Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Sport and exercise nutrition is the applied science of how food and nutrients affect physical performance, recovery and the long-term health of active individuals. It sits at the intersection of dietetics, exercise physiology and sports science, asking what the body needs during training and competition, how dietary strategies can be tailored to different sports and individual requirements, and how nutrition interacts with the physiological adaptations that exercise produces. The field has expanded considerably as both elite sport and the broader health and fitness industry have recognised how central nutrition is to performance and wellbeing.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year in professional placement and a work placement, giving you direct industry experience in a sport and nutrition-related context. You will develop the knowledge and practical tools to work with athletes seeking to maximise performance and with individuals seeking to improve their health and wellbeing through nutrition and exercise. The programme covers macronutrient and micronutrient science, hydration, supplementation, body composition, eating behaviours and the practical skills of dietary assessment and individualised nutrition planning.

You will engage with the evidence base critically, developing the capacity to evaluate claims and apply research findings in professional practice.

Graduates from sport and exercise nutrition programmes work with elite sports clubs, national governing bodies, the military, corporate wellness programmes, rehabilitation services and public health organisations. Many go on to become registered nutritionists, supporting athletes and active populations in performance or health contexts. The programme also prepares graduates for roles in the fitness industry, health coaching and sports science support.

Postgraduate study in sport and exercise nutrition, dietetics or sport science is a common pathway for those who want to specialise further or pursue research careers in this growing field.