Nutritional Sciences, PGDip – (M.Sc.)

Nutritional science has become increasingly important in the formulation of clinical therapeutic strategies and preventative strategies against chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) in populations. There is a growing trend linking obesity as part of a phenomenon often referred to as the epidemiological and nutritional transition. In low income countries facing a double burden of disease, in addition to tackling infectious diseases such HIV/AIDS and malnutrition, they also face a growing chronic disease burden. These global health challenges of the 21st Century call for the training of nutrition and health professionals to provide a new dimension to current models of health care delivery and primary prevention of disease.

This programme has been designed with a strong academic and research focus and provides an opportunity for continuing professional development in nutrition and human resource capacity building for health professionals and science graduates with an interest in subjects allied to medicine in the United Kingdom, Europe and more globally, especially in transition economies and developing countries.

The programme provides a basis for in-depth scientific study of nutrition and its relationship with physiological, biochemical, genetic and developmental factors in health and disease. It also enables students to explore interactions between biological, psychological, cultural and economic determinanets of nutrition-related health within a social context. The specialist courses and practical programme will enable graduates to undertake effective screening to identify nutritional needs of individuals and population sub groups and to plan appropriate interventions to help address them.

Career options
Graduates may work in the health sector, the food industry, the voluntary (NGO) sector e.g. on projects linked to international health and development or go onto doctoral studies and research. Other graduates may work in the sports, fitness and leisure industry or work freelance upon registration as associate nutritionalists.