Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc
Explore nutrition at all stages of life, from metabolism, whole body and global public health perspectives on this three-year degree. Based in the heart of UCL’s Bloomsbury campus and the Royal Free Hospital in London, this cutting-edge, research-led course is an unrivalled foundation for future practising nutritionists.
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAA
- Subjects
- Biology at grade A and either Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics required.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6
Contextual offer
- Grades
- ABB
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 38
- Subjects
- A total of 18 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
- 34
- Subjects
- A total of 16 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.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 3
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) - UCL's International Foundation Year - are for international students who have completed high school with a qualification UCL does not accept for undergraduate entry.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
About this course
Good nutrition is the basis of health and the avoidance of illness. Study our Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc to learn how nutrition relates to all stages of life and modern patterns of disease.
You’ll explore the foundations of human biology and medicine, including the major body systems in health and disease, while also delving in depth into the themes of human growth and development.
The course covers therapeutic approaches to obesity, other disease conditions and topics such as frailty and ageing, and nutrition for athletes. You will consider public health nutrition in settings of developing and developed countries as well, looking at both socio-cultural and behavioural aspects.
The flexible format means you tailor-make a programme that suits your needs and future career goals. We offer a variety of options to broaden your knowledge, covering genetics, cancer biology, nutrition and cancer risk, the human microbiome, nutrition and culture, and much more. The final-year research project helps you develop core skills and new techniques to set you up confidently for pursuing a rewarding and enjoyable career as a nutritionist.
In Year 1, the primary location is UCL’s teaching hub in the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead with some teaching taking place at UCL’s main campus in Bloomsbury. In subsequent years, the course is based primarily at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, with some teaching sessions held at the Royal Free teaching hub.
This degree offers extensive hands-on learning through hospital visits, laboratory practicals, varied learning methods and exciting extra-curricular activities. You’ll also have UCL’s established nutrition study community and our world-leading biomedical research facilities at your fingertips.
This course is for students who are curious about how nutrition shapes health, influences disease and supports wellbeing throughout life. You’ll explore the science behind diet, metabolism and public health, and develop the skills to turn evidence into meaningful action. It’s ideal if you’re considering futures in nutrition, healthcare, research or public health and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
What our students say
I love how diverse the course is and how the variety of modules allowed me to explore different aspects of nutrition in greater depth.
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1 covers the foundations of human biology and medicine, focusing on major body systems in health and disease. Core themes include biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and basic anatomy, alongside an introduction to nutrition and metabolism. You will explore nutrition and metabolic processes in relation to obesity and disease-related malnutrition.
Year 2
Year 2 develops themes of human growth and development, metabolic regulation, malnutrition, obesity and the molecular basis of disease. You will also choose an optional module, which may include genetics, cancer biology, nutrition and cancer risk, or biophysics.
Year 3
Year 3 focuses on advanced biomedical nutrition, including obesity, ageing, frailty and sports nutrition, alongside public health in global settings. Optional modules and a research project allow further specialisation and skills development.
Modules
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).
Please note that the list of compulsory modules given here is indicative. Up to 10 optional modules per year are displayed for this course: this may not be the full range of optional modules available for selection. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is 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. For more detail regarding module availability, please contact the department.
Compulsory modules
- Foundations in Human Physiology and Cellular Biology (MEDC0001)
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function in Health and Disease (MEDC0002)
- The Gut, Liver and Drug Metabolism (MEDC0003)
- Kidneys, Hormones and Fluid Balance (MEDC0004)
- Infection, Inflammation and Repair (MEDC0005)
- Data Interpretation and Evaluation of Science (MEDC0006)
- Musculoskeletal Systems in Health and Disease (MEDC0009)
- Nutrition and Metabolism 1 (MEDC0074)
We offer a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, that allows you to learn at your own pace and explore topics in greater depth.
After absorbing the basics online, you have face-to-face sessions with intensive, collaborative, and creative sessions, where you can apply your knowledge to solve clinically relevant problems using state-of-the-art simulators. Laboratory practicals and a research project support your training in laboratory skills.
The degree also fosters important team-working skills. You will be assigned to a small group for weekly tutorials where you’ll work together on creative tasks, to gain transferrable skills important for your professional development as a scientist and your employability prospects.
The second and third years include a blend of tutorials, lectures, and practical sessions.
We use a mix of assessments, including:
- Online and written examinations including some multiple-choice or short-answer questions/mini-essay formats
- Literature reviews
- Essays
- Poster presentations
- Oral presentations
- Video projects
- Group debates
- Practical reports
- Research proposals.
As a full-time student, your workload is equivalent to a full-time job.
You will have around 10 hours of face-to-face teaching each week during term time across the three years, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and group sessions. Occasional additional sessions may be scheduled.
Teaching is spread across the week and can vary depending on timetables. Outside of taught hours, you will complete independent study, including preparatory reading, self-directed learning, assignments and group work.
In total, your weekly schedule will be around 37 learning hours. During the third-year research project, most of your time will be dedicated to research.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £39,200 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
You may wish to have a laptop computer or device to access online materials, although computers are available on campus. The cost of a laptop depends on brand and needs, with costs ranging upwards from £300.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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).
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.
Why study this course at UCL?
- Strong foundation in nutritional science. Gain a thorough grounding in evidence-based nutritional sciences and how it connects to diet, lifestyle and modern disease patterns.
- Explore global health challenges. You’ll learn critical health challenges like obesity and malnutrition through both biomedical and societal perspectives.
- Research-led teaching. Learn from leading scientists in a university ranked 8th in the world for Medicine (QS world rankings by subject 2025), with opportunities to engage in research projects on eating disorders, child health, epidemiology and obesity.
- Hands-on lab training. Build practical skills in biochemistry, physiology and nutrition in state-of-the-art laboratories located in central London.
- Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Graduate with a recognised quality assurance mark that signals to employers you have completed a reputable, evidence‑based course in nutrition science.
- Flexibility. Transfer to another medical sciences degree during your first year (subject to availability) if your interests evolve.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
Nutrition and Medical Sciences graduates will take away many transferable skills that will provides a real advantage in the job market, as well as essential skills for becoming an accredited Nutritionist (with the Association for Nutrition, AfN). Transferable skills include communication and team work, developing analytical mindset and critical thinking.
According to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2018-2022 cohorts, our graduates have gone on to careers in:
- Nutritionists and health professionals (NHS Trusts)
- Pharmaceuticals (DP Pharma)
- Dietitian (Fertility Dietitian UK)
- Management Consultancy (Nous Group)
- Laboratories (Abbott Diabetes Care)
- Scientific research
- Scientific research, development and analysis
- Academic research and HE
- Consultancy
- Other professional, scientific and technical activities
- Health and social care
Professional accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN AC318). Graduates are eligible to apply for direct entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists as Registered Associate Nutritionists (ANutr).
AfN accreditation is a quality assurance kitemark confirming required professional standards. Students must pass all core-competency modules. If a module is failed, students may still graduate under UCL policy with an alternative, non-AfN-accredited BSc degree.
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Register nowRegister your interest
Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.
Register nowHow 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.
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.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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Division of Medicine
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