Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersShe came second in the last race. To become fitter and faster, her diet needs to change. Help her to win.
What dietary requirements does a professional footballer need to take their game to the next level? Which foods does a 100m sprinter need to refuel after a race? What exercise would suit someone with a heart condition?
Whether you aspire to fuel elite athletes to reach new heights of performance or to enhance the well-being of individuals on the path to recovery, our program provides you with the essential tools to turn your ambitions into reality. The global interest in the role of nutrition to enhance health and performance has grown exponentially, creating an increased demand for dynamic, innovative nutrition graduates.
Our comprehensive sport and exercise nutrition degree is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Here, you will gain an understanding of the key disc...
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich
Sport and Exercise Nutrition gives you the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge and skills in food science and manufacturing so you are able to advise on diet, evaluate treatments, write health reports and analyse food.
Throughout the degree, students engage in a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, and tutorials. Assessments are diverse and may include written assignments, practical assessments, presentations, group projects, and a final-year dissertation project. This multifaceted approach ensures that students develop a well-rounded skill set and are prepared to address the complex challenges in sport and exercise nutrition.
Association for Nutrition
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
In your first year of study, you’ll be introduced to general nutrition topics and cover contemporary issues such as, how food nutrients change when they are processed, the principles of human physiology and how nutrition and physical activity are connected.
This module aims to develop your academic and professional skills to facilitate successful progression through Higher Education. You will focus on developing an understanding of essential skills in higher education and sport and exercise science, such as proficiency in academic writing, research methods, data management, referencing, and digital literacy. You will also cultivate graduate employability attributes as part of your career learning to help equip yourself with essential skills for academic success and enhance readiness for postgraduate employment or further study.
This module provides an introduction to exercise physiology and metabolism, including anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine and neural systems, as well as bioenergetics and metabolism. You will acquire fundamental knowledge through theory and application of this in practical contexts.
The module introduces the functionality and nutritional value of food, including identifying the properties of key macronutrients. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these components and their relationship to diet and health for the broader population. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge through theory and application of this in practical contexts.
This module provides an introduction to the key principles in nutrition within the context of sport and exercise. Students will develop an understanding of the dietary requirements, feeding and monitoring strategies to optimise sport and exercise performance. Through theoretical and practical-based learning, students will develop skills to make informed nutritional choices in a variety of sport and exercise contexts.
If you choose the sandwich year degree route, you will spend year 3 of your studies on a placement in industry. Placement learning is a key element of the course as it allows you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the real world of work.
In your second year, you will further develop your understanding of the specialist field of sport and exercise nutrition along with the provision of invaluable work experience to develop confidence as practitioners in this field.
This module aims to advance students' proficiency with academic and professional skills to facilitate continued successful progression through Higher Education. It focuses on advancing competency in essential skills for higher education and sport and exercise science, such as scientific and academic writing, advanced research methods, proficiency in data management, referencing, and digital literacy. Students will refine their career learning to further cultivate graduate employability attributes through the application of professional skills within the context of sport and exercise science to enhance their readiness for academic success, post-graduate employment, or further study.
This module will examine the fundamental relationships between macronutrient manipulation, health, performance and behaviour change. Students will evaluate the interaction between health and performance by examining practical application of recommended nutritional interventions strategies and dietary approaches. The module also investigates social factors influencing behaviour and performance in sport and exercise contexts, analysing the impact of group dynamics and individual motivation on performance.
Applied nutrition explains the link between nutritional intake and common nutritional disorders. Assessment methods will introduce you to practical solutions to determine the nutritional status of individuals.
This module explores how knowledge of the fundamental physiological systems and metabolism can be applied to analyse and evaluate performance in sport and exercise, and in response to physical (in)activity and environmental stressors using real-world scenarios and contemporary measurement techniques.
If you choose the sandwich year degree route, you will spend year 3 of your studies on a placement in industry. Placement learning is a key element of the course as it allows you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the real world of work.
In your third year of study, you will develop your confidence in independently utilising the evidence base for nutrition and reinforcing your transferable skills relating to research project management and transitioning to independent nutrition practitioners. You will develop further your competency and knowledge in sport, exercise, and lifestyle nutrition.
This module will examine research trends and contemporary research in sport and exercise nutrition, and the influence of these on applied practice. Students will critically appraise the current and historical evidence-base for applied sport and exercise nutrition to develop an appreciation of research trends that helped shaped modern day sport and exercise nutrition practices. Evaluation of how this research is translated into practice will involve laboratory-based practicals reflective of industry.
This module focuses on the key skills for planning research, including searching and reviewing literature, and analysis of research methods in sport and exercise science. Emphasis is on developing and refining skills of critical analysis, personal reflection, study design, and use of methods of ethical, reliable and valid data collection.
This module examines the theory and application of public health, nutrition, and promotion within the context of changing individual and population behaviours to improve societal health. It will focus on the core principles and practice of exercise testing and prescription in physical activity and health applications and enable an appreciation for the value of nutrition and physical activity in promoting a healthy lifestyle and in the treatment and prevention of various disease states. Students will consider contemporary evidence and guidance for the development and application of safe and effective intervention strategies for diverse populations.
In this module, you will focus on the key skills for conducting a project, culminating in a comprehensive body of work that includes a literature search and review, methodology, data collection and analysis, data interpretation and discussion. Emphasis is placed on developing and refining skills of critical analysis, study design, data analysis and interpretation, and effective scientific communication. The content also covers student autonomy, organisation and communication required for project management and delivery.
If you choose the sandwich year degree route, you will spend year 3 of your studies on a placement in industry. Placement learning is a key element of the course as it allows you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the real world of work.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
to include a science subject at A/AS Level.
A Levels in Sport, PE and Psychology can be considered in lieu of science A/AS Level.
A levels – grades BCC or equivalent, to include at least one of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Physical Education.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma – DMM
Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject - Pass with minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points. Relevant subjects are: Sciences/Health Professions/Sport and Exercise (we do not accept Health and Social Care)
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, to include at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A level-equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics grade C or grade 4 or above.
Equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills) may be considered.
Applicants undertaking A-levels in England in Physics, Chemistry and Biology will be expected to pass the Science Practical assessment.
to include a science subject at A/AS Level.
A Levels in Sport, PE and Psychology can be considered in lieu of science A/AS Level.
A levels – grades BCC or equivalent, to include at least one of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Physical Education.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma – DMM
Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject - Pass with minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points. Relevant subjects are: Sciences/Health Professions/Sport and Exercise (we do not accept Health and Social Care)
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, to include at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A level-equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Applicants undertaking A-levels in England in Physics, Chemistry and Biology will be expected to pass the Science Practical assessment.
Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are still being finalised for all courses. You can find information on 2024/25 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students. All fees stated may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year.
Compulsory estimate: £75
In second year, optional HACCP training (£75) is offered to Nutritional Sciences students. In final year, dissertation printing and binding will be required.
Optional estimate: £50
For the placement year, costs vary hugely between countries and areas, so it is very important to research costs well ahead of time and budget accurately. The Level 6 field trip (£50) is entirely optional. Attendance at Food Matters Live for one day is optional and the cost is the cost of the travel to and from London.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. You may also need to print your assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 each year for books and printing.
In final year, dissertation printing and binding will be required.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersBoth of our nutrition courses are accredited by the Association for Nutrition. When you graduate, you’ll have the right to apply for direct entry at Associate level to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists.
Our nutrition courses help to prepare you for a variety of opportunities within the field of food and nutrition, from public health and product development to working with sports teams.
Some of our current students have gained work experience with Manchester City FC and Manchester City Council. From working with an elite athlete or a community sports team to a public health initiative on physical activity, you could work in a variety of sport and exercise settings as a nutritionist. Previous students from our department have gone into roles such as a health trainer, performance nutritionist or sports dietitian.
You can apply for this course for 2025/26 entry once UCAS applications open in autumn.
Visit UCAS for further details, including deadlines.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.