PMHUMNPH - MSc Human Nutrition (Public Health / Sports)

The course provides advanced study opportunities in human nutrition that include nutritional epidemiology & public health, metabolic nutrition, assessment of nutritional status and research techniques. Specialist modules include sports and exercise nutrition and food and nutrition policy. An opportunity for a work placement module is also available in the field of public health nutrition or sports nutrition. In order to obtain their MSc, students must undertake a research project and write a dissertation about the research. The course builds on students’ previous experience in appropriate first degree courses.

The course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and graduates will be eligible to automatically join the register as “Associate Nutritionists” on successful completion of the MSc course.

Course Structure

The MSc is a one-year full-time course, involving 30 weeks of taught modules divided into two 15-week semesters commencing in either September or February. The part-time mode follows a similar pattern over two years. The dissertation can be taken in the autumn, spring or summer teaching periods.

All students must complete all six taught modules before undertaking the research dissertation.

Students will experience a variety of learning modes including traditional lecturer-led lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, library-based literature exercises, computer-based activities together with an asynchronous learning environment.

A key aspect of this MSc is to develop students as independent learners and competent professionals in the nutrition arena in UK and internationally, who meet the AfN core competencies.

i. To provide a program of study that offers advanced training for graduates which will equip them for roles in the field of public health or sports nutrition

ii. To further develop a critical approach to existing knowledge and current research in nutrition in relation to nutrition, particularly in relation to public health and sport

iii. To advance student’s practical experience thus enabling the students to reflect upon personal, professional and practical aspects of healthcare, particularly in relation to nutrition.

iv. To enable students to become effective learners/practitioners in their career path by developing cross-functional personal skills and capabilities.

Knowledge and understanding
i.To show an understanding of the fundamental principles of human nutrition to an advanced level
ii.To demonstrate an ability to integrate the underlying nutritional principles with the aetiology of diseases of importance to public health nutrition
iii.Develop skill and understanding of research methodologies employed in the human nutrition field, including competence in statistical techniques
iv.Demonstrate an advanced understanding of current UK and international policies to address the food environment and chronic diseases
v.Demonstrate an awareness and application of ethical and professional matters of relevance to the nutrition workplace
vi.To meet the competencies and adhere to the code of conduct expected of a nutrition professional as stated by the AfN

Cognitive/intellectual skills
i. Critically evaluate aspects of nutrition to show an understanding of the limitations of the scientific study of nutritional knowledge.
ii. Communicate effectively (both verbally and written) original scientific material to both academic and lay audiences
iii. Design and execute an extensive research project relevant to public health nutrition or sports nutrition (MSc only).
iv. Develop higher capabilities in practical skills relevant to nutrition research.
Transferable skills
i. Communicate an advanced understanding of nutrition so as to be able to contribute more broadly within the multidisciplinary public health team.
ii. Work independently and as part of a group and meet deadlines.
iii. Demonstrate competence in the use of a range of IT software packages.
iv. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills at a higher level.

Subject specific practical skills
i.To be able to undertake and interpret appropriate dietary assessment methodology in a range of settings.
ii.To be able to assess and interpret nutritional status of specific population groups using appropriate assessment tools
iii.To be able to design a nutrition and or dietary intervention for specific population groups
iv.To communicate effectively healthy eating and lifestyle messages
v.To demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate nutrition epidemiological studies and nutrition policy and to translate this into public health nutrition strategies
vi. Interrogate and analyse large datasets relevant to nutrition, using appropriate statistical techniques.
vii. Plan, execute, interpret, analyse and critically evaluate nutrition research.
viii. Make effective use of a range of IT software packages for statistics and dietary analyses.

Knowledge and understanding

i. Critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning current approaches to nutritional care with particular emphasis on obesity, under-nutrition or sports nutrition
Ii Demonstrate an understanding of the application of nutrition theory to practice in current healthcare systems at an advanced level.
iii. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the economic aspects of delivering healthcare in relation to obesity , diabetes and cardiovascular disease at the individual and population level.
iv. Evaluate ethical issues of relevance to nutrition:

NF7041, NF7044, NF7010,

Cognitive/intellectual skills

i. Critically evaluate aspects of nutrition to show an understanding of the limitations of the scientific study of nutritional knowledge.
ii. Communicate effectively (both verbally and written) original scientific material to both academic and lay audiences
iii. Design and execute an extensive research project relevant to public health nutrition or sports nutrition (NF7P16)
iv. Develop higher capabilities in practical skills relevant to nutrition research:

NF7015, NF7011, NF7034, NF7041, NF7P16

Transferable skills

i. Communicate an advanced understanding of nutrition so as to be able to contribute more broadly within the multidisciplinary health care team.
ii. Work independently and as part of a group and meet deadlines.
iii. Demonstrate competence in the use of a range of IT software packages.
iv. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills at a higher level:

NF7015, NF7044, NF7034, NFP014

Subject specific practical skills

i. Design a framework for nutrition care for individuals or groups with relevant medical conditions.
ii. Interrogate and analyse large datasets relevant to nutrition, using appropriate statistical techniques.
iii. Plan, execute and critically evaluate nutrition research.
iv. Make effective use of a range of IT software packages:

NF7015, NF7P16, NF7044

Although there are no QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) benchmark statements for Human Nutrition at Postgraduate level, course outcomes are in line with Generic QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) guidelines on Masters level qualifications.

A range of assessment methods will be used in the MSc, with the choice of assessment instrument chosen to test the specified learning outcomes. Assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff delivering the module. Assessment is part of the learning process and confirms the outcomes of the learning process. As such, the assessment process is used to provide an insight into learning problems and to thus trigger remedial action. It also provides feedback on curriculum design and delivery and, via the ongoing iterative process of module monitoring, makes a significant contribution to the continued development and improvement of the courses.

A variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments. Laboratory and computer based investigations, poster and oral presentations and an extended project with viva voce.

A work placement module is offered in either public health nutrition or sports nutrition. The placement will be agreed by the tutor and student will receive supervision the student while on placement. The procurement of a suitable placement will be the responsibility of the student.

Postgraduate Certificate(Human Nutrition) to include three core modules to a total of 60 credits
Postgraduate Diploma(Human Nutrition) to include any six taught modules to a total of 120 credits

The course has been accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) since 2011.

Career opportunities include roles in the food industry, research, local authorities, governmental bodies, the media and charitable organisations. You’ll also be well placed to apply for research studentships with a view to completing a PhD. Employment opportunities are currently increasing in both fields.

You will be required to have:

• a minimum of a lower second class (2.2) UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in nutrition or a related subject such as biochemistry, sports science or physiology (other related subjects will be considered on an individual basis)