Psychology and Nutrition
BSc Joint Honours
- UCAS code: C8B4
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2021
This accredited degree offers a fascinating insight into the distinct, yet often overlapping fields of psychology and nutrition.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAA-AAB
- IB: 35 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This hands-on, Psychology and Nutrition joint honours degree will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of psychology and nutrition, focusing on key topics such as how psychological factors can impact our perception of nutrition, and the link between diet and health.
Throughout your studies, you'll have access to our brand new building, with purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities, including a forensic interviewing suite, a nutrition and food preference unit, a media and behaviour lab, medical consultation rooms, and psychological testing cubicles.
You'll study a broad range of topics, such as social and developmental psychology, eating and weight disorders, nutrition and food science, and biochemistry for biologists.
COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Quality and ranking
- top ten in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2021 (Food Science category)
- top 20 in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and The Complete University Guide 2021
- top 100 – Psychology category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
This gives you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (providing you achieve the minimum standard of a lower second-class Honours). Having Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership means you can join the BPS and will be eligible to go on to further training and, if successful, to practise as a professional psychologist. For information on the benefits of studying an accredited course, visit the BPS website.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
In Stage 1, you'll explore the fundamentals of both psychology and nutrition.
You'll cover human nutrition, agri-food systems, and bioenergetics, alongside cognitive psychology, sensation and perception, and instinct, learning and perception.
Modules
In your second year, you'll broaden your depth of understanding across both disciplines.
You'll take modules including Principles of Nutrition, Applied and Experimental Nutrition, and Food Science and Technology, as well as Methods in Psychology, Statistics for Experimental Psychology, and Individual Differences.
Modules
In Stage 3, you'll be able to focus in more on your chosen areas of specialism.
You'll design and carry out your own empirical study in an area of psychology that particularly interests you.
Alongside core modules including Nutrition in Health and Disease, Psychological Enquiry, and Eating and Weight Disorders, you'll also have the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest, including evolution and behaviour, neuropsychology, psychology for sport and performance, forensic psychology, and new food product development.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Nutrition in Health and Disease | 20 |
Advanced Nutrient Metabolism and Requirements | 20 |
Psychological Enquiry 3: Psychological Literacy and Professional Skills | 10 |
Empirical Project | 30 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll be taught through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- lab sessions
- practical sessions
- fieldwork
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Practical skills
The majority of your Psychology and Nutrition modules will involve practical lab work working with state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities in our brand new building.
In Psychology, you'll learn how to formulate theories, conduct experiments, use statistical techniques, and write up research reports.
In your Nutrition modules, you'll carry out human nutrition investigations and lab analysis, as well as analysing data and preparing lab reports.
Business skills
Your psychology modules focus on psychological literacy, applying psychology in a real-world setting, while the nutrition side of your programme will involve developing practical skills in the real-world methods used for food processing and analysis.
Between stages 2 and 3, you'll also have the opportunity to complete a year-long professional psychology placement or a nutritional placement in the food industry. Recent placements have included Northumbria Police, Institute of Neuroscience, Marks and Spencer, Nutricia, Tesco, and the NHS.
Research skills
In stages 1 and 2, you'll complete Research Methods and Skills modules, in which you'll develop as an independent researcher.
In your third year, you'll put these skills into practice, completing a comprehensive research project in an area of your choice.
You'll also have the opportunity to gain additional research outside your course, including the School's certified research apprenticeship scheme.
Chat to a student
If you would like to study Psychology you should definitely consider Newcastle! The course ensures you have a good grounding in all areas of Psychology as well as allowing you to focus in more specialised areas in third year.
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a psychology student at Newcastle University, you'll be based in the School of Psychology's Dame Margaret Barbour Building, in the University's city-centre campus.
As well as having great access to University facilities like its libraries, student's union and sports centre, the School of Psychology is less than 10 minutes' walk from Newcastle city centre.
You'll also have access to our excellent practical facilities in the School, such as:
- a forensic interviewing suite
- a nutrition and food preference unit
- a media and behaviour lab
- medical consultation rooms
- psychological testing cubicles
Support
You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.
All first-year psychology students join a study group of approximately 10 students, led by an experienced and trained final-year student who will also act as your mentor for your first year.
Your future
As a joint honours graduate, you'll develop a range of skills that are sought by employers. By studying two disciplines, you're well prepared for the multidisciplinary challenges of everyday work, such as:
- time management
- organisation
- self-motivation
95% of our graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation, with 82% of those in employment in professional and managerial roles.*
Recent graduates have secured employment in areas such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, nutrition, and educational psychology, in companies such as NHS, Home Office, HMRC, Prison Service, Marks and Spencer, and the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
As a psychology graduate, you'll also be incredibly versatile, with plenty of transferable skills, including analytical thinking, research skills, strategy development, problem-solving, and content writing skills. Many graduates go on to careers in teaching, marketing, and financial services.
*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17
Make a difference
Careers support
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
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
AAA-AAB
International Baccalaureate
35 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. 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.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
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.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa you'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
By Phone
Due to current circumstances, we are currently unable to take phone calls.
Online
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email