This programme was one of the first to recognise the need for specialisation in the three intertwined disciplines of nutrition, physical activity, and public health to tackle non-communicable diseases and promote population health.
This established programme will help you critically examine key interactions at the interface of epidemiology, behaviour change and policy-relevant research in these connected fields, and will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the evidence around the role of nutrition and physical activity in public health; the factors that influence people's physical activity and eating behaviours; and how to develop and evaluate nutrition and physical activity interventions.
Bristol is ranked 18th in the world for Social Policy (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026). You will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of real-world research and whose knowledge is grounded in applied situations. Recent research collaborations have been with:
All units are compulsory and there are no formal examinations. Work is assessed through written assignments, presentations, portfolios, infographics, or research proposals. During the final term, you will complete an original research investigation and dissertation (up to 5,000 words), in the form of an academic paper for a scientific journal on an approved nutrition or physical activity and public health-based topic. We encourage our students to publish their dissertation to enhance their employability skills, and we have successfully done so in the past.
Some previous innovative and impactful dissertations that have been published in international, peer-reviewed academic journals include:
Part-time students will be given guidance about which units to complete in each year of study.
You will typically need a strong second-class honours degree (55% or higher) or an international equivalent in any subject.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant postgraduate qualification/s. Please upload your postgraduate degree documents and include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.