Sport Nutrition

Overview On our MSc/PgDip Sport Nutrition course, you’ll examine the evidence surrounding nutrition, performance and health, and gain the nutritional and physiological skills needed to work in the rewarding field of sport and exercise nutrition.

You’ll study the theory of nutrition, physiology and sports performance. Topics range from the applied effects of manipulating macronutrients to evaluating the role of fuelling before and during exercise, recovery and body composition manipulation.

You’ll develop practical skills in our on-site laboratories and food and nutrition suite, as well as at specialist sports venues across Greater Manchester, including our Institute of Sport and Platt Lane Sports Complex.

Some of the practical assessments you’ll complete include analysing the composition of food and exploring how to help athletes perform better. You might investigate cardiac capacity and recovery times or consider questions such as whether dietary supplements can positively affect performance.

To help you apply your skills in the real world, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for work placements. We have strong links with employers across the North West, including professional and amateur sports teams from football to netball.

Features and Benefits

World-class sporting facilities – 100% of our research environment in Sport and Exercise Science is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).  This is thanks to huge investment into the Institute of Sport – our Manchester-based hub for all-things sport. You’ll learn in cutting-edge teaching spaces, with access to a range of specialist facilities including physiology laboratories, performance suites and product development kitchens.

Learn alongside world-leading researchers – We’re 6th in the UK for the power of our research in Sport and Exercise Science. Plus, 95% of our research outputs in Sport and Exercise Science are rated world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021). 

Practical focus – You’ll have sessions where you’ll explore food development and planning to meet athlete needs, alongside looking into the key physiological systems of the body whilst using our laboratories.

Teaching excellence – Our teaching team includes highly experienced academic practitioners currently working within sport and exercise nutrition to ensure your learning is relevant to the sector. At the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, our academics played a key role in supporting Team GB, contributing to 32 Paralympic and 12 Olympic medals across swimming, cycling, triathlon, taekwondo, and rowing.

Join a thriving sporting community – Immerse yourself in one of the UK’s most dynamic sporting cities. Manchester is home to world champions and national sporting bodies, as well as grassroots clubs and an army of enthusiastic sporting fans. Studying in the heart of a city that lives and breathes sport offers you unrivalled access to a diverse community; giving you the springboard needed to launch your career.

Gain real-world experience – You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience of working with athletes, boosting your confidence and career prospects.