Sport & Exercise Nutrition - Online

Overview

The MSc programme aims to provide students with appropriate academic training in sport and exercise nutrition to allow graduates of the programme and following further mentored work experience in sport and exercise nutrition, to pursue registration as a sports and exercise nutritionist (SENR). Building upon the students' existing knowledge gained within relevant biosciences, the overall aim of the course is to provide an academically challenging, professionally relevant and focused programme of study for those who wish to pursue careers in sport and performance nutrition or undertake research in this area. The programme will provide students with opportunities for critical reflection and evaluation of current practice, enabling lifelong learning and fostering continuing professional development. This programme has been accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) which means that those graduating from this programme with a Diploma or Masters are automatically eligible to join the SENR Graduate Register.



The PgD programme aims to provide students with some of the taught elements required for graduate registration with the BDA SENR but does not include the research project element required for full registration as a sport and exercise nutritionist.



The PgC programme aims to provide students will preliminary information regarding sport and exercise nutrition, which may lead to them pursuing the PgD or MSc qualification with the ultimate goal of achieving full registration as a sport and exercise nutritionist (allowing them to practice in the field).

F/T programme:

Year one

Evidence-Based Practice in Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Nutritional Assessment

Sport-Specific Nutrition Issues

Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition

Nutrition for Health and Disease Prevention

Practical Sports Nutrition

Sport and Exercise Nutrition Research Project



Year two

Nutrition for Health and Disease Prevention



P/T Programme:

Year one

Evidence-Based Practice in Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Nutritional Assessment



Year two

Sport-Specific Nutrition Issues

Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition

Nutrition for Health and Disease Prevention

Practical Sports Nutrition



Year three

Sport and Exercise Nutrition Research Project

Applicants must hold a degree (2.2 or above) or equivalent in a related discipline that demonstrates learning of exercise physiology, biochemistry and metabolism up to at least level 6 (for example - BSc Honours in Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Science, Human Nutrition, Physiology, Biochemistry, Dietetics, Food and Nutrition or other relevant degree discipline). Alternatively, applicants may demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). Applicants must also demonstrate evidence of competence in written and spoken English (e.g. GCSE grade C or equivalent).



English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Full-time mode: The full-time programme (over 1 calendar year; i.e. three academic semesters) is comprised of taught modules in semester one and two and the research project which is completed in semester three.



Part-time mode: Students may wish to complete the programme in part-time mode over 3 academic years (i.e. six academic semesters for the MSc programme).

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Career options within sport and exercise nutrition are expanding and include becoming a freelance sports nutritionist/performance nutritionist or working with sporting/government organisations. Previous graduates have gained employment with leading organisations within the UK and Ireland including IRFU, Ulster Rugby, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland United Kingdom, Rowing Ireland Apple. We also have a number of graduates who following mentored experience have set up independent sports nutrition clinics within Ireland on an international basis.