Masters Degrees (Nutrigenomics)

Summary

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.

This master's course is an intensive programme accredited by Association for Nutrition. This programme will provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of human nutrition developing scientific skills to master's level. Taught semesters provide 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.

Attendance

Full-time: Semesters 1 & 2 are taught modules where attendance is required most days each week. Semester 3 is an independent research module which students carry out under close supervision. Attendance will vary depending on the nature of the research project.

Part-time: In years 1 & 2 both semesters consist of core taught modules requiring attendance at least one day each week during semester. Attendance is required on campus for most modules, however there are a few optional modules which can be taken distance learning. The independent research project is carried out under close supervision requiring attendance which is dependant on the individual project.

Professional recognition

Association for Nutrition (AfN) 

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).

Career options

The academic content of the programme, together with the experience gained from 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.

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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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