| Degrees |
|
|---|---|
| Duration |
| Start date | September, January or April |
|---|---|
| Locations | St Luke's Campus
Penryn Campus |
| Study modes | Full time or Part time. Split-site research available. |
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)
Contact
Programme Directors: Dr Conny Guell and Dr Richard Pulsford
Email: phss-dpgr@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Ranked 1st in the UK for world-leading research
REF 2021 (UoA24 Sport & Exercise Sciences, Leisure & Tourism)
High-quality research supervision from world-leaders in Food, Nutrition and Health research.
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Ranked 1st in the UK for world-leading research
REF 2021 (UoA24 Sport & Exercise Sciences, Leisure & Tourism)
High-quality research supervision from world-leaders in Food, Nutrition and Health research.
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
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.
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
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
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| 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.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
