University of Nottingham

What you'll study

This taught MSc combines core modules in human nutrition and metabolism with training in research methods and statistics, together with options that allow you to focus on public health, clinical or food systems perspectives. You will typically study topics such as nutritional physiology and metabolism, nutritional epidemiology, diet and disease relationships, methodological approaches to nutrition research, and applied public health nutrition. Practical laboratory sessions and data-analysis workshops build practical skills in biochemistry, body composition assessment and dietary assessment techniques.

The programme culminates in an independent research project or dissertation, supervised by an academic with expertise in your chosen area. Projects can be lab-based, population-level or mixed-methods, and are designed to develop skills in study design, data collection, analysis and scientific communication.

• Core modules: human nutrition and metabolism; nutritional epidemiology; research methods and statistics; nutrition and disease.
• Optional modules: public health nutrition; clinical nutrition; food composition and functional foods; behaviour change and nutrition interventions; advanced laboratory techniques.
• Skills development: laboratory practice, body composition assessment, dietary assessment methods, critical appraisal, research ethics and scientific writing.
• Research dissertation: independent project with supervisory support, including literature review, project execution and thesis submission.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK second-class honours, upper division/2:1) in a relevant subject such as biological sciences, biomedical science, nutrition, dietetics, food science, pharmacy or medicine. Applicants with a lower-class honours degree plus relevant professional experience, or a strong related honours degree with additional laboratory or research experience, may also be considered.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The department typically asks for an English language qualification equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or an accepted equivalent qualification.

Applicants with professional experience in nutrition, public health or the food industry are welcome; where appropriate, a personal statement and references should explain how prior training or work is relevant to the programme. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide samples of previous academic work for assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MSc enter a wide range of careers across academia, the public and private sectors. Common pathways include doctoral research, university or clinical research posts, roles in public health and health promotion, nutrition policy and advocacy, and technical, regulatory or product development positions within the food and nutrition industries.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for further training in clinical dietetics (where additional professional qualifications are required), for roles in clinical trials and pharmaceutical research, and for positions in charities, international development organisations and government bodies concerned with nutrition and health.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers cross-disciplinary research strengths in nutrition, metabolism and public health, with academics active in laboratory, population and implementation science. Students benefit from access to modern laboratory facilities and equipment, opportunities to collaborate with clinical and public health partners including local NHS teams, and links with industry and policy organisations.

The programme emphasises hands-on training in practical and analytic skills and provides close supervision for research projects. Being part of a large, research-intensive university ensures exposure to a broad range of seminars, specialist expertise and networks that support career development in research, industry and public health.