Human Nutrition BSc Honours Newcastle University

Our accredited human nutrition degree explores the links between diet and health and will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to make an impact through a career in nutrition.

This three-year human nutrition degree focuses on developing your practical, professional and research skills so you graduate career-ready.

Our industry-recognised qualification helps to fast-track your career, so you can apply for direct entry into the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists as soon as you graduate.

Our degree curriculum is informed by research, which ensures you're learning about the most up-to-date and relevant theories, along with the latest discoveries in the industry. Our human nutrition course explores the links between diet and health from the molecular level through to people and populations.

You'll also have the opportunity to explore topics such as genetics, physiology, bioenergetics and sport and exercise nutrition, among others.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Association for Nutrition (AfN)

This degree is professionally accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). This means our graduates can apply for direct entry into the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists at the associate level and use the letters ANutr after their name without undergoing further assessment.

Work placement

This human nutrition degree is also available with a year's work placement, as a four-year programme.

You'll apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place in Stage 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise. Placements are subject to availability.

• 10th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2023 (Food Science category)
• 17th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2023 (Nutrition and Food Science category)
• Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 (Food Science category)
• 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
• Global Top 140 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

Stage 1

You're introduced to the underlying sciences of human nutrition. You study modules in nutrition, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology and physiology.

You will also be introduced to agri-food systems, covering issues arising through the food chain from production to consumption, as well as the nature and properties of different foods and nutrients.

Compulsory Modules

• Microbiology and Immunology 15
• Fundamental Principles of Genetics and Biochemistry for Nutrition 15
• Human Physiology and Practical Skills 30
• Introduction to Nutrition 10
• Practical Skills for Nutrition 10
• Bioenergetics 20

Optional Modules

• Agri-Food Supply Chains 20
• Food Studies 20

Stage 2

You continue to develop your core knowledge of human nutrition and associated topics. In Nutrition, you'll explore nutritional assessment and the importance of good nutrition at each life stage.

You'll also investigate food science and food product development, and study the latest research developments in sports and exercise nutrition.

In the module Communication and Behaviour Change, you are introduced to some of the ways in which communication may be used to support positive changes in people’s behaviour.

Compulsory Modules

• New Food Product Development 20
• Communication and Behaviour Change 10
• Macro- and Micronutrients 20
• Food Science and Technology 20
• Nutrition Through the Lifecycle 10
• Measurement and Assessment of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status 20
• Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition 20

Stage 3

In the final year, you will study areas such as nutrition and its relation to health and disease, metabolic and personalised nutrition and the scientific basis for setting nutrient requirements in people.

You will develop your practical skills and your ability to plan and organise by carrying out a research project under the supervision of a member of the academic staff.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Project 40
• Contemporary Issues in Food and Human Nutrition 20
• Personalised Nutrition 10
• Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health 30

Optional Modules

• Eating and Weight Disorders 20
• Making Sense of Forgotten Senses: Investigating Olfaction and Gustation 20

There is great demand for scientists with a knowledge of nutrition. A wide range of opportunities exists across the sector, including:

• product development or quality assurance in the food industry
• with non-commercial bodies such as the Medical Research Council or Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• in research development
• in an advisory capacity with groups concerned with the communication of health messages and food safety advice

Graduates have gone on to take up roles, such as:

• dietetic assistant
• nutritionist
• food technologist
• food buyer
• product development technologist
• sports nutritionist