy living programmes

• Teaching

• Postgraduate study