As the number of people with diseases and disorders associated with physical inactivity and poor nutrition rises, the quality and safety of food, and the nutritional impact of what we eat on human health and development, has never been higher in the public awareness.

Sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition are associated with a wide range of health problems from obesity to cardiovascular disease and cancer, costing the NHS billions of pounds each year.Ê

Both nationally and internationally, nutritionists are being called upon to work with individuals, groups and communities, the food industry, regulatory bodies and policy makers to promote healthy diets and develop a better scientific understanding of food, this course aims to enhance your understanding of the scientific basis of nutrition with an emphasis on human health and disease.

Career prospects

The need for nutritionists is growing with the increasing incidence of diet-related health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Consequently, graduates from this Nutrition and Health (Hons) at Coventry University should be well equipped for a wide range of roles in the field of nutrition and health Ð from working on emergency relief projects in low income countries to devising health initiatives to target dietary intakes of specific groups, such as pregnant women, school children and the elderly.

Opportunities may exist within local authorities, charitable organisations, the NHS, parenting organisations, health promotion, and the food and leisure industries. You could also find yourself advising policy makers, regulatory bodies or working in education or the media.