Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: CB64 BSc/SpNu
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
Do you want to run a marathon faster, increase your speed, improve your golf, improve your diet, lose weight, or reduce your risk of heart disease? Do you want to help others achieve these goals? This course will provide you with an exciting opportunity to develop your interests and achievements.
In recent years there has been much attention paid to the role of nutrition in sport. So much so that the British Dietetic Association (BDA), the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the Nutrition Society have collaborated to develop the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) in recognition of the specialist nature of work in this area.
This course will leave you well placed to undertake the study necessary for registration and will give you a good understanding of the scientific underpinning of both sport and nutrition, and the relationship between the two.
In the early years of the course you will study the sciences that underpin sport, namely physiology, psychology and biomechanics, as well as studying the science of nutrition and metabolism.
You will also examine the role of diet in health, and consider public health policy initiatives designed to promote healthy eating. Practical activities and work placements will enable you to contextualise theory to real-life applications and work towards NGB or industry qualifications.
In the later years there are specific modules dealing with sport and exercise nutrition and you will continue to study applied sport science, allowing you to not only understand the role and function of other professionals, but also communicate effectively with them. Work placements continue as a key feature of the course and you will also be expected to undertake an extended piece of individual research related to sport and exercise nutrition.
How you learn
The course combines a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, small group seminars, laboratory practicals, activity-based practicals and private study. On average there will be four lectures, four practical sessions and four seminars each week. You will spend around 18 hours per week attending classes and in addition you will be required to undertake an average of 20 hours of private study a week.
You will also be expected to undertake work placements, which will form a significant part of your learning and help reinforce the important link between theory and practice. Classroom activities will enable you to develop the ability to work in teams, engage in problem solving, and share experiences and knowledge in a non-threatening learning environment.
You will further develop your communication skills, oral and written, which are greatly appreciated by employers. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate information and challenge ideas and concepts using scientifically-based information, as well as being encouraged to show initiative, research and construct your own knowledge, and therefore have skills which will enable you to effect change in a working environment.
How you are assessed
In first year, the course is assessed by coursework alone. Assessment at later years of the course varies, using a combination of examination and coursework. Some modules include practical assessment and work-based assessments.
Higher BBC; A Level DDD; ILC (H) BBC; UCAS Tariff 168 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: science/science related subject (not including general studies)
Advanced entry (year 2)
HND in an appropriate subject area; Advanced Higher CCC; A Level CCC; ILC (H) AAA
Essential subjects: a science/science related subject (not including general studies)
Advanced entry (year 3)
Entry is possible for suitably qualified and experienced applicants. All candidates for year 3 entry will be interviewed to assess their suitability for entrance at this level.
Criminal record check required.
Additional costs: small charge for some external awards, e.g. NGB Awards, First Aid Certificates etc.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration, e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
In addition, all applicants will be required to satisfy a Disclosure Scotland check.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
Careers that graduates of this degree might move into include work in the health and fitness industry, work with sports teams, health promotion, personal training, postgraduate study leading to SENr status, physical activity leaders as well as more generic graduate level positions.
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Nutrition - Further Information
