ABERTAY IS SCOTLAND’S TOP MODERN UNIVERSITY FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION
Abertay has been ranked top modern university in Scotland for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024 results-the sector’s key measure on student satisfaction.
Studying one of our Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing degrees will teach you the skills required for a career in a range of exciting areas, including nutrition, food manufacturing or home economics teaching.
The Food and Drink industry is a major contributor to Scotland’s economy – it’s worth around £10.7 billion annually. However, the industry will need 7,000 new recruits by 2033 to meet the needs of the food manufacturing sector.
IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH
In addition, obesity levels have more than trebled in the last 30 years, despite the health and wellbeing industries prospering. What more can be done to promote balanced nutrition and fitness, and improve public health?
Working in our state-of-the art labs, you’ll master analytical techniques and learn how to test food professionally. You’ll understand consumer food behaviour and how to influence and implement change to improve the nation’s health.
FOUNDATIONS AND SPECIALISMS
For the first two years, everyone takes Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing as a foundation. After that, you can specialise in other areas if you want to or carry on studying this pathway.
Other degrees in this portfolio include:
• BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science
• BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health
• BSc (Hons) Fitness, Nutrition and Health
Remember, you only need to apply for ONE course, as the first two years are the same for everyone.
DID YOU
QUALITY IN FOOD SCIENCE
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In addition to being the TOP Modern University in Scotland for student satisfaction, we’re also the most socially inclusive university in Scotland. We have standard and minimum entry requirements, as we recognise some people may have faced extra challenges before applying to university.
Please see abertay.ac.uk for a comprehensive list of entry requirements.
If you have other qualifications, please see abertay.ac.uk for more info.
FOOD SCIENCE, NUTRITION AND WELLBEING
Please see the Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing page on our website for the most up-to-date entry requirements.
FOOD AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
Please see the Food and Consumer Science page on our website for the most up-to-date entry requirements.
FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH
Please see the Food, Nutrition and Health page on our website for the most up-to-date entry requirements.
FITNESS, NUTRITION AND HEALTH
Please see the Fitness, Nutrition and Health page on our website for the most up-to-date entry requirements.
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application. We consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.
We encourage you to submit an application, if you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either:
• Been in care.
• Participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North.
• No family background of going to university.
• Attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university.
PLACE TO SUCCEED
BSc
(HONS) FOOD SCIENCE, NUTRITION AND WELLBEING
Embark on a fascinating journey to learn how food, nutrition and exercise impacts on our wellbeing and health. Explore the role of fitness and nutrition in promoting public health, and consider food and consumer choices from a safety, quality, and nutritional perspective.
We teach you the fundamentals of food, nutrition and exercise, including:
• Food handling skills.
• The functionality of raw and cooked food ingredients.
• The key social issues in nutrition, sport and exercise.
• How nutrition, metabolism and digestion relate to diet and health.
• How to analyse food and drink using a range of scientific techniques.
• The nutritional needs throughout an individual’s lifespan.
If you want to study a wide-ranging and flexible degree, then Abertay is for you. Our courses are ideal for secondary school leavers, entrants from further education colleges, and mature students. Abertay is ranked in the UK top 10 for teaching quality in Food Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Check out the full degree details here > abertay.ac.uk/D610
MODULES
The modules within this booklet are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.
YEAR 1
• Fundamentals of Nutrition
• Applied Biological Sciences for Food and Human Health
• Social Science for Sport and Exercise
• Nutrition and the Consumer
• Safe Food Handling
• Abertay 101 – Being Successful at Abertay
• MySuccess Modules*
YEAR 2
• Key Concepts in Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Food Design and Promotion
• Nutrition through the Lifespan
• Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 1
• Food Characterisation
• Microcredentials**
YEAR 3
• Option Modules***
• Visit abertay.co/yr3modules, click on ‘Year 3’ and view the full list of option modules and permutations.
YEAR 4
• Project Research Methods and Management
• Honours Project
• Option Modules***
Please see abertay.ac.uk/D610 for a full description of each module.
*MySuccess modules aim to introduce you to the expectations of university, successful student behaviours, growth mindset, your strengths, and your areas for development. **Microcredentials allow you to explore a topic that appeals to you.
***An option module is a module related to the main subject area.
BSC (HONS) FOOD AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
Fascinated by food and the drivers behind our everyday food choices? Study in our £3.5m state-of-the-art laboratory food science facilities to uncover the relationships between food and the consumer, and discover how socioeconomic, legal, technical, ethical or environmental factors shape food supply and food choice.
Accreditation: This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Check out the full degree details here > abertay.ac.uk/DN69
MODULES
These modules are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.
YEAR 3
• Food Properties and Functionalities
• Food Processing
• New Product Development 1
• Placement
YEAR 4
• Food Safety and Microbiology
• Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 2
• Project Research Methods and Management
• New Product Development 2
• Honours Project
Please see abertay.ac.uk/DN69 for a full description of each module.
BSc (HONS) FOOD,
NUTRITION AND HEALTH
Turn your passion for food, nutrition and health into a career. Embark on a fascinating journey to learn how food influences wellbeing and health, and the link between nutrition and public health. You’ll also dig deeper into consumer food behaviour and develop strategies to help improve food habits.
Accreditation: This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition.
Check out the full degree details here > abertay.ac.uk/BD46
MODULES
These modules are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.
YEAR 3
• Clinical Nutrition 1
• Food and Behaviour
• Food Properties and Functionalities
• Placement
YEAR 4
• Public Health Nutrition and
• Health Promotion 2
• New Product Development 1
• Project Research Methods
• and Management
• Clinical Nutrition 2
• Honours Project
Please see abertay.ac.uk/BD46 for a full description of each module.
BSc (HONS) FITNESS, NUTRITION
AND HEALTH
Exercise, physical activity and nutritional balance are key ingredients in the recipe for a healthier lifestyle. Our Fitness, Nutrition and Health programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to develop solutions to meet obesity and nutrition challenges head on, with teaching underpinned by research and practical work delivered in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Accreditation: This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition.
Check out the full degree details here > abertay.ac.uk/B400
MODULES
These modules are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.
YEAR 3
• Clinical Nutrition 1
• Food and Behaviour
• Health Related Fitness Assessment and Programming
• Placement
• Lifestyle Management
YEAR 4
• Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 2
• Physical Activity for Special Populations
• Project Research Methods and Management
• Clinical Nutrition 2
• Honours Project
Please see abertay.ac.uk/B400 for a full description of each module.
CAREER PATHS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Employability prospects are excellent for our Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing graduates - and the proof’s in the pudding.
Many of our graduates have gone on to work for some of the industry’s big hitters, including:
• Scotland Food and Drink
• Macsween of Edinburgh
• Graham’s Family Dairy
• Mackie’s of Scotland
• Baxters
• Highland Spring
• Food Standards Scotland
• NHS
• Local Authorities
… and many more!
DEGREE STUDY DURATION CAREER PATHS
• Home economics teacher
• Food quality control manager
BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science
BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health
4 years full-time
BSc (Hons) Fitness, Nutrition and Health
4 years full-time
• New product development technologist
• Health and safety inspector
• Food technologist
• Food safety manager
BSc (Hons) Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing
4 years full-time
• Nutritionist in the community or NHS
• Home economics teacher
• Advisory role in policy making
• Roles in the food and drink sector
• Roles in public health nutrition
4 years full-time
• Public health nutrition
• Active Schools coordinator
• Personal trainer
• Sports development officer
• Nutritionist in the community or NHS
• Home economics teacher
• Policy advisor
• Health improvement officer
• Nutritionist
• Home economics teacher
• Food scientist
• New food product development specialist
GRADUATE STORIES
KIRSTIE ABBEY
BSc (HONS) FITNESS, NUTRITION AND HEALTH, CLASS OF 2022
“I loved my time at Abertay. The course was varied and covered many different aspects of health and wellbeing, from nutrition and public health through to sport and physical activity and gave an insight into the different career routes that would be available after graduation.
Having this variation meant that my final year’s project could be aligned with an area that was of particular interest - in my case, this project complemented the volunteering I was doing at the time and has informed work in my current role.
Everyone is very friendly and teaching staff were always on hand to advise and support you, which was really appreciated.”
Kirstie Abbey | Health and Wellbeing Lead | ANGUSalive
“EVERYONE IS VERY FRIENDLY AND TEACHING STAFF WERE ALWAYS AT HAND”
KIRSTIN WILSON
BSc (HONS) FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH, CLASS OF 2021
“I was very nervous starting University in my 40’s as a mature student, but Abertay University and the academic staff ensured it was a very friendly and supportive environment. I felt at ease very quickly. The work placement taken during Year 3 of my degree proved to be an important opportunity that influenced my career choice and employability when I finished university.
My current role is Health Improvement Practitioner with the Child Healthy Weight Service at NHS Tayside. I deliver a pilot programme of groups for families helping them explore their household routines and how to make positive changes for their family’s future health. Within this role I utilise much of what I learned in my degree on a daily basis.”
Kirstin Wilson | Health Improvement Practitioner | Child Healthy Weight Service NHS Tayside
“WITHIN THIS ROLE I UTILISE MUCH OF WHAT I LEARNED IN MY DEGREE”
GRADUATE STORIES
LIBBY TODD
BSc (HONS) FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH, CLASS OF 2021
“Many modules that were covered in the Food, Nutrition and Health programme directly link to the courses I teach in Home Economics. This course provided me with the knowledge that continues to motivate me to help young people learn valuable life skills.
The approach the lecturers took created a supportive environment, which allowed me to enjoy my time at Abertay.”
Libby Todd | Home Economics Teacher
“THIS COURSE PROVIDED ME WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE ME”
BSc (HONS) FOOD AND CONSUMER SCIENCE, CLASS OF 2022
“I really found that the blend of practical and theory-based learning suited me as I came from a hospitality background.
Getting to work with the facilities and equipment in the university gave me a great foundation for my current position in NPD (New Product Development).”
“FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT IN THE UNIVERSITY GAVE ME A GREAT FOUNDATION FOR MY CURRENT POSITION”
Malcolm Young | New Product Development | Young’s
ABOUT DUNDEE
SUNNIEST CITY IN SCOTLAND
SCOTLAND’S COOLEST CITY
Named the coolest city in the UK outside London (The Times). With a population of approximately 150,000, Dundee is a creative and high tech hub full of collectives and digital pioneers. The city’s £1bn waterfront regeneration, which is home to the V&A design museum, has been transformational.
AN IDEAL HOME FOR STUDENTS
Dundee is a great place to attend university - it was recently voted one of the top three most fun cities for students to live in. It’s also the top Scottish city for graduates (and number four in the whole of the UK).
5 REASONS TO CHOOSE
1. WE’RE A LEADING UNIVERSITY FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Abertay has been ranked in the UK top 10 for student experience and 11th in the UK for teaching quality in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
2. WE TAKE STUDENT SATISFACTION SERIOUSLY
We were ranked as the TOP Modern University in Scotland for student satisfaction in the National Student Survery (NSS) 2023 and 2024—the sector’s key measure on student satisfaction.
3. WE’RE FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE
As a small university, you’ll benefit from smaller class sizes and find it easier to get to know your tutors and classmates. Most of us need a helping hand at some time so we have a range of support services covering all aspects of university life be it, personal, financial or academic.
4. YOU’LL LEAVE WITH A CAREER – NOT JUST A DEGREE
Did you know 95% of Abertay students are in work or further education within six months of graduating? We’re a modern university focused on the kind of industry-relevant learning that’s going to land you a job after you graduate, with many of our degrees offering built-in work placements.
5. OUR CAMPUS AND LOCATION
Aside from our facilities and award winning, recently refurbished library, our campus is in the heart of Dundee city centre. We’re close to shops, bars, cinemas and theatres and a short walk from the bus and train stations. Even better is that Dundee was recently named the ‘Best Place to Live’ in Scotland in the prestigious Sunday Times awards and consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities for students.
LOGIC WILL GET YOU FROM A TO B. IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE
GETTING HERE
BY RAIL
Dundee train station is approximately a 10-minute walk from Abertay and provides regular, direct services to and from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. It takes just over an hour to get to each city from Dundee. It takes just six hours to reach Dundee from London’s Kings Cross station. This service stops at various locations on the way, including Peterborough, Doncaster, York and Newcastle. There’s also an overnight sleeper service.
BY BUS/COACH
Dundee’s bus station is just five minutes from our campus. Scottish Citylink, National Express, Stagecoach Group and Megabus services regularly arrive in Dundee from major cities across the UK, including London. There’s also a handy return coach direct to and from Edinburgh airport from Dundee city centre.
BY AIR
There are direct flights into Dundee Airport from the south of England and Northern Ireland, and we’re just over an hour away from international airports in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
