Overview
Sport nutrition is an increasingly vital part of elite sport and there has never been a better time to specialise, as recreational competitive
This Masters degree focuses on the science behind sports nutrition and is designed specifically for students who already have an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Diploma in sports nutrition and want to further their knowledge.
To complete the course, you’ll be asked to plan, conduct and write a research project in Sports Nutrition, and you’ll receive high-quality training and support from our expert staff as you study. By the time you graduate, you’ll have an even greater knowledge of sports nutrition and a clear understanding of how to put your research into practice.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
This course is designed to expand on the knowledge you’ve acquired whilst studying for your IOC Sports Nutrition Diploma. You’ll complete a research project on an approved topic of your choice while gaining a deeper understanding of the science behind the subject, a broader network of expertise and an enhanced ability to share your findings with the wider world.
Faculty facilities
The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and our Faculty facilities include a suite of laboratories dedicated to Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition research. We’re home to the National Swimming Academy, the GB National Tennis Academy and Triathlon Scotland and we recently invested £20 million in our outstanding sports facilities.
We’re consistently ranked among the best universities in the UK for our sports facilities, making Stirling the perfect destination if you’re studying sport or the science behind it.
Research overview
The University of Stirling is ranked 1st in Scotland for outputs in Sports and Exercise Sciences (REF 2021), with 80% of our research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed the IOC postgraduate diploma in Sports Nutrition, a copy of the IOC diploma must be submitted with the application. Applicants are also required to
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you have successfully completed the IOC postgraduate diploma in Sports Nutrition, you will have already met the English language requirements for our MSc Sport Nutrition.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Course details
Our MSc Sport Nutrition enables you to convert your IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition into a Masters degree by completing an in-depth research project.
This course consists of a single project module, which can be completed full-time over a 6-month period or part-time over 12 months. Full-time students must be based in Stirling, but part-time students can complete the course off-campus. You have the flexibility to start the Masters programme on the 1st day of any month.
To complete your project, you’ll conduct independent research into your chosen topic and take advantage of our world-class sports facilities, labs and expertise.
Modules
Course Details
Assessment
You’ll conduct a research project and share your findings in a manuscript style write-up of 3,000-5,000 words. A grade will be awarded for the project write-up, as well as for a 15 minute oral presentation given to coincide with its submission. A question and answer session with our wider research group will also form part of your assessment
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2024/25 | 2025/26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland | £4,600 | £4,830 |
| International (including EU) students | £7,575 | £7,950 |
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
A Masters sports nutrition degree from the University of Stirling will ensure you are well qualified to work within a number of different sporting environments. From national and international sports teams and governing bodies, to private gyms and sport and exercise organisations, you’ll leave Stirling fully equipped with the skills you need to succeed and to apply research into your practice.
- Capitalise on the growing opportunities available to qualified sports nutritionists
- Take advantage of Stirling’s international reputation for sporting excellence
- 96% of our graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/21, HESA)
Sports nutrition courses like ours can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Your knowledge in the subject can be applied to help athletes make optimal gains, reduce their risk of injury and illness, and consistently achieve high performance levels.
Employability skills
Your studies at the University of Stirling will give you the opportunity to refine your expertise in sports nutrition. You’ll not only learn more about conducting research and communicating it effectively, you’ll also establish meaningful connections with leading academics in the field. The University has a proven track record for getting students career-ready, and all of the skills, knowledge and connections you acquire during your time here will help to make you more employable.
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