This module provides an introduction to the physiological foundations of sports performance. Students will examine cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise, energy system integration, VO₂max, VO₂ kinetics, and exercise economy, alongside the key physiological determinants of performance.

Students will also be introduced to the measurement of these variables, including laboratory and field-based assessments, and will develop the ability to interpret physiological data (e.g., VO₂, submaximal responses) and think about how this helps inform training intensity, pacing, and nutritional strategies.

The module emphasises the application of physiological principles to real-world contexts, enabling students to explain how acute responses and chronic adaptations to endurance, high-intensity, and resistance training influence performance outcomes.

This module explores the principles of human energy metabolism and their relevance to sports nutrition practice. Students will examine the role of ATP in energy provision, the metabolic pathways governing carbohydrate, fat, and protein utilisation, and the hormonal regulation of metabolism during exercise.

Students will develop an understanding of how substrate utilisation changes with exercise intensity and duration, and how this can be assessed using methods such as indirect calorimetry and estimation approaches. Emphasis is placed on interpreting metabolic data (e.g., RER, substrate oxidation rates) which is used in the planning and evaluation of nutritional strategies.

This module examines the physiological and neurological mechanisms contributing to fatigue during exercise. Students will explore central and peripheral fatigue, the functional properties of skeletal muscle, and the processes underlying force production and fatigue development.

The module focuses on understanding how fatigue manifests at the whole-body and muscular level, and how this influences performance during different types of exercise. Students will apply this knowledge to identify key limiting factors (e.g., substrate depletion, neuromuscular fatigue, metabolite accumulation) and consider their implications for pacing, training, and nutritional support.

Emphasis is placed on translating physiological mechanisms into practical strategies to delay fatigue, support recovery, and maintain performance.

This module examines applied topics at the intersection of exercise physiology and sports nutrition. Students will explore the physiological responses to exercising in challenging environments, including heat and altitude, with a focus on thermoregulation, fluid balance, and their impact on performance. The module also addresses contemporary topics such as, carbohydrate availability, individual variability in physiology, sex differences and female athlete physiology, linking underlying physiology to nutritional practice.

Students will integrate knowledge from across the programme to evaluate real-world scenarios and develop evidence-informed strategies. The module culminates in an applied case study assessment in which students demonstrate their ability to interpret physiological and nutritional information to support athlete performance.

On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Key subject-specific terminology, concepts, and models in exercise physiology and nutrition
• Methodological techniques used in sport and exercise contexts
• The links between physiology, metabolism, nutrition, and exercise performance

Assessments throughout the programme include case-based assignments (data interpretation and written reports), multiple-choice questions, recorded oral presentations, and vivas conducted via video call with an assessor.

You can apply for this programme through one of two routes:
 
Route 1: You hold an undergraduate degree
You hold an undergraduate degree (or international equivalent), whether that’s in a related discipline or a subject outside of sport, nutrition, or life sciences — for example, business, education, psychology, or humanities.
 
Route 2: Portfolio application
Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree may apply via the portfolio pathway. To be considered, you will need to demonstrate completion of multiple relevant professional qualifications — for example in nutrition, personal training, strength and conditioning, or a related health or performance field.

Your portfolio should provide evidence of qualifications across EQF Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6, and must demonstrate progressive academic and professional development rather than a single qualification at one level.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate having obtained practical experience, for example at least one year of experience working in sports nutrition, personal training, strength and conditioning, or a similar discipline.

Portfolio applications are assessed on an individual basis by the IOPN admissions team. If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the criteria, we encourage you to get in touch — our admissions team will review your background and advise accordingly.
 
English language requirement
All applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency at IELTS 6.5 (CEFR C1) level. If you’ve completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree taught in English within the last five years, this is accepted in place of an IELTS certificate.

• Graduates with non-related degrees who want to transition into sports nutrition and progress to postgraduate study in the field.
• Experienced practitioners with sports nutrition qualifications (e.g., nutrition coaching certifications) who seek knowledge in exercise physiology and how to apply it in practice.
• Aspiring nutritionists who want to build a comprehensive foundation in exercise physiology without immediately committing to postgraduate study.
• Current coaches and trainers seeking to deepen their understanding of the physiological principles that drive nutrition strategies for performance.
• Sports nutrition and sport science graduates looking to refresh or consolidate their exercise physiology knowledge and its application in contemporary sports nutrition practice.