Fitness, Nutrition and Health

Choose an accredited Fitness, Nutrition and Health degree that offers specialist work experience through industry placements. Learn in £3.5million cutting-edge facilities at Scotland’s top modern university.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Award Title

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

B400
Register Interest Get Prospectus

Why study Abertay's BSc (Hons) in Fitness, Nutrition and Health?

Is the UK going through an obesity epidemic? Why have obesity levels more than trebled in the last 30 years despite the health and wellbeing industries prospering? What can be done to promote fitness and balanced nutrition throughout the country?

Our Fitness, Nutrition and Health programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to develop solutions to meet these challenges head on, with teaching underpinned by research and practical work delivered in our state-of-the-art facilities.

This joint offering between the Schools of Social and Health Sciences and Science, Engineering and Technology draws on the core disciplines of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition, and provides built-in work placements designed to match your career interests.

Missed the 15 January UCAS deadline or changed your mind about where you want to apply? Don't panic, we are still taking applications through UCAS for September 2019 study.

Start a Degree in September 2019

Entry Requirements

Please note:  All applicants must have a pass in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English.  Lifeskill Maths not accepted in lieu of Maths.

Please visit our Entry from College pages for suitable College courses.

Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Higher ABBB To include one of the following: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or PE
A-Level BCC To include one of the following: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or PE
Irish Highers H2H3H3H3 To include one of the following: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or PE
International Baccalaureate 29 Points Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or PE at S5 or H4
BTEC Extended Diploma MMM Health and Social Care, Sport, Sport & Exercise Sciences
AHEAD Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
SWAP Access ABB Access to (one of the following): University Study, Life Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Science, Biological Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Qualification Type Grade Requirements Essential Subjects
Advanced Higher ABB At least one of Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or PE
A-Level ABB At least one of Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or PE
HNC - Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC courses

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...

  • been in care
  • participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North
  • no family background of going to university
  • attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Your Journey Starts Here

Exercise, physical activity and nutritional balance are key ingredients in the recipe for a healthier lifestyle. Study in our state-of-the-art facilities and explore how nutrition and fitness impact on the wellbeing.

Male using an exercise bike

Information for International Applicants

Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.

group of students sitting in lecture hall

Entry Requirements by Country

Discover whether you're eligible for entry and learn more about the country-specific qualifications you need to study at Abertay.

Find out more

Two females and one male sitting together, smiling and chatting

English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

Find out more

Male and female working together

English Language Courses

Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.

Find out more

Office environment - two males smiling and chatting

Visa Information

Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

Find out more

About Your Modules

The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.

Please note: As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules. 

Key Modules (2018/19)

Fundamentals of Nutrition (FOD101)

Provides an understanding of the physiological and metabolic basis for dietary requirements, as well as the role of nutrients in the body. Module content includes: nutrients and nourishment; nutritional guidelines; nutritional assessment methods; macronutrients and micronutrients; metabolic endocrinology; physiology of the digestive system.

Biomechanics for Physical Activity Health (SPS103)

An introduction to the core concepts of biomechanics and skeletal and muscular anatomy in relation to health. Module content includes: anatomy; kinesiology; kinematics; kinetics; analysis of human movement.

Nutrition and the Consumer (FOD105)

An investigation of food behaviour and an examination of individual and global food choice models to provide students with an understanding of the influences on eating habits and consumption patterns. Module content includes: physiological vs psychological differences in food choice; food choices from a global perspective; food fashion and trends.

Psychology of Exercise and Health (SPS104)

An introduction to the determinants and consequences of physical activity as well as interventions to increase participation and decrease sedentary behaviours. Module content includes: psychological determinants of exercise; psychological outcomes of exercise; models of health behaviour; physical activity promotion.

Nutrition through the Lifespan (FOD205)

Provides an understanding of life-cycle nutritional needs, the importance of suitable food choices to meet these needs and the potential influence of early diet and food choice on health throughout the lifespan.

Physiology for Physical Activity & Health (SPS203)

Provides an understanding of the core concepts of sport and exercise physiology and how these apply to real world environments. Students will develop their understanding of the health adaptations to physical activity and exercise. They will also examine physiological tests and how to analyse physiological data in relation to health.

Work Placement (SPS205)

Provides students with an opportunity to develop their leadership, communication, organisation and management skills by working in a real world setting with school pupils in Dundee. There will also be opportunity for the students to reflect on theory−practice links.

Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 1 (FOD201)

An overview of the concepts of public health, development of public health policy and key public health issues. It will also provide the fundamentals of epidemiology. Module content includes: food and nutrition policy; health policy and public health; policy implementation.

Social Science of Physical Activity and Health (SPS204)

An introduction to key social issues in physical activity and health contexts. Module content includes: interdisciplinary nature of social sciences; the notion of ‘healthy’ lifestyles; research topics within the social sciences; political ideology and social inequalities; qualitative methodologies.

Clinical Nutrition 1 (FOD305)

Provides students with an understanding of the different factors that can interfere with nutrients in the body. Studies interactions of nutrients with other components (non- nutrient food components, gene and drug interactions) and gives an introduction to nutritional genomics.

Physical Activity and Health Promotion (SPS309)

Provides students with an understanding of the complexities of health promotion and the potential for participation in physical activity to both alleviate and exacerbate contemporary health issues.

Research Methods (SPS312)

Designed to develop students’ ideas about research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health, enabling them to better understand and appreciate published research and carry out their own research project in their final year of study. Module content includes: the research process; formulating and refining research questions; research methodologies such as quantitative, qualitative and mixed; key ethical issues associated with research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health; practical research skills development.

Physiology of Lifestyle Diseases (SPS311)

An overview of the aetiology, physiology and pathophysiology of obesity and the principal non-communicable diseases. Module content includes: pathophysiology of obesity; pathophysiology of type II diabetes; pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease; pathophysiology of cancer.

Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 2 (FOD401)

An overview of methods used in nutritional epidemiology with its limitations and benefits which provides students with information related to design, implementation and analysis of epidemiologic studies that address questions of dietary intake and nutritional status.

Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (SPS403)

An examination of the role of physical activity across the lifespan and the challenge of getting different population groups to engage in physical activity. Module content includes: population physical guidelines; the physical, social and mental health benefits; participation trends; an exploration of attitudes, beliefs and values.

Clinical Nutrition 2 (FOD402)

An exploration of the role of nutrition on the prevention and management of a variety of diseases that enables students to understand the relative contribution of diet and other factors to major causes of diseases.

Lifestyle Management (SPS408)

Provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to support behaviour change intervention strategies that are used to elicit lifestyle change to promote positive health and well-being.

How the Course Works

 

Learning and Assessment

You’ll learn via lectures, small group seminars, tutorials, practical activities and private study. Practical activities and work placements help you relate theory to real-life applications (and work towards industry qualifications).

You’re assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework. You’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate information and challenge concepts using evidence-based information, as well as being encouraged to show initiative, research and construct your own knowledge.

These skills will enable you to effect change in a working environment.

The single most crucial aspect of student life is the need to engage with all teaching activities, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work and lectorials. Active participation is critical to your learning and the assessment strategy.

For more information on the course content, please download the Programme Information - BSc (Honours) Fitness, Nutrition and Health.

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding pagefor further details. 

International Students

£14,000

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details. 

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us. 

The Lothian Family

A £5,000 award for undergraduate students with financial or social difficulties which may prevent them from studying at Abertay.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £500 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Careers

This bespoke programme allows you to study both nutrition and sports science, giving you an edge in the graduate job market. You’ll be well equipped to work in a wide range of fitness and health professions, including roles such as an Active Schools Coordinator or in public health nutrition.

The Fitness Nutrition and Health programme is aligned with the requirements of the Association for Nutrition (AfN), which means you can apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) upon graduation from this programme, and a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) following approximately three years relevant professional experience.

Female wearing breathing apparatus - male operating the breathing equipment

Industry Experience

The programme provides built-in work placements matched to your career interests. You’ll also hear guest speakers from a range of organisations, including the Dundee Healthy Living Initiative, HELM Training Dundee, NHS Tayside and Mytime Active.

Male running on a running machine whilst wearing breathing apparatus

Unistats

Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).

Get inspired

Meet some of our graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

A photo of Michael King training

Dr Michael King

Michael worked for the Scottish Football Association before getting his position at Motherwell Football Club.

Find out more

A picture of Alison Chapman standing beside a swimming pool.

Alison Chapman

Alison works with pupils with autism at the New England Centre for Children in Abu Dhabi.

Find out more

Woman sitting smiling

Laura-Alexandra Smith

Laura-Alexandra Smith is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Project Development for Science Connects.

Find out more

Programme Leader - Fitness, Nutrition and Health

Dr Karen Barton

Dr Karen Barton

School of Science, Engineering and Technology | Lecturer

K.Barton@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8612

View profile

Related Courses

Check out the related courses below - there's a degree for everyone at Abertay.

Food, Nutrition and Health

Turn your passion for food, nutrition and health into a career with an honours degree from Abertay.

Find out more

3 females using gym equipment

Physical Activity and Health

Benefit from first-rate academic support and turn your passion for sports and science into a degree.

Find out more

Consumer testing booths at Abertay University

Food and Consumer Science

Follow your passion for food and embark on a journey that explores the fascinating relationships between food and the consumer.

Find out more

Explore our Dundee campus facilities

Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.

Our Campus

Male standing in front of Abertay University

Why Abertay?

We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.

Why Abertay

Female standing outside the Bernard King Library

Come to an Open Day

An Open Day is your chance to get an up close experience of the University and the city. You’ll come away with all the information you need about us and the courses you’re interested in.

Open Day

Female hanging upside down on hand railing

Living in Dundee

Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.

Living in Dundee & Scotland

Male standing outside Groucho's shop

Ready for more? Take the next step

Come to an Open Day

Book now to see for yourself our city centre campus, talk to lecturers and engage with current and past students.

Get Prospectus

Our latest undergraduate prospectus is a great read if for those looking to start at Abertay in 2019.

Find out How to Apply

Learn everything you need to know about applying to study with us from UCAS deadlines to entry requirements.

Ask Us a Question

Get all of your questions answered: call us, emails us or chat with us online. We are here to help!

TEF Silver Award
QAA Award
Athena SWAN
Race Equality Charter Mark
Cycle-friendly Employer
https://www.vandadundee.org/
Healthy Working Lives Award
Employer Recognition Scheme