Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £1,070 *
International Fees £1,750 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per 20-credit module

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. 

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)

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.

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. 

3,000

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.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

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: £1,070 (Price per 20-credit module)

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: £1,750 (Price per 20-credit module)

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
Year
Year
1
20%Scheduled hours80%Independent study
Year
2
18%Scheduled hours82%Independent study
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

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
Year
Year
1
35%Written exams65%Practical0% Coursework
Year
2
0% Written exams12%Practical88%Coursework
Written examsPracticalCoursework

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

Visit our student hub

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

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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