Program Overview

Food, Nutrition and Health

Overview

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)

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.

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

Supervisors

• Dr Luciana Torquati - Senior Lecturer in Nutrition
• Dr Raquel Revuelta Iniesta - Senior Lecturer in Nutrition
• Dr Kerry Brown - Senior Lecturer in Public Health Nutrition
• Dr Conny Guell - A/Prof. Anthropology of Health and Environment
• Prof Jo Bowtell - Professor Human Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism

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.

How to Apply

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
• Apply online

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees Per Year 2025/26

• Home: £5,006 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.

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.

Facilities

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

Careers

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
• Media and communications