MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MSc Applied Sports Nutrition
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a cutting-edge MSc Applied Sports Nutrition program, designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of sports and exercise nutrition. This postgraduate degree is accredited by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr), which is a significant professional recognition for aspiring sports nutritionists. The program emphasizes the crucial role nutrition plays in optimizing athletic performance, recovery, and overall health, and is delivered by a blend of experienced sports nutrition practitioners and academics. Its flexible timetable, incorporating weekend and block-week attendance, allows students to balance their studies with existing work commitments, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals seeking to specialize.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Applied Sports Nutrition program at St. Mary's is comprehensive, focusing on both foundational scientific principles and their practical application in athletic contexts. Core modules typically include "Physiology and Metabolism of Exercise" (or "Principles of Human Nutrition," depending on the student's undergraduate background), "Sports Nutrition," "Applied Sports Nutrition," "Research Methods and Statistics," "Special Populations – Applied Sports Nutrition," and "Anthropometry and Body Composition Management." These modules delve into topics such as energy metabolism, macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for athletes, hydration strategies, sports supplements, and nutritional considerations for specific groups like young athletes, older athletes, or those with chronic conditions. The program culminates in a "Research Project," providing students with the opportunity to conduct independent, applied research in an area of their interest within sports nutrition.
Research Focus: The Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences at St. Mary's University, which houses the Sports Nutrition program, boasts a strong research culture. Academics are actively involved in research that aims to further scientific knowledge and enhance applied practice in sport and exercise science. Specific research interests relevant to sports nutrition include areas such as physiological responses to exercise, recovery strategies, nutritional interventions for performance enhancement, body composition management, and the role of diet in specific sporting populations. The university's specialist facilities, including a Nutrition Suite, anthropometry and body composition suite, and human performance laboratories, provide an excellent environment for both staff and students to conduct cutting-edge research. This research focus ensures that the curriculum is informed by the latest scientific evidence and professional best practices.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University prioritizes strong industry engagement within its MSc Applied Sports Nutrition program, recognizing the importance of practical experience for its graduates. The program's accreditation by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) directly links it to professional standards and pathways in the industry. Students are encouraged to seek work experience opportunities while on the course to build their professional résumé and network. The program benefits from lecturers who are practicing sports nutritionists and academics, providing an effective mix of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Guest speakers from various industry sectors also share their insights, exposing students to current debates and trends. Initiatives like the Sports Nutrition Education Network (SNEN), a joint venture with the University of Westminster, further support students in understanding industry opportunities and building professional connections.
Global Perspective: The MSc Applied Sports Nutrition program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by addressing a field that is universally applied across diverse sporting cultures and populations. While the program is based in London, the scientific principles of sports nutrition, such as nutrient timing, hydration, and body composition strategies, are internationally relevant for athletes and active individuals worldwide. The curriculum prepares students to work with diverse athletic populations, who may come from various cultural backgrounds and have differing dietary practices or beliefs. Furthermore, the international reputation of St. Mary's in sport-related degrees and the global nature of elite sports mean that the knowledge and skills gained are highly transferable to professional opportunities around the world.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18450
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The MSc Applied Sports Nutrition program at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, is uniquely positioned to equip graduates for specialized and in-demand roles within the sports, health, and wellness industries. As an SENr-accredited program, it provides a robust foundation in the science of sports nutrition, coupled with the practical application skills essential for optimizing athletic performance, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall well-being. This postgraduate degree prepares individuals to work with diverse populations, from elite athletes to recreational exercisers, leveraging their expertise in dietary strategies, hydration, and supplementation. Graduates are well-prepared to translate scientific knowledge into practical, evidence-based nutritional advice, making them valuable assets in a field increasingly focused on personalized approaches to health and performance.
Accredited Sports Nutritionist (SENr): Working with individual athletes, sports teams, or professional sports organizations (e.g., football clubs, rugby teams) to provide bespoke nutritional strategies for training, competition, and recovery. This role often involves direct client consultation, dietary assessment, and performance monitoring.
Performance Nutritionist for National Governing Bodies: Providing nutrition support and education for athletes and coaches within national sports organizations (e.g., British Cycling, UK Athletics), contributing to high-performance programs.
Clinical Sports Dietitian/Nutritionist: Working in healthcare settings, combining clinical dietetics with sports nutrition to support individuals with specific health conditions or injuries who are also active, bridging the gap between medical needs and performance goals.
Product Development Scientist (Sports Nutrition Industry): Researching, formulating, and developing new sports supplements, functional foods, or nutritional products for manufacturing companies, ensuring efficacy, safety, and compliance with regulations.
Research Scientist (Sport and Exercise Nutrition): Conducting scientific research in academic institutions, research centers, or industry, investigating the impact of nutrition on physiological responses to exercise, performance, and health outcomes.
Health and Wellness Coach/Consultant: Offering private consultancy or working for wellness companies, providing evidence-based nutritional advice and lifestyle coaching to the general public or specific groups seeking to improve their health, fitness, and body composition.
Lecturer/Academic in Sports Nutrition: Pursuing further postgraduate studies (e.g., PhD) and teaching sports nutrition or related subjects at universities, contributing to the education of future professionals and engaging in scholarly research.
Corporate Wellness Manager/Specialist: Designing and implementing nutrition and wellness programs for corporate employees, promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity to enhance productivity and reduce health-related costs.
Sports Marketing and Communications Specialist: Working for sports nutrition brands or media companies to communicate scientific information about products and research in an accessible way to athletes, coaches, and consumers.
Freelance Sports Nutrition Writer/Educator: Creating educational content, articles, books, or delivering workshops and seminars on sports nutrition for various platforms, including online media, fitness magazines, or professional organizations.
