Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme begins with a foundation year designed to build the core academic and practical skills needed for higher-level study, followed by diploma-level modules that focus on the science and application of human nutrition in health contexts. You will study a mix of biological sciences, nutrition science, public health, behaviour change, food safety and research methods, delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and small-group tutorials.

• Foundation year modules – academic study skills, scientific literacy and laboratory basics, introductory biology and chemistry for health, numeracy and statistics for the health sciences, and communication and academic writing.
• Core diploma modules – human physiology and metabolism; macronutrients and micronutrients; food composition and dietary assessment; public health nutrition and health promotion; food hygiene and safety; applied nutrition for different life stages; and research methods and project work.
• Practical and professional skills – laboratory techniques (e.g. biochemical assays, anthropometry), dietary analysis software, behaviour change techniques, risk assessment, and professional practice sessions that cover ethics, communication and interprofessional working.
• Assessment – a combination of written assignments, practical reports, exams, presentations and a small-scale research or practice-based project that develops analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to demonstrate readiness for higher education study. Typical entry routes include completion of secondary qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma or equivalent, an Access to Higher Education diploma with units in science or health-related subjects, or successful completion of relevant workplace experience combined with GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent.

Because this programme includes a foundation year, it is particularly suitable for applicants who do not yet meet direct entry requirements for the diploma stage but can show potential through interview, a personal statement and references. International students will need to demonstrate competence in English through an accepted qualification or test. Specific entry criteria may vary, so prospective students should check Bournemouth University admissions guidance for precise requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from the diploma stage typically move into roles supporting nutrition, health promotion and food-related services or progress to a BSc (Hons) top-up where available. Common career destinations include nutrition support worker, community health assistant, health promotion assistant, food industry technician, and roles in weight management, sport and fitness centres or care settings. Graduates may also work in local authority public health teams, voluntary organisations or commercial settings such as food product development and retail health services.

The course provides a foundation for further study and professional development: students often progress to undergraduate honours degrees in nutrition, dietetics (subject to professional programme entry requirements), public health or related bioscience fields, or pursue postgraduate qualifications in public health, health promotion or research. Practical skills learnt on the programme—dietary assessment, data handling, communication and basic laboratory techniques—are valued by employers across health and food sectors.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers a practical, career-focused approach to health and nutrition education, with emphasis on applied learning and employability. The University provides access to laboratory facilities, simulation suites and computing resources for dietary analysis, and small-group teaching that supports personalised feedback and skills development.

Students benefit from employer links and opportunities for local placements, allowing them to gain real-world experience in community health, food businesses or public health settings. The foundation year route provides an inclusive entry path for students who need additional academic preparation, and clear progression routes are available to higher-level honours study within the university or to other institutions. Bournemouth’s location on the south coast also gives access to regional health and leisure industries that can support practical learning and future employment.