Overview

Few sciences connect to everyday life as directly as the study of how food shapes the body, from the chemistry inside a single cell to the wellbeing of entire communities. The BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition course at the University of Westminster explores how nutrients and eating patterns influence health, disease and physical performance, starting at the molecular level. Learning blends lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, research seminars and independent study, with online resources reinforcing classroom activity. Students work in well-equipped bioscience laboratories, including biochemical testing facilities for nutritional analysis, whole-body metabolism and body composition. Active research on family food security, lifestyle approaches to metabolic disease and technology-driven behaviour change informs the teaching, and the curriculum includes specialist strands in Global Public Health Nutrition and Sport and Exercise Nutrition. In the later years, students choose between a Human Nutrition theme and one that pairs nutrition with exercise science, and may add a professional placement or a period of study abroad. The course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition. It suits science-minded students who want a deep understanding of food, health and performance, and graduates finish with a strong scientific grounding and the skills to move into nutrition-related work or postgraduate study.

What You'll Learn

Cell biology and human physiology

Nutritional biochemistry and metabolic pathways

Principles of human nutrition and dietary assessment

Diet in health and disease

Exercise physiology and nutrition for sport performance

Public health nutrition and health inequalities

Psychological and sociological influences on health and wellbeing

Research methods and data analysis

Independent research project in the life sciences

Optional study in areas such as gene editing, medical sciences and nutrition in emergencies

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will understand nutrition across several scales, from cellular biochemistry and metabolic regulation to individual dietary needs across the life course and population-level public health concerns. They will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature and clinical evidence, judge the credibility of scientific claims, and apply theory to real-world issues such as disease management, malnutrition, sedentary lifestyles and athletic performance. Laboratory practicals build hands-on competence in nutritional and exercise testing, dietary assessment and research techniques, while the final-year independent project develops the ability to design, carry out, analyse and report original research. Students can also specialise through option modules and themes in public health, sport and exercise, or emerging areas of life science, while strengthening their communication, teamwork and professional skills.