Food, Nutrition and Human Health
The BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health course at Robert Gordon University is based on the scientific study of nutrients and food components, and how they affect our health. We particularly focus on their impact on growth and development, disease, athletic performance and food quality.
Nutritionists and food scientists have a key role in maintaining the health of our population. They may develop and evaluate nutrition policies and public health campaigns; apply nutritional principles to the management of diet in athletic performance; deal with ingredients, allergens, and legislation when developing food and drink products; or study metabolic and physiological responses of the human body to food and nutrients.
A key feature of the course is a 12-week work-based placement providing you with valuable experience highly sought after by employers.
1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects: outcomes in Food Science (Complete University Guide 2024).
Year 1
You will be introduced to the properties and production of the main food commodities and the scientific principles that underpin these. You will explore components of key nutrients, energy intake and expenditure, the impact of food microbiology and food pathogens, methods of food analysis, and the international and cultural aspects of food and nutrition.
Year 2
You will learn about human anatomy and physiology, how nutrients are metabolised in the body, how to determine individuals’ nutritional status, and the importance of plant foods on health. You will work through nutritional requirements throughout the lifespan, exploring the changes as we develop and age. You will also learn more about food science and the systems and processes used in food production.
Year 3
You will focus on the main specialisms of food and nutrition, exploring how nutrition impacts athletic performance, the role of nutrition in improving public health, and develop a new food product in conjunction with a company.
You will undertake a 12-week work-based placement to learn about the role of a nutritionist or food scientist within the workplace and develop your professional skills.
Year 4
You will study the relationships between diet, nutrition, and a range of relevant diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. You will further explore how these relationships are impacted by our genetics and the impact this can have on health, as well as finding out how why the role of our gut has an increasingly important role to play in disease development. Finally you will undertake an individual research project chosen from a range of areas reflecting the different specialisms within food and nutrition.
Our sustainability commitment
As a school of applied science it is of fundamental importance that all our curricula provide the knowledge, skills, attributes, values and agency that empower our students to make positive and responsible contributions to society, and innovative solutions that benefit our planet’s future. We aim to create sustainability champions for each of our courses who will facilitate discussion at a course level and engage with students, with a view to enriching our provision through the co-creation of events and enhancements. We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout our teaching and learning so our students not only consider sustainability in their studies and daily lives, but also throughout the careers they undertake once they graduate from RGU.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 2, 3, 4 and 6. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
The course is taught in two semesters each year (September-December, and January-April/May). Teaching consists of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and laboratory practical sessions in the molecular biology, microbiology, analytical science, and food handling laboratories. In addition, there are visits and placements off-campus, and you will also undertake self-directed learning.
Class sizes can vary from 20 or less (for BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health students only) to nearly 100 (for classes shared with students on other courses). Lectures and tutorials usually last for one-two hours, and laboratory practical classes usually last for three hours.
How long is a BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health course?
The Food, Nutrition and Human Health degree can be successfully completed in 4 years.
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials or workshops – 20 students per group, approximately 6 hours / week in semester 1 and 2 hours / week in semester 2, plus private study time
- Project supervision – 20 students per group, 1-2 hours per week in semester 2 plus research time
Independent Study
In addition to scheduled class time and practical classes you are expected undertake independent study to supplement your learning and development. The total learning time for all years of the course equates to approximately 40-hours per week during each semester. Independent study includes supplementing class materials with your own notes and reading based on recommended reading lists, conducting your own research, meeting with peers for any group activities, preparing for tutorials and workshops, and completing assessments.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Key staff members teaching on this course include Registered Nutritionists and Lecturers in biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and food quality and food safety. Staff may have a clinical and/or a research background, and some staff are active in research.
Our lecturers have excellent links with the food industry, NHS, research institutes, and national and international agencies. These links are fully used to provide external speakers, study visits, projects and placements, which means that our course is aligned to employer needs.
Our staff feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 5 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 2 reports
- 1 set exercise
Year 2
- 3 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 2 reports
- 1 portfolio
- 3 oral assessments
Year 3
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 1 report
- 1 portfolio
- 1 oral assessment
- 1 practical skills assessment
Year 4
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio
- 2 oral assessments
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
A compulsory 12-week, full-time, unpaid placement is included in this course. It is carefully and collaboratively arranged by you and the university. We aim to match the placement with your career aspirations to ensure that you have the necessary work experience that employers are looking for within that field. You may work alongside a Nutritionist, Dietitian, Food Technologist or Researcher in public health, sports nutrition, the food industry, a government agency or research.
Study Abroad
You may choose to undertake your Nutrition Placement in the UK or abroad.
Job Prospects
The nutrition sector has a wide variety of careers and is a constantly expanding field.
Is Food, Nutrition and Human Health a good career choice?
Previous Food, Nutrition and Human Health graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue careers in the following industries:
- Food industry (from primary production through product development to the retail chains)
- Public health nutrition and health promotion (e.g. NHS public health departments or freelance as consultants)
- Government and non-government organisations
- Health and fitness industries to promote health and improve performance
- Private sector - promoting the health and wellbeing of employees through health and lifestyle assessments and delivery of educational seminars
- Nutrition research (lab-based and human)
- Home economics teaching
Graduates may continue their careers by studying for MSc or PhD degrees in relevant subjects, such as Public Health or Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
This course meets the General Teaching Council requirements for a pre-requisite degree for Home Economics teaching
What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBCC to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
- GCE A Level: CCC to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science) are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher
- IB Diploma: 26 to include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level grade 4. Biology, Chemistry, English and Maths required at Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Advanced Entry
Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 6.0, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17400 |
| Year 2 | £17400 | |
| Year 3 | £17400 | |
| Year 4 | £17400 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16730 |
| Year 2 | £16730 | |
| Year 3 | £16730 | |
| Year 4 | £16730 | |
Additional Costs
- £85 Specialist Clothing
- £30 Induction fee (project expenses, travel to and from offsite visits, glassware breakages, and lab consumables)
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.