Course Overview
Course summary
The amazing feats of world-class athletes have brought the challenges of performance into the public eye, and nutrition is now recognised as a key part of supporting training and competition at all levels of participation. In the wider population, there is also increasing recognition of the role of nutrition in supporting health, wellbeing, and exercise.
Our Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc offers you the chance to explore the key principles and cutting-edge research across sport and exercise nutrition, exercise physiology, psychology and practitioner skills. You will study the science behind sports nutrition, the applications within the general population, specific sub-groups of our society, and the elite athlete. It also puts the controversies surrounding the use of supplements under scientific scrutiny, looking at the key evidence for and against performance benefits. Using this scientific foundation, you will develop the skills to translate research to practice, communicate effectively with diverse clients and support personnel, and support effective behaviour change.
We recognise and embrace the diverse career paths graduates can take, and our course supports this with our optional modules that enable you to explore in greater depth effective science communication, commercialisation, practical work experience, or in-depth nutritional assessment. Your research project offers you a wide degree of flexibility to pursue your personal interests.
The aim of this course is to produce competent and capable sport and exercise professionals who both understand the field as it is now, and also have the skills to continue to learn and develop as this dynamic field continues to innovate and evolve.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Cavendish Campus in central London, you'll be part of a diverse, global community
- Informed by practice, inspired by research – Our established course reflects both industry standards for sport and exercise nutrition and cutting-edge research
- Diverse career opportunities – On graduation, the knowledge and skills you have developed in this course will facilitate your entry into a range of careers within the field, from practitioner, to entrepreneur, to research scientist, and educator.
- The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Clean Sport Higher Education partnership - the University of Westminster is a member of the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Clean Sport Higher Education partnership in 2023/24, focused on supporting our students, athletes and athlete support personnel in understanding and promoting fairness and equality in sport
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Core modules
You will look at nutritional needs of specific athletic populations, the impact of extremes of environment, and possible contributions of diet and ergogenic aids. You will learn how to translate research to practice, and consider the practical application of nutrition in the field.
You will examine the range of techniques used in assessing health and fitness, from general population up to elite performers, and the appropriate evaluation of results.
This module aims to develop critical understanding of the scientific basis of nutritional requirements and the factors that influence them.
This module examines the role of nutrition in enhancing exercise and sports performance, including understanding of nutritional ergogenic aids and their regulation.
The module aim is to prepare students for the professional demands they will be required to meet once practicing in a consultancy or team environment. This includes assessing and analysing, communication skills, and models for changes, compliance, and follow up that are needed and can significantly impact the outcome of nutritional interventions either positively or negatively, as well as ethics, governance, professional conducts and business skills.
This module ensures that basic methodology, design study, data handling and statistics are approached correctly in formulating the research project.
Your project should be an original study reflecting your expertise or interest, supervised by a research-active member of staff, requiring a high level of scientific rigour and originality, and culminating in your project dissertation.
Option modules
You will develop transferable skills and perspectives in the many ways that scientific knowledge can be disseminated, including training in science journalism, public speaking and presentations, online engagement, and TV and radio production.
You will undertake an in-depth study on the scope of commercial biotechnology and starting and financing an operational company, from preparing a business plan and communicating business ideas, assessing projects, managing a company, and regulatory requirements.
You will take a work placement in a professional nutritional, sporting performance, or community healthcare setting, learning through experience the needs and requirements of the professional workplace through practical experience.
You will study the theory and practice of methods of assessing nutritional status, at individual, group and population levels.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the UK Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr). This allows students to enter the register as Graduate Registrants upon successful completion of the taught course, which is the first step on the professional recognition and registration ladder.
The course is also accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), which allows students to register as Associate Nutritionists upon successful completion of the course. As well as this, the course has received the Recognition Award of the International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Students are encouraged to take the Certification of the ISSN (CISSN) exam towards the end of their period of study.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
The opportunities open to graduates of sport and exercise nutrition are vast. Graduates may establish their own private consultancy, focussed on promoting health and wellbeing to the community through to supporting elite level athletes in specific sports. Or, graduates may practice within a larger existing consultancy, or within large corporations or sporting organisations. For those who want to explore beyond a practitioner route, our course will facilitate careers in research, sports food and supplement development, science communication, education, marketing and more. Our aim is to support the development of the knowledge, skills and applied practice you need to both understand and then achieve the career you want, in this dynamic and exciting field.
Graduate success
Our graduates have gone on to positions including teaching in higher education, athlete support within the English Institute of Sport, and PhD research.
Enhance your knowledge and skills
Our course is structured to develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and enable you to graduate as a confident and effective science communicator.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
• Premier League football clubs
• UK Sports Institute (UKSI)
• Sport National Governing Bodies
• Multinational Supplement Companies
• Corporate Wellness Consultancies
• Public Health Programmes
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
• Sports nutrition practitioner route
• Research
• Sports food and supplement development
• Science communication
• Education
• Marketing
Work experience
As part of the course, we offer an opportunity for students to gain hands-on practical experience working with athletes and sports teams across various sporting domains. These currently include working with the University's Elite Athlete Programme, supporting the University of Westminster Basketball team, and Essex Women’s County Rugby.
We also have opportunities for students to develop their science communication skills through team presentations and creating nutritional educational material to support governing bodies such as UK Anti-Doping and British Weightlifting. These provide valuable experience for students to build their portfolios and develop their employability prospects.
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dr Bradley Elliott
Senior Lecturer in Physiology
Bradley studied for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Auckland, New Zealand before completing a Master's of Science (Experimental Medicine) at Université Laval, Canada. He completed his doctorate on human and applied physiology here at the University of Westminster, examining myostatin regulation and muscle atrophy mechanisms during acute hypoxic insult.
Bradley teaches human physiology, scientific communication, and research methodologies across undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as maintaining an active research programme into muscle atrophy, frailty, and ageing. He is course leader of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc and Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSci courses.
I'm a strong believer in research-engaged teaching and therefore embed current research, discoveries, and techniques into this programme's day-to-day activities.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Mark of quality
Accredited by two professional bodies (SENr and AfN) and the opportunity to sit the International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN) exam at a discounted rate.
Translation of research to practice
Understand not just what the science says, but how to apply it, the gaps in our knowledge, and where experience ‘counts’.
Exciting location
In the heart of multicultural central London, with easy access to London's huge range of sporting, scientific and cultural resources.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a life sciences subject with a strong element of nutrition and/or physiology, but if you are a graduate in another discipline, there is an opportunity to gain entry via successful completion of the Essentials of Nutrition course.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Personal statement requirements
In your personal statement, please outline:
- What Sport and Exercise Nutrition means to you
- Why you want to study at the University of Westminster
- How this course aligns with your future goals and aspirations
Interview guidance
Applicants may be contacted for an interview by academic staff via phone call or Teams meeting.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a life sciences subject with a strong element of nutrition and/or physiology, but if you are a graduate in another discipline, there is an opportunity to gain entry via successful completion of the Essentials of Nutrition course.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Personal statement requirements
In your personal statement, please outline:
- What Sport and Exercise Nutrition means to you
- Why you want to study at the University of Westminster
- How this course aligns with your future goals and aspirations
Interview guidance
Applicants may be contacted for an interview by academic staff via phone call or Teams meeting.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Studying the Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc at Westminster
What our students say
Katie Bonnar
Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc - 2023
The Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc at Westminster was exceptional. The caring staff, facilities, and community made it the perfect choice. I'm now pursuing a PhD, continuing to be part of the university's innovative research.
Kelly Rodaway
Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc - 2021
Fitness Community Executive | Optimum Nutrition
After graduating, I delivered in-person events and educational content to provide insight into nutritional products. At events, it was so rewarding to see so many fitness enthusiasts training, competing and developing their knowledge together.
Sophie Mackintosh
Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc - 2022
Performance Nutritionist | Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
I work at Tottenham Hotspur FC as a nutritionist for the women's team. I enjoy working with players, implementing nutrition strategies, and collaborating with a team of experienced nutritionists.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £10,700 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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