Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Sports Nutrition and Health

Students who choose to study Sports Nutrition and Health at Derby gain the skills and knowledge required to enhance performance, health and wellbeing through research-informed, contemporary and safe practices. The programme offers extensive practical experience through strong industry connections, allowing learners to work with a variety of patient groups and individuals at all stages of the course. Graduates leave equipped to specialise in sports nutrition and health, with the capability to work with elite athletes or members of the general public to improve health and fitness. The curriculum is innovative and features a distinctive multidisciplinary approach, supported by academics who are active researchers and who teach using cutting-edge techniques. Students also have the flexibility to tailor their studies to suit their interests and career aspirations.

The programme responds to growing local and global demand for specialists in Sports Nutrition and Health by exploring nutrition through psychological, physiological and biochemical perspectives. Success in this field—whether working with amateur or elite athletes, or within community and health settings—requires an understanding of human psychology, disease, training, physical activity and health. For those interested in sport performance, the course emphasises the critical role of nutrition in athletic performance, recovery and adaptation to training, and the ways these principles can be applied to optimise general health.

Alongside theoretical learning, the course integrates qualifications and unique work placements, enabling students to work directly with academics and health professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. This approach ensures that learners develop the broad range of skills demanded by employers within health, sport and performance improvement. The University’s strong industry links allow students to gain experience with organisations such as Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby County Football Club, Burton Albion Football Club, Leicester City Football Club, Leicester Tigers Rugby Club, Derbyshire Institute for Sport, Derventio Excel Swimming Squad and the Derby Centre of Excellence for Ladies Football, among others.

Throughout their studies, students enhance their interpersonal and communication skills, essential for working effectively with diverse members of the public. They also develop the ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage budgets, analyse and interpret data, and solve complex problems. By the time they graduate, learners will feel confident in their ability to communicate with and advise varied audiences.

The course is mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address future global challenges. By completion, students will understand human responses and adaptations to sport and exercise; performance enhancement, monitoring and analysis; health-related and disease management aspects of physical activity; the wider social, political, economic and cultural impacts of sport; and the planning, management and delivery of sporting opportunities.

This programme has been developed in collaboration with Derby City Council to ensure students acquire the holistic skills required for careers across all areas of health and exercise promotion.