FOOD AND NUTRITION

BSc (Hons) Top-up

Accredited by University College Birmingham

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BSc (Hons)

Duration

1 year FT

UCAS Code

DB64

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Birmingham College of Food
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Access to specialist facilities to enhance your practical skills and experience

Engage with the food industry through guest lectures and the latest research

Nutrition issues have become increasingly important in the commercial food sector, with food-related research and product developments now being regularly reported in the media. With growing demand for graduates with specialised nutrition backgrounds, our Food and Nutrition top-up degree course is a great option for anyone with existing knowledge of this field to help you get into the industry.

This Food and Nutrition top-up course is designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5) and has been developed in accordance with guidelines from the Association for Nutrition (AfN) with the aim of becoming an accredited course. Expanding upon your current knowledge and skills, your studies will cover core competencies for the sector, including nutritional science, current issues in food and nutrition, supply and sustainability.

To help support your learning, you will have the chance to work in our cutting-edge Food Science and Innovation Suite as well as our industry standard kitchen facilities at University College Birmingham. Thanks to our celebrated links with the food industry, you will also benefit from a range of guest lectures and the latest industry research.

Why choose this degree course?

  • SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Develop a specialism relevant to your chosen career through optional modules, covering subjects including food technology and food education
  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on working in our state-of-the-art facilities featuring the latest food testing and diagnostic equipment
  • ENRICHMENT – Our industry connections provide you with guest lectures from experts and additional work experience opportunities, as well as the latest research from the industry
  • AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

University College Birmingham is renowned for its outstanding food industry training facilities. Studying our Food and Nutrition course means you will have access to our professional standard kitchens and state-of-the-art food development facilities, including our Food Science and Innovation Suite.

Course breakdown

  • Modules

Core Modules

Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition

Students will study contemporary issues and trends in food and nutrition by reading press articles and scientific reports. In addition, students will study buyer behaviour to see if it affects the popularity of certain market products.

Disease Modulation through Dietary Changes

This module covers how a well-balanced diet can support overall health specifically through the prevention and treatment of disease. We will cover how diet can be used to help contribute towards the prevention of certain diseases, as well as aid in the treatment of symptoms of others. This module further seeks to provide understanding of health claims in the health and well-being market and the role of nutritionists in examining these claims through scientific method and educating the public in their veracity and efficacy. The module does not seek to treat, mitigate or cure any diseases, what will be learned on this module is not a substitute for professional medical advice. What the module will do is develop consideration of the positive contribution nutritional balance and modifications can make to disease prevention and treatment.

Food Security, Supply and Sustainability

Students will learn more about the various elements and sectors that influence food security, supply and sustainability. This will broaden their knowledge of the food industry and wider factors such as politics, agriculture, ethics and biodiversity to name a few.

Sport and Nutrition Project

You are required to select a research question or topic aligned to your profession, formulate the best way to answer the question, and present your written findings in both a written and presentation format (poster presentation).

Choose 1 optional module

Nutrition Communication

Today's nutrition professionals need advanced communication knowledge and skills to excel in their career, whether they are working in public health settings, with individual clients or providing food businesses with advice. This module seeks to enhance interpersonal, non-verbal, oral and written communication skills whilst providing students with an understanding of the importance of evidence based practices, and being able to translate nutrition messages to a wide variety of audiences. Students will be given the opportunity to apply their nutrition knowledge to real world settings and across multiple platforms.

Nutrition for Performance

You will explore advanced concepts in sports nutrition and look at the application of diet in response to individualised sport specific needs through the assessment of anthropometry and caloric assessment. You will analyse the use of contemporary and emerging diets within sport such as the Palaeolithic diet, ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting practices.

Principles of Food Technology

Students will study the principles of food technology in context with the food industry. Students will also have the opportunity to develop a product using key preservation principles, alongside gaining industry relevant food safety qualifications.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Academic: A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the areas of Food, Food and Nutrition or Food Technology, with 240 credits.

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can complete our enquiry form here or call us on 0121 604 1040

International students

Academic: European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our enquiry form:

Enquiry Form

English requirement

International students applying for the course should meet the following:

  • IELTS of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component - or UCB English Test with B2+ overall with no less than B2 in each component

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. 

Teaching 

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 15 contact hours): 

  • Large group teaching – 9 hours 
  • Practical kitchen session – up to 3 hours 
  • Tutorials – 2 hours 
  • Subject advice sessions – 1 hour 

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time. 

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course (weighting may 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.

Uniform and kit costs

You may require a uniform and kit costing up to approximately £300, depending on the items you purchase and the modules you select. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)

Tuition fees

UK students

If you are a UK student enrolling on a standard-length Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half-year tuition fee is £4,625. There will be no change to this tuition fee for the forthcoming two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).

View undergraduate fees

International students

If you are an international student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be £13,500 per year. The course fee for academic year 2024/2025 is £14,000 per year.

If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

View international fees

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

Latest updates

Join the conversation and check out the latest updates from the department of Sport and Nutrition.



UCB Sports

 

Percentage
70%

of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them

Work experience

Work experience is vital for learning how to apply your training in the real world and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and it may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help you find suitable work experience.

We encourage students on our BSc Food and Nutrition top-up course to gain work experience throughout your studies.

Work alongside experts in your sector

A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:

  • Ritz Carlton Naples (Florida)
  • NHS England
  • Holland & Barrett (Coventry)
  • Food Cycle (Birmingham)
  • Sandwell Council (Birmingham)

The course covers a wide range of interests. For instance, you can study personalised diets, which appeals to me. The group is great too – like a big happy family - and there is a relaxed atmosphere even while you are learning. And if you need support, it is always there.

Natasha Lee Food and Nutrition BSc (Hons)

Career opportunities

Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Health promotion specialist

Average salary: £24,907 – £44,503

Product/process development scientist

Average salary: £32,000 - £40,000

Nutritionist

Average Salary: £42,500

Nutritional therapist

Variable

Food technologist

Average Salary: £35,000

Secondary school teacher (food technology)

Average Salary: £29,364

Hired

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

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