Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: CB64 BSc/SpNu
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Please note that no admission will be made to this course in September 2012.
Why choose this course?
Do you want to run a marathon faster, improve your diet, or reduce your risk of heart disease? In recent years there has been much attention paid to the role of nutrition in sport. Sport nutritionists are concerned with the type and quantity of fluid and food taken by athletes and others involved in physical activity. They consider how performance is affected by the intake of vitamins, minerals, supplements and organic substances such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They are also involved in weight management both for health and weight-specific sports.
The course provides you with topical information concerning the sport and exercise industry, as well as providing you with the ability to translate nutrition and metabolic theory to effective applied practice with clients seeking to improve performance or health.
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 across the lifespan. 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.
How you learn and are assessed
The course combines a variety of lectures, small group work, and practical activities. You also undertake work placements to reinforce the link between theory and practice. You will be encouraged to evaluate information and challenge commonly held ideas about sport and exercise, as well as being encouraged to research your own areas of interest and expertise. Assessment uses a combination of examination and course work to help you develop a variety of intellectual and practical skills such as being able to put forward a position based on evidence, or being able to discuss and promote ideas within a group.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Higher BBC; A Level DDD; ILC (H) BBC
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.
Additional costs: small charge for some external awards, e.g. NGB Awards, First Aid Certificates etc.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
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 prospects
Graduates in Sport and Exercise Nutrition will be well placed to work in the health and fitness industry, work with sports teams, work in health promotion or personal training, as physical activity leaders as well as progress to postgraduate study or more generic graduate level positions. The emphasis on employability throughout the course will allow you to experience the sport and exercise industry as a whole, and to also meet key individuals in order to make you mark before even finishing your studies.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£1820 per year. Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
