Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme examines the science of nutrition together with psychological and sociocultural drivers of eating behaviour. Teaching combines core nutritional physiology and dietary assessment with modules on behaviour-change theory, intervention design and applied research methods. You will study topics such as:

• Fundamentals of human nutrition – macro- and micronutrient requirements, digestion and metabolism, nutritional implications across the life course.
• Dietary assessment and evaluation – methods for measuring intake, food composition data and interpreting population and individual dietary data.
• Behaviour change and health psychology – models and theories of behaviour, determinants of food choice, motivation and habit formation.
• Public health and policy approaches – population-level nutrition strategies, health promotion, regulatory and policy levers that influence food environments.
• Intervention design and evaluation – developing, piloting and evaluating nutrition interventions, implementation science and outcome measurement.
• Research methods and statistics – quantitative and qualitative methods applicable to nutrition and behavioural research, data analysis and critical appraisal of evidence.
• Dissertation or applied research project – an independent piece of research or a practice-based project that applies learned methods to a real-world problem.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars, laboratory and field practicals, case studies and an emphasis on applied, work-related learning. Students gain practical experience in dietary assessment, behaviour-change techniques and research design.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree (or recognised equivalent) in nutrition, dietetics, psychology, health sciences, biomedical sciences or another relevant discipline. A lower second-class degree (2:2) may be considered where applicants can demonstrate relevant professional experience or strong evidence of academic potential. Applicants with professional healthcare or public health backgrounds but without a directly related degree are also welcome and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency; evidence of an appropriate qualification (for example an IELTS score typically acceptable for master’s-level study) or equivalent will be requested.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles that bridge nutrition science and behaviour change. Typical career paths include:

• Public health nutrition officer or health promotion practitioner in local authorities, NHS or non-governmental organisations.
• Nutrition or behaviour-change specialist roles within community services, weight-management programmes and lifestyle clinics.
• Research assistant or project officer on academic or applied research projects in nutrition and behavioural science.
• Industry roles in food policy, consumer insight, product development or corporate wellbeing where understanding of behaviour and nutrition is important.
• Progression to further study such as a PhD, or professional registration routes where applicable and supported by additional supervised practice.

The programme’s applied focus and project work support employability by developing transferable skills in communication, data analysis, intervention design and evaluation.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers an applied, interdisciplinary approach that links nutrition science with behavioural and social perspectives. The programme emphasises experiential learning with practical laboratory and field-based activities, option modules that reflect current public health and industry priorities, and a substantial research or practice project.

Students benefit from teaching by academic staff with research and practice experience, opportunities to collaborate with local health services and community partners, and access to modern teaching and laboratory facilities. The course is designed to develop practical skills and professional confidence for work in health, community and industry settings.