The role exercise and nutrition science plays in healthy ageing and disease reduction has become a focus for national health policy in recent times. Our BSc (Hons) Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science programme seeks to respond to this trend and meet the industry’s need for highly-trained graduates with skills in clinical exercise rehabilitation, nutrition, psychology and health promotion.
As you train to bridge the gap between the medical profession and the fitness industry you will be introduced to the pathology of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other common medical conditions. By studying how lifestyle and nutrition can impact on these diseases you’ll be well placed to assist patients as they work to control their symptoms or rehabilitate.
Learning is reinforced through work with genuine patients. Our unique clinical exercise referral scheme and longstanding relationships with local health organisations enable us to provide you with work placements that are relevant to both your learning and your career goals. Our teaching staff sit on various steering groups including MacMillan, the Saints Foundation, Southampton Diabetes Forum and NHS exercise referral schemes. You will also benefit from in-house opportunities through our own health promotion service, Solent Health and the Solent Community Innovation Programme (CIP) .
Built-in professional accreditations and training allows you to gain even more value from your studies. Available qualifications include REPs L2 Gym, REPs L3 Exercise Referral, REPs L4 Cancer Rehabilitation, Working With Older Adults certification, Association for Nutrition certification, the NHS M.E.C.C qualification, Royal Society for Public Health membership and NHS Motivational Interviewing training. You can also tailor your degree studies to your personal career ambitions, choosing from a range of specialist optional units.
Throughout your degree you will have access to a range of professional facilities. Key facilities include our BASES accredited exercise physiology laboratory, the new ‘Spark’ teaching block, purpose-built teaching gyms, a 24-hour library service and a variety of sports facilities including our brand new health and fitness centre (due for completion in 2019).
Our academic team are all highly experienced within the industry. As a result, all additional qualifications are written and embedded into the units by them. You’ll be taught by the same academics throughout your degree.
What does this course lead to?
Suitable roles will see you acting as a bridge between medical practice and the fitness industry, making an impact on patients’ lives through exercise, diet and rehabilitation. Graduates will be well placed to pursue careers in clinical exercise rehabilitation, nutrition, wellbeing support, lifestyle promotion or public health.
Who is this course for?
Candidates should be passionate about public health promotion and the positive impact that proper healthcare, exercise and nutrition can make on the lives of those with chronic or acute illness.
