Whilst at school, it isn’t always easy to imagine the kind of occupation that you would most enjoy, and choosing a degree course can be difficult. The answers below should give you an idea of the subjects that would be useful if you were considering studying nutrition at university.

What subjects should I study at school or college?
A professional career in nutrition may require a degree in nutrition. Nutrition degrees are science degrees (BSc Hons), and so they require an understanding of biology, chemistry and mathematics. It can be helpful to keep this in mind as you choose your GCSE subjects and/or A or AS Levels.

As nutrition involves the in-depth study of metabolism and physiology, a strong interest in life sciences is essential. You will need GCSEs in maths and science. You will also need science subjects, either Chemistry or Biology or both at A2 level or their equivalent in the Scottish Higher or Irish Leaving Certificates (etc).

What if I didn’t study science at school?
If you did not study science at school, you may be able to enter university to do the course you want to, after successfully completing a Science Access course or a foundation programme. Programme Leaders or Admissions Tutors will advise you about their entry requirements so you should check with the institution. The University & College Admissions Service website lists approved access courses; www.ucas.ac.uk.

Will a nutrition degree involve Maths?
Yes, you will be expected to use maths and statistics throughout the programme.

How much lab work is there in a nutrition degree?
The amount and type of lab work varies with the type of course. You can expect some lab work in the following areas typical of a nutritional science degrees: food science, food chemistry or technology, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, sport nutrition, clinical nutrition, assessment of diet and nutritional status. You may also do a lab-based project.

How much fieldwork is involved?
Some programmes include some fieldwork during work-experience placements, attachments or projects. It depends on the institution, but it can be useful to undertake a programmes offering professional placements to get relevant work experience and help you to get employment after graduation.

Does nutrition involve work with animals?
Some nutritionists do work with animals, for example developing feed products for livestock, or working with zoos. Animal nutritionists may study degree programmes in, for example, Animal Science. Again, you would probably need to have studied science subjects at college to meet the entry requirements for these programmes.

For more information about study and careers in dietetics contact:

British Dietetic Association
5th Floor, Charles House
148/9 Great Charles St Queensway
Birmingham B3 3HT
www.bda.uk.com

The BDA’s Career Choices supplement lists jobs in dietetic departments and in industry some of which are open to professional registered nutritionists.

For information about registering as a Registered Dietitian, please contact the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), who are the regulator for Dietitians in the UK.

Health and Care Professions Council,
Park House, 184-186 Kennington Park Road,
London, SE11 4BU
https://www.hcpc-uk.org

For information about studying food science and technology, contact:

Institute of Food Science and Technology
5 Cambridge Court
210 Shepherds Bush Rd
London W6 7NJ
www.ifst.org

For information about study and careers in the biosciences contact:

Society of Biology
9 Red Lion Court
EC4A 3EF
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7936 5900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7936 5901
www.iob.org

Biology4all 
A website from Department of Biological Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, endorsed by the Biosciences Federation: www.biology4all.com. This site has a wealth of information about biology and the biosciences at all levels; it also has hyperlinks to the National Grid for Learning.

For information about sports sciences contact:

British Society of Sport & Exercise Sciences
Fairfax Hall,
Leeds Metropolitan University
Headingley Campus
Leeds
LS6 3QS
www.bases.org.uk

For information on working with animals contact:

The British Society of Animal Science
PO Box 3
Penicuik
Midlothian
EH26 OR2
Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 131 445 4508
Fax: +44 (0) 131 535 3120
www.bsas.org.uk

UCAS

The University and College Admission Service lists programmes, method of study, entry requirements and how to get contents of individual undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from colleges and universities. www.ucas.ac.uk or for anyone wanting to apply for postgraduate programmes visit UK Pass.

Careers services that have good information and links include:

www.prospects.ac.uk
www.careers.lon.ac.uk

Before you choose a distance learning course in Nutrition, it is best to ensure the qualification you will gain from the course is recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

The NQF sets out levels against which a qualification can be recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The SCQF helps you understand and compare qualifications in Scotland. You can find out more about all the different levels of qualifications on DirectGov.

These frameworks helps learners make informed decisions about the qualifications they want to pursue by comparing the levels of different qualifications and identifying different progression routes. The recognition of these courses means they meet standards set by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority and the qualifications meet the needs of learners and employers.

What do these courses involve?
Distance learning normally involves internet based study. However, methods of study may vary between institutions. Check with the individual institutions when enquiring about any course. Courses are varied in length and workload depending on the level of qualification being studying for.

You should choose the course that suits you best: think about the study method you prefer, the amount of support you get, and whether it is recognised by employers and education institutions.

Who should take these courses?
Some speciality courses (e.g. weight management) maybe more relevant to those who have completed some form of higher education (e.g. BSc or MSc) in Nutrition or related subjects rather than those who are new to nutrition and/or science. This is because the course content may focus upon a specific area of nutrition such as sports nutrition, and not give a broad overview or much background information.

In addition, some courses maybe more appropriate for those who are already working within the profession as the aim of the course may be to enhance and contribute to the individual’s continuing professional development (CPD).

Please talk to the course providers to check if the course is suitable for you.

Once I have achieved a vocational qualification, can I become a nutritionist?
Although there are many courses specifically in nutrition, mainly in the private sector, they usually lead to qualifications below the level of undergraduate degrees or their equivalent in the UK. There are very few vocational courses at the level or with the right volume of credits in the UK to lead to the award of a BSc degree with honours.

A vocational qualification alone is not enough to join the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), because you will not have enough underpinning scientific knowledge to meet our competencies. For example, without prior science studies you will have missed out on valuable learning gained in the laboratory in respect to biochemistry, physiology etc. However vocational qualifications can be a good starting point and can help you progress towards undertaking higher level study such as a BSc (Hons).

What job prospects are there with a vocational qualification?
Vocational qualifications can help you get started in a career, for example, in the food industry (hospitality, catering and retail). To find out more about careers in this sector, try the website for the Food and Drink Sector Skills Council: Improve.

To find out about work in a fitness or sports club, look at the Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations Sector Skills Organisation, SkillsActive.

To find out more about careers and work in health and care, contact the Sector Skills Organisation, Skills for Health.

Before you choose a short course in Nutrition, it is best to ensure the qualification you will gain from the course is recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

The NQF sets out levels against which a qualification can be recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The SCQF helps you understand and compare qualifications in Scotland. You can find out more about all the different levels of qualifications on DirectGov.

These frameworks helps learners make informed decisions about the qualifications they want to pursue by comparing the levels of different qualifications and identifying different progression routes. The recognition of these courses means they meet standards set by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority and the qualifications meet the needs of learners and employers.

What do these courses involve?
Short courses are varied in length and workload depending on the level of qualification being studying for. Check with the individual institutions when enquiring about any course.

You should choose the course that suits you best: think about the study method you prefer, the amount of support you get, and whether it is recognised by employers and education institutions.

Who should take these courses?
Some speciality courses (e.g. weight management) maybe more relevant to those who have completed some form of higher education (e.g. BSc or MSc) in Nutrition or related subjects rather than those who are new to nutrition and/or science. This is because the course content may focus upon a specific area of nutrition such as sports nutrition, and not give a broad overview or much background information.

In addition, some courses maybe more appropriate for those who are already working within the profession as the aim of the course may be to enhance and contribute to the individual’s continuing professional development (CPD).

Please talk to the course providers to check if the course is suitable for you.

Once I have achieved a vocational qualification, can I become a nutritionist?
Although there are many courses specifically in nutrition, mainly in the private sector, they usually lead to qualifications below the level of undergraduate degrees or their equivalent in the UK. There are very few vocational courses at the level or with the right volume of credits in the UK to lead to the award of a BSc degree with honours.

A vocational qualification alone is not enough to join the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), because you will not have enough underpinning scientific knowledge to meet our competencies. For example, without prior science studies you will have missed out on valuable learning gained in the laboratory in respect to biochemistry, physiology etc. However vocational qualifications can be a good starting point and can help you progress towards undertaking higher level study such as a BSc (Hons).

What job prospects are there with a vocational qualification?
Vocational qualifications can help you get started in a career, for example, in the food industry (hospitality, catering and retail). To find out more about careers in this sector, try the website for the Food and Drink Sector Skills Council.

To find out about work in a fitness or sports club, look at the Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations Sector Skills Organisation, SkillsActive.

To find out more about careers and work in health and care, contact the Sector Skills Organisation, Skills for Health.

A professional career in nutrition will generally require a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in nutrition, or a closely related bioscience. You could also opt to do postgraduate study in nutrition (e.g. MSc or PhD) on top of a nutrition degree or other appropriate undergraduate degree (generally a biosciences/life sciences degree).

Many employers now require nutritionists to be registered with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). To be eligible for registration, you would usually need a BSc (Hons) or MSc in nutritional science. We have lists of accredited university programmes leading to eligibility for direct entry application to the UKVRN.

If you are unsure which course to choose you may find our careers profile page useful background reading.

What degree courses are there?

There are very many varied programmes of study usually leading to Bachelors of Science with Honours degrees. Choose a programme that you will enjoy if you don’t know what job or career you want. Choose a single or double subject programme if you know you want a professional career in nutrition.

We have lists of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are currently accredited by the Association for Nutrition. These accredited programmes meet our standards for the professional education of nutritionists. Graduates from these accredited programmes can apply via the direct entry pathway to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists at the Registered Associate level.

Single subject courses in Nutritional Science or Public Health Nutrition only (single honours) can lead to professional careers in industry or government or health, depending on the subjects covered. Or you could go on to further study in, for example, dietetics or sport nutrition or research, or other jobs instead of nutrition-related careers.

Some programmes combine nutrition with food science which could be right for you if are interested in working in food and technology or product development. For more information contact the Institute of Food Science and Technology at www.ifst.org

You could also study nutrition with agriculture or animal sciences (joint or combined honours). These are most suitable for careers in agriculture, applied animal extension work or later veterinary studies. For more information, contact the British Society for Animal Sciences.

Other programmes combine nutritional science with bio-medical sciences, like Sports Science (joint or combined honours) and could lead to careers in the services for athletes, the fitness industry, or in public health.

What are the entry requirements to study a degree in nutrition?
These will vary from programme to programme. This information is usually available on the university’s website, or from their admissions team.

Generally, most nutrition degrees will ask for two science subjects at A-Level – normally Biology, Chemistry or Mathematics, although other science subjects may be considered.

What if I didn’t study science at school?
If you did not study science at school, you may be able to enter a degree course after successfully completing a science access course or a foundation course. Programme Leaders or Admissions tutors will advise you about their entry requirements so you should check with the institution. The University & College Admissions Service website lists approved access programmes.

Will a nutrition degree involve Maths?
Yes, you will be expected to use maths and statistics throughout the programme.

How much lab work is there in a nutrition degree?
The amount and type of lab work varies with the type of programme. You can expect some lab work in the following areas typical of nutritional science degrees: food science, food chemistry or technology, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, sport nutrition, clinical nutrition, assessment of diet and nutritional status. You may also do a lab-based project.

How much fieldwork is involved?
Some programmes include some fieldwork during work-experience placements, attachments or projects. It depends on the institution, but it can be useful to undertake a programme offering professional placements to get relevant work experience and help you to get employment after graduation.

Does nutrition involve work with animals?
Some nutritionists do work with animals, for example developing feed products for livestock, or working with zoos. Animal nutritionists may study degree programmes in, for example, Animal Science. Again, you would probably need to have studied science subjects at college to meet the entry requirements for these programmes.

How can I choose which university to go to?
Each institution’s website will contain a mission statement that stresses their staff’s areas of expertise. National assessments of quality can be useful. For example to check your university’s rating in the UK against others, see the Times online guide.

If you are interested in academic study, a high score in the last Research Assessment Exercise may be the right place to go. You can choose to learn at a university where staff have research interests you want to share. Alternatively, perhaps your interest is vocational, and you may choose to study where staff have relevant consultancies or professional links, and obtained a high (teaching) quality assessment score.

Last, but not least, think about the setting – choose a place where you can afford to live and where you will be happy and comfortable while you study. Try to find out more for admissions tutors and teaching staff – visit the department during an open day if possible.

How can get work experience/improve my chances of employment after graduation?
Please read our pages on finding work and getting work experience. You should talk to your personal tutor or university careers service. The links below may also help you.

For more information about study and careers in dietetics contact:
British Dietetic Association
5th Floor, Charles House
148/9 Great Charles St Queensway
Birmingham B3 3HT
www.bda.uk.com

The BDA’s Career Choices supplement lists jobs in dietetic departments and in industry some of which are open to professional registered nutritionists.

For information about studying food science and technology, contact:
Institute of Food Science and Technology
5 Cambridge Court
210 Shepherds Bush Rd
London W6 7NJ<
www.ifst.org

For information about study and careers in the biosciences contact:
Society of Biology
9 Red Lion Court
EC4A 3EF
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7936 5900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7936 5901
www.iob.org

Biology4all 
A website from Department of Biological Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, endorsed by the Biosciences Federation: www.biology4all.com. This site has a wealth of information about biology and the biosciences at all levels; it also has hyperlinks to the National Grid for Learning.

For information about sports sciences contact:
British Society of Sport & Exercise Sciences
Fairfax Hall,
Leeds Metropolitan University
Headingley Campus
Leeds
LS6 3QS
www.bases.org.uk

For information on working with animals contact:
The British Society of Animal Science
PO Box 3
Penicuik
Midlothian
EH26 OR2
Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 131 445 4508
Fax: +44 (0) 131 535 3120
www.bsas.org.uk

UCAS
The University and College Admission Service lists programmes, method of study, entry requirements and how to get contents of individual undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from colleges and universities. www.ucas.ac.uk or for anyone wanting to apply for postgraduate programmes visit UK Pass.

New Scientist 
The website contains profiles, CV and jobs information.

Careers services that have good information and links include:
www.prospects.ac.uk
http://www.london.ac.uk/careersgroup.html