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Nutrition

Tackle the biggest challenges in biology, medicine and health in a world leading research environment, and prepare for your future career.

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PhD/MPhil Nutrition / Programme details

Year of entry: 2025

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Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Nutrition programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Nutrition.

Nutrition is defined as the intake of food, considered in relation to the body's dietary needs.

It has major implications for health and function, and in the genesis or prevention of many diseases occurring across the life course.

We recognise this as a cross-cutting domain, with relevant research activities taking place in many of our specialist research divisions.

These projects range from basic bioscience and mechanistic research through to many aspects of diet and health, including obesity.

There are also particular opportunities in clinical nutrition and nutritional support, including intestinal failure. 

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas. 

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

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PhD opportunities

phd in nutrition online uk

Our research spans all aspects of food and nutrition, from farm to fork and beyond. We offer interdisciplinary research projects in a world-leading environment, with a focus on improving the quality and safety of food to deliver health benefits for society.

As part of the research community in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, you'll be well supported throughout your time here. We are world-renowned for the quality of our research, making Reading an excellent environment for food scientists.

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Types of doctoral degree

We offer several routes to a doctoral qualification, so you can find the one that suits you and the topic you wish to study.

Female student sitting in library making notes at a desk with a pile of books next to her

Part-time study

Part-time PhDs are available as well as full-time, so you can choose a mode of study that suits your circumstances.

Student using her laptop sitting outside a cafe

PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a different location.

Find a PhD opportunity that aligns with your interests and career ambitions.

We want to ensure that your time spent with us is as rewarding as possible. To allow you to explore your various options, here's a list of some of our currently available PhD opportunities.

We do, however, offer many more options, so please contact us for further information. You can propose your own project that aligns with our research. Find out more about how to apply for a PhD .

Take the next step

  • How to Apply
  • Get a prospectus
  • Ask us a question
  • Learn about the Doctoral and Researcher College

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Nutritional Sciences PhD/MPhil

  • Full-time: Up to 4 years
  • Part-time: Up to 8 years
  • Start date: Multiple start dates
  • UK fees: PhD/MPhil: £5,350
  • International fees: PhD: up to £56,400 per year | MPhil: £32,400 or £38,400 depending on the nature of your project

Research overview

The overarching theme of the school's  nutritional sciences research group  is the scientific understanding and improvement of nutrition for both humans and animals.

The main areas of research include:

  • Population based studies to assess nutrient status and health including areas like for example, dietary choice impacts, financial impacts, and effects of nutrition on fertility, pregnancy, and early infant outcomes
  • Diet-health interactions in humans, including nutrient-gene interactions, cohort analysis and interventions, MRI imaging, and the influence of health and disease(s) such as obesity and diabetes on digestive process and nutrient utilisation
  • Sustainable nutrition. The identification of novel protein sources for human and animal nutrition, mineral nutrition, and novel carbohydrates sources
  • Nutritional enhancement of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to enhance food quality,
  • Food analysis and authentication (micronutrient assessment, allergenicity and novel routes of exposure, proximate analysis, food bioactives, metabolomics)
  • The effect of dietary components (fatty acids, proteins, micronutrient and antioxidants) on health and disease processes
  • Gastrointestinal models of nutrient bioavailability and utilisation
  • The molecular basis of nutrient signalling

To view our areas of research in clinical nutrition, please see our Clinical Nutrition PhD page. 

Course content

A PhD is an independent in-depth research project. You will be able to develop additional skills through training programmes to help you complete your PhD. See the support section for more details.

In each year you will have a regular meetings with your supervisor and an annual review.

An MPhil is a shorter research degree. You will do a research project over one to two years. You'll have a supervisor to support you. An MPhil is assessed by a research thesis.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

For all of our research degrees, the first step is to identify one or more supervisors you would like to work with.

To do this, look through our  academic staff research interests . We strongly encourage contacting supervisors before making a formal application, to discuss potential research projects and to ensure the best application possible.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

As a student on this course, we do not anticipate any extra significant costs, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books and journals you’ll need through our libraries.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

The school believes that formal training and guidance are critical components of the postgraduate experience and have developed specific and generic training which are available for all postgraduates.

Project-related training is provided by the supervisors and other staff within the school. You will have frequent contact with your supervisor, often on a weekly or even daily basis, and there is a formal requirement for at least 10 recorded meetings per year.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postdoctoral research fellows.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Sutton bonington campus.

Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.

You will have access to student services, a library, sports centre and places to eat. Specialist facilities include the super lab, food processing pilot plant, glasshouses and University farm. 

You can travel to  University Park Campus  in around 25 minutes on our free hopper bus.

phd in nutrition online uk

Food, Nutrition & Dietetics

The division contains a range of modern facilities including:

  • a fully equipped dietetics laboratory for the preparation of modified diets
  • clinical consulting rooms for taking anthropometric assessments and blood samples
  • an extensive array of rheological techniques for the physio-chemical analysis of food
  • cell culture facilities
  • controlled growth incubators
  • new liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Tim Parr

Related courses

Food sciences phd/mphil/mres, clinical nutrition phd, biosciences phd/mphil/mres, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 19 September 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

phd in nutrition online uk

School of Health Professions

PhD Nutrition and Health

Study for a PhD degree with the School of Health Professions and join a supportive community of researchers who are working to further understand the relationship between nutrition and health. You work on an advanced research project with a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies and are expected to fully engage with your personal skills development and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.

Course details

Programme overview.

  • This full time or part time doctoral programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject. If you aspire to a research career this is the most appropriate research degree to undertake. The research team carries out research in a range of areas of nutrition and health from dietetic practice and nutritional management of disease in childhood and adults, public health nutrition, to nutrition and ageing and nutrition and metabolism. You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies and will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts. Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (up to 80,000 words) and a viva voce (an oral examination). For full details of what doing a PhD entails at the University of Plymouth, please visit our postgraduate research degrees pages .

Entry requirements

  • you'll usually need a 2:1 degree from a UK University or equivalent and an academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 6 in each component test area) or equivalent if you are a non-UK applicant
  • two satisfactory academic references
  • evidence of funding for the duration of your course.

Fees, costs and funding

How to apply, apply online, access our masters of clinical research modules.

MClinRes Clinical Research hero image

Funding for postgraduate research students

Postgraduate research students listening to a talk

Doctoral College

Find out more about the Doctoral College and the support it offers students, supervisors and examiners of postgraduate research at the University of Plymouth.

Our PhD students past and present

Find out about the experiences of dietetics and health PhD students

Munira Khan

Munira Khan

Craig Cutler PhD student Dietetics 

Craig Cutler

Julia Eisenblaetter Dietetics PhD students

Julia Eisenblaetter

Alex Pinto PhD Dietetics

Louise Wilkinson

Leanne Smewing

Leanne Smewing

Ann Ashworth

Ann Ashworth

Dietetics, human nutrition and health research group.

Fruit at a farmers market

Research Team

Professor Mary Hickson Professor in Dietetics

Professor Mary Hickson

Professor in dietetics, research group lead.

Dr Avril Collinson Associate Professor in Dietetics

Dr Avril Collinson

Associate professor in dietetics.

Dr Clare Pettinger Associate Professor in Public Health Dietetics

Dr Clare Pettinger

Associate professor in public health dietetics.

Dr Desley White Lecturer in Dietetics

Dr Desley White

Lecturer in dietetics.

Dr Gail Rees Head of School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr Gail Rees

Head of school of biomedical sciences.

Dr Raul Bescos Garcia Associate Professor of Human Nutrition and Physiology

Dr Raul Bescos Garcia

Associate professor of human nutrition and physiology.

Dr Tracey Parkin Associate Professor

Dr Tracey Parkin

Associate professor.

Dr Patricia Casas Agustench Lecturer in Nutrition

Dr Patricia Casas Agustench

Lecturer in nutrition.

Dr Abigail Tronco Hernandez Lecturer in Nutrition

Dr Abigail Tronco Hernandez

Dr Louise Mole Lecturer in Dietetic Practice

Dr Louise Mole

Lecturer in dietetic practice.

Dr Jen Carroll Honorary Research Fellow

Dr Jen Carroll

Honorary research fellow.

  • Dr Lisa Bunn , School of Health Professions Postgraduate Coordinator
  • Professor Mary Hickson , Dietetics, Human Nutrition and Health Research Lead

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Nutrition, Food and Human Health MPhil, PhD

Our Nutrition, Food and Human Health PhD and MPhil programmes ground students in the methods and research approaches to understand how nutrition and food affect human health and wellbeing.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

  • September 2025
  • January 2026

On campus Postgraduate Open Day. Wednesday 5 February, 12pm to 5pm. Sign up now

Within your research, you'll get the opportunity to work in our multi-disciplinary teams. Our work explores how nutrition affects:

  • human biology and physiology - including human athletic performance and the microbiome
  • health and ageing
  • disease process - including cancer, cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes and NAFLD
  • how food security affects biology and wellbeing
  • nutrition and health challenges in global sustainability
  • the outcome and management of disease (dietetics)

Our research is multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary. We centre core nutrition research in The Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre (HNERC) . Our researchers collaborate with food scientists and food systems experts from across Newcastle. They have access to two University farms. This allows us to tailor multidisciplinary research programmes across pure and social sciences. This means the HNERC can apply science projects from “farm to fork”.

For self-funded students, please read our list of available projects and supervisory teams on the HNERC homepage . You'll find these under self-funded PhD and MPhil projects.

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

We make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described.

View our academic experience page . This gives information about your study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information . This gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Important information

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Our mission is to help you:

  • stay healthy, positive and feeling well
  • overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
  • get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
  • carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
  • understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

  • research and professional skills
  • careers support
  • health and safety
  • public engagement
  • academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of medical sciences (fms) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

  • perform better as a researcher
  • boost your career prospects
  • broaden your impact
  • Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

  • techniques for effective research
  • methods for better collaborative working
  • essential professional standards and requirements
  • Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

  • Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
  • Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

  • they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
  • you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
  • they’re often interdisciplinary
  • your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

  • Discovery Medicine North - MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Our modern laboratories provide important teaching and research environments. They have analytical equipment such as:

  • CNS analyser
  • centrifuges
  • spectrophotometer
  • molecular biology equipment

Our specialist research facilities include:

  • a tissue culture laboratory
  • plant growth rooms
  • a Class II laboratory for safe handling of human biological samples
  • taste panel facilities and test kitchen
  • a thin section facility for soils analysis

Find out more about our lab facilities

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You will be  eligible for a scholarship worth 15% off the international fee . 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination

Find out more about:

  • living costs
  • tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

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Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification.  Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

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Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

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Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Medical Sciences Graduate School Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

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Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees

  • Food, Nutrition and Health
  • Postgraduate Research home

Research topics and degrees

  • Sport and Health Sciences

The Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences is the central hub for public health research at the University of Exeter. We are an interdisciplinary group, with backgrounds in nutrition science, public health nutrition, epidemiology, psychology, sociology, and medicine.

Food, nutrition and health research at the University of Exeter covers a diverse range of interrelated topics including:

  • Food and Nutrition
  • Food Systems & Planetary Health
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Nutritional Physiology
  • Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism
  • Bioactives and Human Health & Performance
  • Children’s Health & Exercise Research Centre (CHERC)

View 2024 Entry

How to apply

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Programme Directors:    Dr Conny Guell and Dr Richard Pulsford

Web: Enquire online

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Ranked 1st in the UK for world-leading research

REF 2021 (UoA24 Sport & Exercise Sciences, Leisure & Tourism)

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High-quality research supervision from world-leaders in Food, Nutrition and Health research.

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Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities

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Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff 

Research Overview

Our interdisciplinary research is underpinned by our current expertise in nutrition science, human nutrition and dietetics, sustainable nutrition and planetary health, nutrition physiology, and sports nutrition, as well as cutting-edge facilities and techniques. This allows us to offer projects ranging from “bench to bedside” to community and policy. 

Be part of the Exeter Food Network : An integrated interdisciplinary group of >165 scientists from Nutrition, Physiology, Public Health, Sport Science, Biosciences, Medical Sciences, Psychology, Physics, Chemistry, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Economy. 

> Find out more about Food, Nutrition and Health research

Supervision

You can expect:

  • High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
  • A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
  • Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
  • Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
  • 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
  • Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors

Find a supervisor

You will only be able to pursue a research degree with us if we can offer appropriate supervision. Your supervisors will provide the necessary support and guidance and so need to have expertise in your chosen research field. You may join a research team or work with specific members of staff.

You should informally approach your potential supervisor(s) with your research proposal before submitting a formal application to study. This will enable you to find out if they feel they would be able to supervise you and whether they believe your research proposal needs further refinement.

Supervisors

Entry requirements.

Applicants will typically hold (or be expected to attain) a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent), or an MSc in a related subject. 

They would normally have a strong background in the field of study at undergraduate level or an MSc in a related subject that would underpin the knowledge required to conduct independent research as an MPhil/PhD student. This would usually require a good 2:1 BSc degree for UK students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for Neuroscience is Profile B2 .

Please visit our English language requirements page   to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

PhD and Research Programme application process

The information below applies to self-funded PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research applicants, but if you are applying for a funded PhD studentship, please follow the specific instructions related to that application.

  • Pinpoint your PhD research area
  • Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
  • Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
  • Approach your potential supervisor(s) and confirm that they are willing to support your application
  • In consultation with your potential supervisor(s) construct and refine your PhD research proposal

PhD studentships pages can be accessed in our Funding lists on Finance tabs under each research topic page, and are also available from the Postgraduate Research search results pages on this site, on the PhD projects tab.

Full details of the application process can be found on our apply now webpage.

Fees and funding

Fees 2025/26

Tuition fees per year 2025/26

  • Home : £4,950 full-time;   £pro-rata part-time
  • International : £28,600 full-time

For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our   Student Finance webpages .

Fees 2024/25

Tuition fees per year 2024/25

  • Home : £4,786 full-time;   £pro-rata part-time
  • International : £27,500 full-time

For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages .

Current funding opportunities

Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our Funded Centres .

Current available funding

Students will have access to world-leading facilities including:

  • Physiology and metabolism laboratories
  • Food preparation facilities
  • Food Sensory lab
  • Neuromuscular function laboratories
  • Vascular physiology laboratories
  • Body composition laboratory
  • Magnetic Resonance laboratory
  • Biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories  

If you currently hold an Associate Nutritionist status with the Association for Nutrition (or equivalent), completing a PhD in Food, Nutrition and Health may provide you with relevant professional development and experience to transfer from ANutr to RNutr status (Association for Nutrition).

Likely careers for graduates include:

  • Further research in academia or private sector 
  • Teaching (University or other educational setting)
  • Careers in food industry, not-for-profit organisations, government (Department of Health, Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Food Standards Agency, NHS)
  • Careers in international organisations (United Nations - FAO, and World Health Organisation)
  • Entrepreneurship in food and nutrition goods and services
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The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

Find out more about Streatham Campus.

St Luke's Campus in Exeter

Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.

Find out more about St Luke's Campus.

Penryn Campus near Falmouth, Cornwall

Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

Find out more about Penryn Campus.

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    We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

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    For PhD entry, you’ll usually need a postgraduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics, or a related health science or biochemistry-oriented field, as well as a significant amount of professional experience. There are 13 PhD courses in the UK, offered by 11 different universities. What to expect

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    Accredited by the Association for Nutrition. Designed for graduates in human nutrition, clinical nutrition and related health profession degrees. This applied nutrition masters is ideal for health and social care professionals. It supports continuing professional development. Become registered associate nutritionist.

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    An array of PhD options to suit your interests and long-terms goals Our research spans all aspects of food and nutrition, from farm to fork and beyond. We offer interdisciplinary research projects in a world-leading environment, with a focus on improving the quality and safety of food to deliver health benefits for society.

  6. Nutritional Sciences PhD/MPhil 2025 - University of Nottingham

    You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop. International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters ...

  7. PhD Nutrition and Health - University of Plymouth

    Study for a PhD degree with the School of Health Professions and join a supportive community of researchers who are working to further understand the relationship between nutrition and health. You work on an advanced research project with a small supervisory team of academic experts under the ...

  8. Nutrition, Food and Human Health MPhil, PhD | Postgraduate

    Medical Sciences Graduate School Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002 Email: [email protected].uk. Online. For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form. Fill in our enquiry form. Live chat. Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

  9. Nutrition & Dietetics PhD in United Kingdom - PhDportal.com

    Studying Nutrition & Dietetics in United Kingdom is a great choice, as there are 19 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal. Over 551,000 international students choose United Kingdom for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.

  10. Food, Nutrition and Health | Postgraduate Study - PhD and ...

    We are an interdisciplinary group, with backgrounds in nutrition science, public health nutrition, epidemiology, psychology, sociology, and medicine. Food, nutrition and health research at the University of Exeter covers a diverse range of interrelated topics including: Food and Nutrition; Food Systems & Planetary Health; Clinical nutrition