MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a dynamic three-year undergraduate degree that provides a robust scientific understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition, physical performance, and health. Designed in line with the guidelines of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR), this inter-disciplinary program ensures graduates develop the crucial knowledge and practical skills needed for future employment in the field. Students delve into core scientific principles including macronutrients, micronutrients, physiology of exercise, and food science. St. Mary's boasts world-class sports facilities and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratories, such as a Fitness and Conditioning Suite, Performance Hall, and Nutrition Suite, providing an exceptional environment for hands-on learning. Taught by experienced sport nutrition practitioners and academics, the program focuses on applying theory to real-world scenarios, preparing students to support athletes and active individuals in optimising their performance and health.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition program at St. Mary's is structured to build a strong foundation and progressively advance students' expertise in the field. In the first year, core modules cover essential topics such as "Energy and Nutrition," "Micronutrients," "Research Methods 1," "Physiology of Exercise," "Food Science and Novel Foods," and "Professional Skills for Nutritionists." The second year expands on this, with core modules including "Nutritional and Physical Activity Assessment," "Research Methods 2," "Physiology of Training," and "Sports Nutrition." Optional modules in the second year allow for further specialisation, such as "Social Psychology of Sport," "Nutritional Biochemistry," and "Experience and Employment in Business/Sport." The final year culminates in a significant "Research Project" and includes core modules like "Nutrition and the Athlete" and "Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology," with options to explore "Environmental Physiology," "Managing in the Workplace," or "Building a Start-up Business," allowing students to tailor their learning to specific career ambitions.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition program at St. Mary's University is deeply informed by the active research interests of its academic staff, many of whom are also practicing sports nutritionists. The program emphasizes a strong evidence-based approach, encouraging students to engage in critical analysis of academic literature and contemporary practice. Research within the School of Sport, Health and Applied Science at St. Mary's often focuses on understanding and improving sports performance through nutrition, the impact of dietary strategies on health, and the application of scientific concepts in real-world athletic environments. The "Research Project" in the final year provides a key opportunity for students to conduct their own original research under expert supervision, contributing to the knowledge base in sport and exercise nutrition, and honing their scientific inquiry and data analysis skills within BASES-accredited laboratories.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key strength of the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition program at St. Mary's University, crucial for enhancing student employability and providing practical, real-world experience. The program offers opportunities for students to complete internships at clubs where they can work directly with athletes, applying their learned knowledge in a professional setting. This hands-on experience allows students to develop practical skills, expand their professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry's demands. Furthermore, the teaching staff includes sports nutrition practitioners, ensuring that the curriculum is highly relevant to current industry practices. St. Mary's strong links with sporting organisations and its reputation in sport provide students with valuable avenues for placements and networking, preparing them for successful careers.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition program at St. Mary's University naturally incorporates a global perspective by addressing the universal principles of nutrition and exercise science that apply across diverse populations and sporting cultures worldwide. While based in the UK, the curriculum draws upon international research and best practices in sport and exercise nutrition. Discussions often include how different dietary patterns, cultural influences, and environmental conditions can impact athletic performance and health globally. The program's alignment with the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) guidelines helps to ensure a standard of education that is recognised within the international sports nutrition community. This broad, evidence-based approach prepares graduates to work in diverse professional environments, whether with international athletes, global sports organisations, or within health and wellness sectors that serve multicultural populations.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some 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 BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition program at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a scientifically rigorous and practically oriented education focusing on the critical role of nutrition in athletic performance, exercise, and overall health. Aligned with the guidelines of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR), this interdisciplinary degree prepares graduates for professional roles in a rapidly growing field. Students benefit from learning within world-class sports facilities and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratories, including a dedicated Nutrition Suite, allowing for extensive hands-on experience. Taught by experienced sport nutrition practitioners and academics, the program emphasizes the application of evidence-based theory to real-world scenarios, equipping students to advise athletes and active individuals on optimising their dietary strategies for performance enhancement and well-being.
Sports Nutritionist: Graduates can work directly with athletes and sports teams, from amateur to elite levels, designing tailored nutrition plans to optimise performance, aid recovery, manage body composition, and prevent injury. This often involves registering with professional bodies like SENR.
Exercise Physiologist: Combining knowledge of exercise science and nutrition, graduates can work in sports performance labs, clinics, or rehabilitation centres, assessing physiological responses to exercise and providing science-backed recommendations for training and nutritional strategies.
Public Health Nutritionist (with a focus on physical activity): These roles involve working for local authorities, NHS trusts, or non-profit organisations to develop and implement public health initiatives that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles across communities.
Health and Wellness Coach: Graduates can work with individuals and groups to improve overall health and well-being, focusing on aspects like physical activity, balanced nutrition, and lifestyle management in corporate wellness programs, community health initiatives, or private practice.
Performance Nutrition Consultant (Freelance/Self-Employed): With sufficient experience and a strong professional network, graduates can establish their own consultancy, offering bespoke nutrition services to a diverse client base, including individual athletes, sports clubs, or businesses.
Research Assistant / Associate in Sport and Exercise Science: Graduates with a strong aptitude for scientific inquiry can pursue roles in academic institutions, research centres, or sports organisations, contributing to studies investigating the impact of nutrition on exercise performance, health, and disease.
Product Development Scientist (Food and Supplement Industry): Leveraging their knowledge of food science, biochemistry, and nutritional requirements for active individuals, graduates can work in the food and supplement industry, developing new sports nutrition products, functional foods, or dietary supplements.
Nutritionist (General Practice / Community): While specialising in sport and exercise, the core nutrition knowledge gained can enable graduates to work as general nutritionists, providing dietary advice in community settings, GP practices, or private clinics for a broader range of health concerns.
Strength and Conditioning Coach (with additional certification): Combining their nutrition expertise with further certification in strength and conditioning, graduates can work with athletes to design comprehensive training and nutritional programs aimed at improving physical performance.
Science Communicator / Technical Advisor (Sport & Nutrition): Graduates can use their scientific understanding and communication skills to work in roles involving content creation, technical writing, or public speaking for sports brands, health publications, or educational platforms, translating complex scientific information into accessible content for various audiences.
