Human Nutrition with Placement

Human Nutrition is the scientific study of how food and nutrients affect health, body composition, metabolism, and the risk of disease. It is a discipline grounded in biochemistry and physiology, examining how the body processes macronutrients and micronutrients, how dietary patterns relate to chronic disease risk, and how nutritional needs vary across the life course from infancy to old age. Applied nutrition extends this into public health, food policy, and the development of evidence-based dietary guidance, making it relevant to both clinical settings and population-level health improvement.

At the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, this four-year full-time programme includes a professional work placement between the second and final years, giving you the opportunity to apply your nutritional knowledge in a food and nutrition work environment and to develop the professional skills that distinguish graduates who have direct industry experience. You will study the biochemistry of nutrition, metabolism, food science, public health nutrition, dietary assessment, and the epidemiology of diet and disease, developing both a strong scientific grounding and practical skills in nutritional research and analysis. A year abroad is also available within the programme structure, broadening your perspective and extending your professional experience internationally.

Graduates of Human Nutrition programmes work in NHS dietetic and nutrition services, public health, the food and drink industry, research institutions, government agencies, international food organisations, and private nutrition consultancy. Many pursue postgraduate study or professional registration as a registered nutritionist through the Association for Nutrition, and some go on to train as dietitians through a conversion postgraduate programme. The breadth of applications for nutritional knowledge means that graduates have a wide range of career options across health, food, science, and public policy.