top of page
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Course structure
The MSc takes 1 year and you’ll need to complete 180 credits. You can also choose to exit with a PGDip or PGCert if you don’t complete the full MSc. The course is available full time over 1 year, or part time over 2 years.
The 6 taught modules cover a wide breadth of topics relevant to many careers in the food or healthcare sectors. You’ll also complete a research project where you’ll explore a subject in more depth with support from one of our academics. This is your chance to specialise in an area relevant to your career goals or simply find out more about an area that interests you.
Beyond the assessed elements of the course, we provide lots of opportunities for you to develop your CV, gain experience and expand your network. You can get involved in projects with groups like the Healthy Ageing Network and make links with our stakeholders, including food companies or healthcare organisations. Also, don’t forget to attend our popular annual careers event, where you can find out more about careers with many top nutrition employers.
Overview
Nutrition is one of the most important factors contributing to human health. It’s an exciting and evolving field where your work could change lives and transform communities.
We’re home to the renowned Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health. You’ll have regular contact with top researchers throughout the course where you will hear the latest insights. Get involved in studies – as an assistant or work alongside them to gain key experience for your CV.
You’ll also focus on developing practical skills, working in labs and participating in projects. You’ll cover a range of topics, from nutrition in low-income countries to the impact of diet and physical activity on disease. These reflect the specialisms of our teaching team, which includes registered dietitians, nutritionists and specialists in areas like public health, chronic conditions or nutrition for sports.
If your scientific skills need sharpening before you start the course, you can take a short course with us. It doesn’t matter what your background is, we’re here to help you into the dynamic world of nutrition.
Modules
Compulsory modules
• Fundamentals of Human Nutrition (20 credits)
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the different nutrients required by humans throughout the life cycle and their sources in food in the UK and worldwide. It also critically evaluates methods used to assess nutrient intake at an individual and population level. The relationship between lifestyle and body composition will also be covered.
• Food Science (20 credits)
This module covers the properties of food components and their role in foods. It specifically addresses the measurement of food quality (including nutritional composition and manipulation), sensory and physical attributes, microbiological aspects of food production and preservation, new product development and the role of functional foods.
• Research Methods (20 credits)
This module provides a foundation and training in fundamental research methods, from literature searching, experimental planning and design to data analysis and presentation.
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health (20 credits)
This module examines the relationships between nutrition, physical activity and health outcomes in humans. In particular, the influence of diet and physical activity on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity will be considered along with counselling and goal-setting for diet, nutrition and exercise.
• Global Nutrition and Public Health (20 credits)
This module covers nutrition in the context of world health. It examines current global nutrition problems and their social context in low-income countries, together with their treatment and prevention. It is oriented to a practical approach for their control. The subject gives emphasis to mother and child health and nutrition.
• Health Promotion and Professional Practice Across the Lifespan (20 credits)
This module explores the concept of health promotion and where it originated from through goal setting for diet, nutrition, and exercise in health and disease. The class will develop students to act as a professional nutritionist within the AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance.
Final project
Compulsory modules
• Research Project (60 credits)
This module involves original research in the study of a specific topic in nutrition. Past research projects include the effect of cocoa beverages on blood pressure, nutrient losses in cooking, and fruit and vegetable consumption of the elderly cf WHO guidelines. The choice of topic is by negotiation between you and an appropriate member of teaching staff acting as supervisor.
Research
Our research areas and clusters include:
glycaemic control and the development of low glycaemic index foods
female nutrition and the role of the menstrual cycle in energy regulation
appetite and satiety
childhood obesity and the factors influencing it
sensory testing of foods
weight management
management of type two diabetes with nutrition and physical activity
functional food ingredients and their effect on energy regulation
antioxidant properties of foods.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
In order to successfully complete a postgraduate course, applicants are usually expected to have (or be about to attain) at least a second class honours degree in a related scientific subject from a recognised institution of higher education. If you do not have these academic qualifications, you could still be offered a place on this course if you can show evidence of the potential to succeed based on professional and/or related experiences.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
the Welsh Baccalaureate
the Access to Higher Education Diploma
a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
the International Baccalaureate Diploma
the European Baccalaureate Diploma
Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
a recognised foundation course
T-levels*.
* T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.5 in Reading and Writing, and 6.0 in Listening and Speaking) is required.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and teaching
You will learn using a variety of methods, including:
lectures
directed reading
workshops
seminars
practical work
project work.
Each module requires 200 hours of student input in each twelve week semester. There are approximately 36 hours of staff contact time. There is typically three hours teaching each week for 12 weeks.
Our teaching staff are drawn primarily from the Department of Sport and Health Sciences. We also invite visiting speakers from:
business and industry
local government
consultancies
research bodies
other universities.
The Oxford Centre for Nutrition and Health (OxBCNH) is an internationally-renowned research group consisting of visiting professors, fellows, research assistants and PhD students. All of whom are researching nutrition and food topics.
Assessment
Your performance in each module is assessed by:
evaluation of your written or design work
verbal presentations.
We use a range of assessment methods, such as:
essays
seminar papers
formal written examinations
in-class tests
project case work
design and verbal presentations
workshops
simulations
practical exercises.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Recent nutrition students have gone on to some exciting and wide-ranging careers with organisations like the NHS, Médecins Sans Frontières, Coca Cola, and many different research labs or independent healthcare agencies.
You might use the course to combine new skills with your existing job. Maybe you’re already working in the food or health industry and want to specialise. Or perhaps you fancy a change of career. With the broad range of skills you’ll develop here, and the international nature of the course, you’ll have plenty of options open to you.
Career destinations you might consider include:
health promotion as food and health coordinators
industry with food and drink manufacturers and retailers
medical food companies
food service providers
trade associations
government and policy to improve the health of the population
research in universities, food companies or research institutes
specialised training, in dietetics for example
further study with a PhD.
bottom of page