BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise and Nutrition University of Lincoln

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With an increase in human life expectancy and prevalence of chronic disease and illness, it is vital for health, exercise and nutrition practitioners to understand the impact of not only physical activity, but nutrition relating to health, fitness, and disease.

The BSc (Hons) Health, Exercise and Nutrition degree at Lincoln aims to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical knowledge and practical competence required to work confidently in the industries of health, exercise, and nutrition.

Students will cover core disciplines and concepts that span policy, practice, and the underpinning science behind them. Research-informed teaching is shaped by current practices within the industry. Over the course of three years, you will be able to experience specialist modules that have been designed to develop and enhance knowledge and understanding and gain relevant practical skills in the broad field of physical activity, health promotion and exercise and performance-related nutrition.

CIMPSA Endorsed programme

This programme is endorsed by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for Health Navigator, Gym Instructor, and Personal Trainer. This endorsement demonstrates the University's commitment to ensuring students' teaching and learning is aligned with industry standards.

For a student to register with CIMSPA and arrange certification for professional standards gained during this degree, a small administration charge would be required.

How You Study

In the first year, students can examine core theoretical components relevant to physical activity, exercise, health, and nutrition.

During the second and third years of study, this theory is put into practice and vocationally relevant skills can be developed through workplace shadowing, case study portfolios, independent research and assessment work with individual clients.

The course supports students to develop applied skills in evaluating and assessing a range of clients. It provides students with an opportunity to learn how to confidently provide suitable physical activity and healthy eating recommendations, and design, implement, and evaluate health promotion projects. Students will have the chance to gain an understanding of a broad array of components in local public health work.

Students can achieve industry recognition by completing optional modules in exercise instruction, personal training, and exercise prescription for health.

Modules

First Year

• Foundations in Human Nutrition (Core)
• Fundamentals of Human Physiology (Core)
• Introduction to Physical Activity and Public Health (Core)
• Introduction to Psychological Principles. (Core)
• Research Skills (Core)

Second Year

• Advanced Research Skills (Core)
• Health Psychology (Core)
• Nutrition for Health and Performance (Core)
• Promoting Physical Activity and Health (Core)
• Psychology of Physical Activity (Core)
• Applied Exercise Physiology (Option)†
• Applied Health Physiology (Option)†
• Exercise Instruction (Option)†
• Study Abroad (Option)†
• Work Placement Year (Option)†

Third Year

• Advanced Sport and Exercise Nutrition (Core)
• Dissertation (Core)
• Community Health Development (Option)†
• Counselling and Guidance Skills (Option)†
• Exercise Prescription for Health (Option)†
• Personal Training (Option)†

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Facilities

The University of Lincoln's Human Performance Centre offers excellent facilities to meet the academic needs of our students. We have dedicated practice and teaching spaces which include physiology laboratories, designated psychology laboratories, and consultation suites alongside specific practical spaces to support exercise instruction and referral work.

How You Are Assessed

A variety of assessment methods are used at each level of the course to evaluate learning outcomes and students' ability to collect, organise, analyse and interpret data. These may include presentations, critical reflections, portfolios, exams, practical assessments within the community and a dissertation.

Placements

During their studies, students can undertake work placements, which offer an ideal opportunity to put their learned theory into practice. The School of Sport and Exercise Science has excellent professional links with regional Public Health, NHS services, local authorities, state, and private schools, as well as the fitness industry.

The University's Work Opportunities Hub looks to identify suitable placements for students and is available to support students who seek to enhance their studies by engaging with a variety of work settings. This may be as part of their programme or as an activity during term-time or holidays.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.

Entry Requirements

United Kingdom

• A Level: BBC (UCAS Tariff points 112 from a minimum of 3 A levels) or equivalent qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications
• T Level: Merit
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
• A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, and EPQ.
• Applicants will also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and a Science or sport-related subject. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non-UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

Is This Course Right For Me?

You should consider this degree if you are interested in:

• Helping others to improve their health and well-being by improving or maintaining levels of physical activity and nutritional intake.
• Learning in an applied way and dealing with real-world scenarios.

What you may gain from the course:

• The opportunity to learn from staff who maintain their expertise in the subject area through industrial experience and research in fields such as exercise referral, community physical activity interventions, and health promotion.
• A vocational degree is developed in conjunction with employers, which aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills that are relevant and valuable in the industry.
• A variety of employment prospects.

What We Look For In Your Application

• A good academic profile.
• An evidenced interest in health and fitness through volunteering or participation.
• Transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.

Career Opportunities

Graduates could consider a wide range of roles including exercise referral, health and nutrition advising, and health development. A variety of graduate destinations could include public and private healthcare providers such as the NHS, local authorities, charity and voluntary agencies, and exercise and science support including UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, and other UK governing bodies of sport.

Alternatively, graduates of this programme may choose to progress to further study.