COURSE CURRICULUM

The Sports Nutrition and Health programme provides students with a strong scientific foundation in nutrition, exercise science and health, preparing them for careers in sport performance, public health and wellbeing. In the first year, students develop essential academic and research skills while studying sport and exercise psychology, exercise physiology, anatomy, physical activity, nutrition and health. They also undertake a professional placement to gain practical workplace experience and build key employability skills. The programme introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods, academic writing, data collection, statistical analysis and professional development through the Develop@Derby initiative. In the second year, students expand their expertise through modules in research methods, nutrition and metabolism, nutrition for public health, physical activity and health, physiological assessment, and psychology for physical activity practitioners. They learn to critically evaluate scientific evidence, conduct literature reviews, design research projects, analyse data using specialist software, and apply nutrition and exercise principles to improve health and athletic performance. The final year focuses on advanced nutrition and metabolism, the biomedical implications of exercise and physical activity, a professional placement and an independent research project that allows students to investigate a specialist topic through scientific research, industry reports or case studies. Optional modules such as Applied Sport Psychology and Behaviour Change and Applied Sports Science enable further specialisation based on career interests. Throughout the programme, students develop practical laboratory, analytical, communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills while learning to assess nutritional needs, design evidence-based interventions, interpret physiological data and support individuals in achieving health and performance goals. Strong emphasis is placed on research, professional practice and real-world application, ensuring graduates are well prepared for careers in sports nutrition, health promotion, exercise referral, performance support, community health, public health, sports science, wellbeing services and the wider sport and healthcare sectors, as well as postgraduate study and professional development within nutrition, exercise and health-related disciplines.