Nutrition and Health

Food and drink production is now the largest industry in Europe, but food has become much more than simply a biological necessity. Scientists are not only needed to ensure food remains nutritious, safe and of high quality, but also to further our understanding of the long-term health effects of changing dietary habits.

Capitalising on the expanding field of nutrition, this exciting degree explores the physiological, biochemical and psychosocial aspects of nutrition, as well as public health and health promotion.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop your academic, practical and professional skills. You will be taught in a variety of settings, including laboratories and a purpose-built kitchen for nutritional testing sessions, so that you have the chance to develop the analytical and practical skills required by employers – working with accuracy and precision to obtain data and results.

You’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of scientific techniques. Assessments are designed to mimic real life scenarios, such as analysing nutrient intake from a food diary, developing dietary interventions and designing health promotion campaigns.

At Coventry University, our experienced teaching staff aim to bring a range of professional and research expertise into their teaching. Having worked as food scientists, public and environmental health professionals and nutritionists for both governmental and local councils as well as working in the food industry, they maintain links with major external organisations, such as Coventry City Council and Public Health England to ensure you receive up-to-date information and help you begin to establish your professional networks. You will be given the opportunity to undertake a short work placement or a professional work placement for one year either in the UK or abroad. We also offer sponsored summer studentships in a variety of related areas and projects in schools to enhance your employability (subject to application and availability).

Employment opportunities in Nutrition and Health are extensive and varied. The health and fitness industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy. Within both the private and public sectors, there is an increasing demand for skilled nutrition professionals to implement new initiatives to deliver on public health and activity targets in the fight against illness and obesity.

* Key Course Benefits*

* Free access to specialist computer software for assessing the nutritional adequacy of dietary intake, such as Nutritics or XLStat Sensory.

* Strong network of professional agencies and potential employers – Coventry City Council and Public Health England, as well as local government agencies.

* Based in the multimillion pound state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building which provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring access to state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical equipment.

* Well-established academic and practical support systems for students, includes weekly ‘drop-in’ surgery sessions for students to talk to staff about academic material, general study skills and personal problems.

* Support with applying for short and long-term placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire. Past students have undertaken one-year placements in the food industry with organisations such as Coventry City Council and Public Health England.

* Opportunity to apply for registration as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) by submitting a portfolio of evidence after graduation (please see the Association for Nutrition website for up-to-date information about the application process and fees).