BSc

Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)

Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) Code B996 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

B996

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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The BSc Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) degree at Aberystwyth University allows you to explore the progression and treatment of human health, well-being and disease through the study of how cells, organs and systems function in the human body. In a world where lifestyle-related diseases are ever increasing, understanding how lifestyle impacts human health is becoming paramount.

You will explore the different methods and lifestyle considerations to promote healthy living and support healthy aging. The degree combines human biology (chemistry, genetics, microbiology) with exercise and nutrition science to understand their complex role in the regulation of the immune system and the development and management of chronic medical conditions including, cancer, stroke, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. You will combine your understanding of the cellular mechanisms of ageing, exercise and nutrition to understand how they influence the health of the individual and the population. 

You will develop the skills needed to provide nutritional advice, how to promote physical activity, as well as the application of cancer biology and immunology in laboratory settings. From these analyses, you will develop the skills relevant to diagnose diseases, assess their trajectory across the lifespan and to prevent and treat diseases by embedding lifestyle considerations into clinical disease management.

There is a particular focus on laboratory and practical skills throughout the degree which will prepare you for work in a variety of healthcare domains. These can range from graduate entry medicine, working in public health, as health professionals or in rehabilitation, and working in commercial pharmaceutical and nutritional companies. 

This course includes an integrated foundation year.

Course Overview

Why study Health Science at Aberystwyth University? 

  • You will study a Health Science degree with a unique focus on human biology, health, exercise and nutrition.
  • You will be taught by passionate, engaged and friendly staff with expertise across the full range of biological topics.
  • You will be part of the Department of Life Sciences, which has a designated Well-being and Health Assessment Research Unit.
  • Your academic studies will be bolstered by a wealth of laboratory and field work which build real scientific skills essential for your future.
  • Our teaching and e-learning facilities provide you with an outstanding learning experience integrating the classroom sessions and a vast repository of study resources.
  • You will be assigned a personal tutor who can guide you through your time at Aberystwyth and help you to settle in when you first arrive.
  • Aberystwyth is a vibrant university town that provides an excellent student experience and stunning environment to live and learn.
  • On completion of your degree, you will be well placed to pursue a career in health and medical related industries, postgraduate-level study or medical school enrolment.
Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Communication Skills BR01520 20
Molecules and Cells BR01340 40
Organisms and the Environment BR01440 40
Practical Skills for Biologists BR01220 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Biological chemistry BR17320 20
Cell Biology * BR17520 20
Genetics, Evolution and Diversity BR17120 20
Human Anatomy and Kinesiology BR16420 20
Human Physiological Systems BR16320 20
Skills in Nutrition, and Science Communication BR17420 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics BR20620 20
Cell and Cancer Biology BR25920 20
Immunology BR22220 20
Research Methods * BR27520 20
Sport & Exercise Physiology BR27420 20
Sport and Exercise Nutrition BR22520 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Sports Nutrition BR30920 20
Research Project * BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics BR37120 20
Injury and Rehabilitation BR32020 20
Microbial Pathogenesis BR33720 20
Molecular Biology of Development BR36020 20
Molecular Pharmacology BR36120 20
Parasitology BR33820 20
Training and Performance Enhancement BR34420 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Graduates may pursue careers in clinical and community healthcare, clinical genetics laboratories, clinical trials and the regulatory sector, sales and marketing related to healthcare and diagnostic products, diagnostic pathology and clinical laboratories, education, research and development for the pharmaceutical industry.

Students who have completed a biology degree could also progress to further training in Medicine.

What skills will I develop from studying Health Science?

Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with the skills including:  

  • Research and data analysis skills
  • Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • Thorough grounding in information technology skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
  • Self-motivation and self-reliance
  • Team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offer and how you can enhance your employability prospects with the Year in Employment Scheme (YES).

Teaching & Learning

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) (B994).

Teaching

The indicative content required for a Health Science degree, including human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, cell and molecular biology and bioinformatics are covered by the programme’s core modules. There are also optional modules that will help you learn about clinical assessment with a client/patient and/or develop laboratory-based clinical skills.

Learning

The Health Science degree is structured to test your knowledge, develop independent thought and skills acquisition and to provide the sort of transferable information useful to employers. How you will learn will take various forms in some or all of the following modes:

  • Laboratory and/or fieldwork reports
  • Dissertation report
  • Work experience assessment
  • Observed practice
  • Laboratory and/or field skill competencies
  • Online activities
  • Essays, summaries and assignments
  • Data interpretation exercises
  • Critical analysis of case studies
  • Oral, poster and other presentations such as journal articles
  • Unseen examinations, seen or open-book examinations, computer-based assessments.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Mathematics and Science

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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