Food and Nutrition

OVERVIEW
Food and Nutrition is a major talking point today, with governments working hard to emphasise the importance of nutrition and health, while diet, food-related research and new food product developments and technologies are reported in the media on an almost daily basis. By studying our Food and Nutrition degree, you will gain the scientific knowledge and specialist background in nutrition and the food industry to understand how to flourish in this fast-growing profession.

Developed in accordance with guidelines from the Association for Nutrition (AfN) - who maintain the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) - our Food and Nutrition course allows you to explore food science, technology and product development, as well as develop the skills required to critically evaluate common perceptions of nutrition and health. The course covers a vast range of core competencies in the sector, including science, the food chain, social and behavioural aspects, health and wellbeing and professional conduct.

Supported by fantastic facilities such as our Food Science and Innovation Suite and our Human Performance Centre, you will be able to apply your knowledge in practical and relevant ways to areas such as nutrition, public health, food science, manufacturing, technology and psychology. In addition, you will have opportunities for work experience to enhance your employability, while you will also go on a wide range of trips and visits to boost your industry engagement before you graduate.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

• WORK PLACEMENTS – Boost your employability and real-world experience through undertaking work placements in the industry in line with your interests

• INDUSTRY VISITS – Visit industry sites and events with essential costs covered by the University – past visits have included food exhibitions, manufacturers, farms and producers

• SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Develop a specialism relevant to your chosen career through optional modules covering subjects such as Sports and Exercise Nutrition and Food Product Design Development

• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Put your knowledge into practice working in our cutting-edge Food Science and Innovation Suite and other facilities

• ENRICHMENT – Our links with the food industry offer an array of opportunities, including guest lectures and industry research

FACILITIES
University College Birmingham is renowned for its outstanding food industry training facilities. Studying our Food and Nutrition degree course means you will have access to our state-of-the-art food development facilities including our Food Science and Innovation Suite, which features the latest food testing and diagnostic technology, state-of-the-art development kitchen facilities and a bespoke sensory evaluation room. You will also have use of our Human Performance Centre.

PLACEMENTS
You are encouraged to gain work experience throughout this course in order to put your learning into practice alongside qualified professionals, with a wide range of opportunities available through our close working relationships with the food science and product development industries.

You will also complete the Personal and Professional Development module, in which you will undertake at least 40 hours of placement within the industry – this could be shadowing, voluntary or paid work and may be in a block (i.e. one week) or across several weeks.

Employers we have worked with include Department for Education (DfE UK), NHS England, Streetgames (Birmingham), Food Cycle (Birmingham) and Sandwell Council (Birmingham).

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

• Nutritionist

• Food technologist

• Product/process development scientist

• Health promotion specialist

• Nutritional therapist

• Secondary school teacher (food technology)

• Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

YEAR 1

• Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Public Health and Nutrition
• Culinary Skills for Nutrition
• Food Manufacture
• Food Science

YEAR 2

• Psychology of Eating Behaviour
• The Science of Nutrition
• Nutrition through the Lifecycle
• Personal and Professional Development
• Research for Food and Nutrition

Plus one option from:

• Sport and Exercise Nutrition
• Food Product Design Development

YEAR 3

• Current Issues in Food and Nutrition
• Food Supply and Sustainability
• Disease Modulation through Dietary Change
• Sport and Nutrition Project

Plus one option from:

• Nutrition Communication
• Nutrition for Performance
• Food Technology

Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Please be aware that methods of delivery for this course may be altered due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – for the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk

ASSESSMENT

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course (weighting will vary depending on optional modules):

• Coursework – 80%
• Practical assessment – 10%
• Written examinations – 10%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.