Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc (2024)
This programme examines nutrition at all stages of life and associated problems including obesity, disease-related malnutrition and eating disorders. These incidences arise from several causes and have worldwide impact. UCL is a global leader in research on nutrition and obesity, child health, epidemiology and the psychology of disordered eating.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2023/24)
Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)
Programme starts
September 2023Application deadline
25 Jan 2023UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- Biology grade A required, plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- BCC more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- Biology and either Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics with Biology at grade B.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including 6 in Biology and either Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 30 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects including Biology plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to include Distinction in Biology plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAB. Biology required at grade A, plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher), including Biology at grade A plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at Advanced Higher.
D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Biology at D3 required, plus one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 2
-
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
Year one covers the foundations of human biology and medicine. Core modules will consider the major body systems in health and disease. Biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and basic anatomy are integrated with an introduction to nutrition and metabolism. This introduces the concepts of nutrition and metabolic processes as they relate to the commonest forms of malnutrition (obesity and disease-related malnutrition).
In year two, you will take six compulsory modules which develop the themes of normal human growth and development. Your optional module could cover genetics, cancer biology, cancer risk from nutrition or biophysics to broaden your knowledge base.
Year three will form an advanced study of biomedical nutrition emphasising individual therapeutic approaches to obesity, frailty, ageing and sports nutrition. You will consider the setting of developing and developed countries in terms of public health nutrition. Optional modules will allow you to create a tailor-made programme that suits your needs and aspirations. Your research project will enable you to continue to develop core skills as well as new techniques to help you pursue a rewarding and enjoyable career.
What this course will give you
You will gain a thorough grounding in nutrition science and the way it relates to personal diet, lifestyle and modern patterns of disease.
You will develop a holistic approach to obesity and malnutrition in the modern world, combining biomedical and societal approaches.
The knowledge and skills gained on this programme will enable you to engage with healthcare professionals and nutritional scientists in whatever sphere you choose to work in after graduating.
UCL is a world leader in biomedical research, offering a large variety of expert teaching and a wide range of outstanding research opportunities.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Medical Sciences.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Your learning
Students will be expected to read and study before each teaching session as flipped teaching will be used. Most teaching sessions in the first year will be problem-based or in small groups. In the second and third years there will be a blend of tutorials, lectures and practical sessions. A co-ordinated programme-wide assessment will be used to blend formative and summative assessments. Dissertations will be assessed based on final-year projects.
Assessment
Formative and summative assessment methods include: online and written examinations (some of which are multiple-choice or short-answer question format); coursework; poster presentations; oral presentations; practical skills assessments.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
Graduates will develop their capacities for independent thought and writing, as well as learn how to manage their study time efficiently whilst working effectively in groups on advanced topics of concern to society at large. Students will learn to engage with peers and also how to effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences.
Employability
The BSc is a science degree that integrates nutrition science with anatomy, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology and infection, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology and pathology. It differs from most nutrition degrees in that the first year provides a strong foundation in human biology and clinical medicine.
Accreditation
Graduates of this programme will be eligible to apply for direct entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) as Registered Associate Nutritionists. As part of this accreditation, students must pass all core-competency modules. If a student fails a module, they will be able to graduate (in compliance with UCL policy) with an alternative BSc degree title, however this will not be accredited.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2023/24) | £32,100 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2023/24 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.
Additional costs
This programme has no additional costs.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
We will use your predicted or achieved academic qualifications, as well as your personal statement and reference to decide whether to offer you a place.
Got questions? Get in touch
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.