Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition is the study of food and how the body utilises it to maintain life, growth and normal functioning. This involves the study of food, physiology, biochemistry social sciences and microbiology.

Public Health Nutrition is about the promotion of good food and healthy lifestyles to enhance the health status of individuals and the wider community. It is concerned with the primary prevention of diet related illness and also with the contribution of the role of healthy eating to optimise health and well-being. Opportunities exist for nutritionists and dietitians to work in industry in food production, product development or retail, the NHS, education or research besides freelance.

Dietitians also work with patients with acute and chronic illness in hospitals and in the community. They use dietary manipulation and food to treat disease and optimise health. They also work at a population level in health promotion and in public health nutrition.

Both disciplines require the study of social and behavioural sciences as well as a thorough understanding of nutrition and human biology.

Both disciplines have Professional Bodies, which encourage sharing of experience and professional practice.

View our new Multidisciplinary laboratory facilities

See our Areas of Expertise:

Childhood Obesity Research

Centre for Food, Nutrition and Health