University College Dublin

Overview

The MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at University College Dublin (UCD) is a comprehensive full-time program designed to equip students with the skills necessary for a successful career in dietetics. This practice-oriented course emphasizes advanced nutrition science, clinical training, and hands-on supervised placements. Students will gain the ability to assess nutritional needs, develop evidence-based interventions, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

• Award: MSc (Master of Science) in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
• Duration: Typically 2 years (full-time)
• Delivery: On-campus with mandatory supervised practice placements
• Credits: Credit value awarded in accordance with UCD regulations
• Language of instruction: English
• Assessment: Combination of coursework, clinical/practice placement evaluation, and a dissertation

What you'll study

The program is structured to progressively enhance clinical competence, integrating core dietetics and clinical nutrition modules with supervised practice placements and a dissertation project.

Core modules (indicative)

• Medicine for Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nutrition and Communication
• Clinical Nutrition
• Nutrition Epidemiology
• Dietetics (covering lifespan nutrition)
• Health Promotion
• Advanced Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Dissertation
• Practice Placement / Professional Practice

Practice placement

Compulsory supervised practice placements provide exposure to dietetic work in various environments, including acute hospitals and community settings, allowing students to gain practical experience under professional supervision.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: Applicants should possess a second class honours degree or higher in a relevant science or health discipline, such as biochemistry, food science, human biology, human nutrition, pharmacology, physiology, medicine, nursing, or sports performance science.
• Relevant study: Prior qualifications must demonstrate coursework in human biochemistry and physiology from an accredited institution.
• English language proficiency: Proof of English proficiency is required, with accepted tests including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test, meeting UCD's specified minimum scores.
• Documents commonly required: Academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV (if requested), passport/ID, and supporting documents that showcase relevant coursework and professional experience.
• Selection: Meeting minimum entry criteria does not guarantee admission; academic performance and program-specific factors may also be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics will be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health programs, and private practice. They may also pursue roles in research, education, and health promotion, contributing to improved nutritional health outcomes in populations.