Masters Degrees (Nutrigenomics)

Human Nutrition is the scientific study of the foods we eat, the nutrients in foods, the fate of the nutrients when they are eaten and the effects of diet on health and well being. As a graduate nutritionist you will have the skills to elicit, disseminate, and apply knowledge drawn from the relevant sciences to promote an understanding of the effects of diet on human health and well-being.

Key benefits

- Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for the purpose of eligibility for Direct Entry Registration at Associate Level with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN).

- Ulster University is a leading centre for internationally recognised teaching and research in the field of nutrition. You will be taught by a dynamic expert of researchers, nutritionists, scientists and clinical practitioners.

Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-human-nutrition-ft-ce
part time option: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-human-nutrition-pt-ce

Course detail

- Description -

This programme will provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of human nutrition developing scientific skills to master's level. Two taught semesters provides study in core modules in human nutrition. The human nutrition research project is an integral part of this programme where students undertake an independent research project under close supervision.

- Purpose -

This programme provides postgraduate training for non-nutrition science graduates who wish to pursue a career in human nutrition. Whilst you should normally have a science background, prior knowledge of nutrition is not required.

- Teaching and learning assessment -

Ulster University is a leading centre for internationally recognised teaching and research in the field of nutrition. You will be taught by a dynamic expert of nutritionists, scientists and dietitians. Teaching is delivered by a variety of methods including face to face lectures and also using online lectures and discussions. A variety of assessments are used throughout the course to test knowledge and understanding. Assessments include examinations, class tests, practical reports, case studies, MCQ's, oral presentations and reports.

Career options

The academic content of the programme, together with the experience gained from the Masters research project, leads to excellent employment opportunities within industry, nutrition research, health promotion, public health, personalised nutrition ie in the areas of metabolomics, nutrigenomics or in nutrition overseas. Many of our graduates choose to pursue higher research degrees (PhD) or to pursue further taught study in the area of human nutrition, dietetics, sports nutrition or to complete a PGCE and become teachers of science, home economics or biology at both this University or at other institutions of higher education and research.

How to apply: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply#pg

Why Choose Ulster University ?

1. Over 92% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation.
2. We are a top UK university for providing courses with a period of work placement.
3. Our teaching and the learning experience we deliver are rated at the highest level by the Quality Assurance Agency.
4. We recruit international students from more than 100 different countries.
5. More than 4,000 students from over 50 countries have successfully completed eLearning courses at Ulster University.

Flexible payment

To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid back in monthly instalments while you learn. If you study for a one-year, full-time master’s, you can pay your fees up-front, in one lump sum, or in either five* or ten* equal monthly payments. If you study for a master’s on a part-time basis (e.g. over three years), you can pay each year’s fees up-front or in five or ten equal monthly payments each year. This flexibility allows you to spread the payment of your fees over each academic year. Find out more by visiting https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

Scholarships

A comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes are available to undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Scholarships recognise the many ways in which our students are outstanding in their subject. Individuals may be able to apply directly or may automatically be nominated for awards. Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships

English Language Tuition

CELT offers courses and consultations in English language and study skills to Ulster University students of all subjects, levels and nationalities. Students and researchers for whom English is an additional language can access free CELT support throughout the academic year: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/english-language-support

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This MSc in Public Health Nutrition will provide you with the specialist scientific knowledge and practical skills required to meet the nutritional challenges of the 21st century. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the role diet and nutrients play in the aetiology, prevention, treatment and management of diseases, discovering how to apply this knowledge in a variety of health-based settings and make evidence-based judgements on appropriate nutritional care. You will also develop a clear understanding of the factors that influence food choice. The context for the programme is provided by societal issues such as a rapidly ageing population, food poverty and food insecurity, health inequalities in nutritional wellbeing and the high prevalence of obesity.

What will I study?

You will learn about the metabolism of nutrients with regards to their effect on the causation and prevention of disease, while exploring the psychological models of behaviour and behaviour change in relation to food choice. Global health challenges, such as maternal and child nutrition, sustainable food production and food poverty, will also be considered.

Alongside this you will study emerging topics in the field of nutrition that have an impact on health status. This will include issues such as nutrigenomics and the impact of sugar intake on health.

The knowledge and skills you develop throughout the course will be utilised in a project-based module that will provide you with the opportunity to complete a research project relevant to your own interests or area of employment. This will be underpinned by a dedicated module enhancing your knowledge of research methods and the research process.

How will I study?

The programme incorporates a variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, workshops, student-led seminars, practical activities and case studies. This varied approach is designed to meet a range of learning needs, encourage problem-solving skills and foster peer discussion and communication. Teaching will usually be delivered during the daytime.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods are varied and include a combination of essays, case studies, presentations and examinations.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by specialists in the fields of nutrition, health, physiology, biochemistry and psychology. The programme team are actively engaged in nutrition-related research and consultancy and will use this expertise to support and enhance your learning experience.

What are my career prospects?

You will be able to register with the Association for Nutrition as an Associate Nutritionist upon completion of the course via the submission of a portfolio of evidence.

This programme provides ideal preparation to progress into nutrition-related roles in many organisations within the public and private sector. These include local authorities, charitable organisations, the NHS, health promotion organisations, the leisure industry and the private sector. Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto PhD study to further develop a specialist knowledge of nutrition.

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This interdisciplinary programme aims to develop and equip students with a broad understanding of various concepts and techniques. The class will be made up of students coming from a diverse range of educational backgrounds all of whom will have graduated in the top 10% of their year group, leading to the fostering of an atmosphere in which advanced levels of discussion and knowledge exchange can take place.

As a student of this program you will benefit from:
- The guidance and supervision of scientists at the forefront of their fields
- Modern and extensive facilities
- Interactive, individualized and intensive tuition
- The opportunity to design your own PhD project

As we aspire to provide a hands-on experience to complement the theoretical basis, there are plenty of opportunities available to you in order to advance your research skills.
- Two obligatory research projects form part of the curriculum
- Theoretical classes are provided to advance knowledge and techniques
- Opportunities for further research within the research institute GUIDE which focuses on Chronic Diseases and Drug Exploration

The result of these features combined is a program that you are able to tailor to meet your personal research interests and aspirations, leading to a gradual specialization into your research area of choice. What sets this course apart is its strong focus on the development of scientific skills, rather than mere knowledge retention. We aim to facilitate the development of a critical and analytical scientific mindset, preparing our students to become leaders in their field.

Job perspectives

Upon completion of this programme you are fully prepared to become a PhD student in an international research programme. Currently, most graduates have continued their research activities in PhD projects. Many stay at the UMCG, however, others have gone to a selection of other prestigious institutions.

Job examples

- Academia
- Clinical Chemistry
- Medical Consultancy
- Nutrigenomics Scientist
- Researcher
- Entrepreneur

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This Master's Degree Programme, taught by Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Universitat de Barcelona in collaboration with the Universitat de les Illes Balears. It is based on training and research excellence, including the latest improvements in clinical nutrition, nutrigenomics and functional foods, as well as, a high cooperation with prestigious hospitals, research groups and food industries.

Student Profile

This master's degree is designed for students with previous education in the biosciences (for example, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, biology, chemistry, oenology, pharmacy, food science and technology, veterinary medicine, and human nutrition and dietetics) who wish to further their knowledge of clinical nutrition, functional food design or research into basic and clinical nutrition.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in the fields of clinical and nutritional healthcare, in the food industry (design of functional foods), and in research as members of multidisciplinary research groups: R&D&I units of the food industry, regulatory agencies, public and private research centres, hospital research units, and private consultancies. They can also go on to take a doctoral degree.

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