Jenny Harbottle
- Graduated
The course leaders provided continuous support and advice, and the links to the Rowett Institute allowed for an excellent environment for the study of nutrition, as well as access to cutting-edge research in the field.
Introduction
Do you want to help prevent disease and improve the understanding of the relationship between diet and health? Our MSc in Human Nutrition will improve your knowledge of clinical, metabolic and molecular nutrition while also learning about the issues affecting public health.
This programme is studied on campus.
On this comprehensive MSc programme you will have the opportunity to study different areas of human nutrition before deciding which to specialise in. This includes molecular nutrition, which Aberdeen is unique in offering. This flexible course structure means your studying will be best aligned with your interests and career requirements.
The programme is run in collaboration with the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, part of the University of Aberdeen, one of the leading and oldest nutrition research institutes in Europe. For over 100 years, the Rowett Institute has played a major role in informing policy and establishing the link between diet and health; it continues to work on major diet-related health and food security issues to this day.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
The information below applies to the 1 year full time / 2 year part time on campus learning MSc programme which runs in September.
- Semester 1
-
Introduction
In the first semester of study students take four core courses and generic skills training. These taught courses are based on lectures, laboratory practical classes and individual assignments. The topics covered include dietary assessment, macronutrients, energy balance and metabolism, micronutrients, nutritional status and body composition, nutrition throughout the lifecycle, diet and disease, computing and applied statistics.
Compulsory Courses
- Foundations of Nutrition (PU5015) - Credits: 15
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This course provides students with the under pinning knowledge required when studying human nutrition. Introducing the basic concepts of the biochemical and metabolic processes essential to human health, you will have lectures, tutorials and practical assignments on the metabolic and endocrinology pathway and immune system responses to the food and nutrients we eat. During the course you will gain a detailed understanding of the digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, fat, alcohol, vitamins and minerals, as well as an in-depth knowledge of energy balance and metabolism.
- Applied Statistics (PU5017) - Credits: 15
-
This course intends to develop the student's awareness of the fact that statistical techniques are integral to scientific research. Researchers must be able to specify a precise research question in statistical terms and then select an appropriate study design in order to carry out an effective research project. They must also be able to assess the adequacy of the research presented in scientific or medical literature. The same skills are also required for many MSc dissertation projects.
- Nutrition and Health (PU5020) - Credits: 15
-
This course will provide a detailed knowledge of the relationships between diet, human development, health, and disease. Topics covered include diet and nutrition across the life course, integration and adaptability of different metabolic pathways to e.g. starvation, exercise, and the role of diet in the development of diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. During the course you will also develop the skills required to select and critically appraise scientific literature and to design research study protocols. A combination of lectures, laboratory classes and group presentations will help consolidate your understanding of the impact food and nutrients on health.
- Generic Skills (GS50M1)
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This course will improve your employability skills. I-SEE (Individualised self-assessment to enhance employability) is a bespoke online resource developed to help identify your strengths and areas needing improvement. The self-assessment process allows you to identify development areas for employability skills like communication, IT and numeracy skills and personal attributes like creativity, organisation and timekeeping, flexibility, team working. This leads to automated, tailored feedback and signposting to self-study to assist in improving your CV. Reflection and an e-portfolio will assist in articulation of these enhanced skills/attributes during mock interviews. Some sessions are compulsory, but otherwise it involves self-directed learning.
- Research Methods and Professional Practice (PU5034) - Credits: 15
-
This course will equip students with the skills and information needed to appraise and undertake research in a professional manner. You will acquire the skills and information needed to: formulate a general aim and specific research questions and objectives; design a study; writing a research proposal, collect and manage data and critically appraise the data in the context of other relevant research and present the findings of a scientific study. In addition students will develop their knowledge of the standards, requirements and professionalism required to conduct high quality rigorous research.
- Semester 2
-
Introduction
In the second semester students choose from one of three specialist courses; Clinical Nutrition, Molecular Nutrition or Public Health Nutrition. Within each of the specialisms you will also learn about study design, research methods, professional practical and ethical standards. Courses are taught over a 6-week period, which includes lectures, practical classes and exercises to give students understanding and first-hand experience of their chosen specialism.
Compulsory Courses
- Assessment of Nutritional Status (PU5539) - Credits: 15
-
This course will give you a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of the methods used to assess nutritional status, including dietary intake, assessment of body composition and energy expenditure applied in the context of energy balance. Theory will be put into practice through a series of practical workshop and laboratory sessions to give you ‘hands-on’ experience of using a range of assessment techniques using state-of-the-art equipment routinely employed by nutritional scientists.
Optional Courses
- Clinical Nutrition (PU5537) - Credits: 15
-
This course provides up-to-date knowledge of the biological and molecular science research methods relevant to understanding the role food and nutrients in health and disease. A combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, clinical sessions and site visits will help you integrate the practicalities of undertaking nutrition research with the biological processes involving nutrition and its roles in both clinical and public health nutrition. During this course you will be required contribute to lively discussions of the application of the research methods, study and intervention design.
- Molecular Nutrition (RR5502) - Credits: 15
-
This course provides up-to-date knowledge of the biological and molecular science research methods relevant to understanding the role food and nutrients in health and disease. A combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, clinical sessions and site visits will help you integrate the practicalities of undertaking nutrition research with the biological processes involving nutrition and its roles in both clinical and public health nutrition. During this course you will be required contribute to lively discussions of the application of the research methods, study and intervention design.
- Public Health Nutrition (PU5534) - Credits: 15
-
This specialism course provides an up-to-date knowledge of Public Health Nutrition research methods, a sound understanding of their application in diet, health and disease research, and their role in the development and evaluation of nutrition policies. A combination of lectures, seminars, debates and site visits will give insight into the practicalities of undertaking research and you will be expected to contribute to lively discussions of the research topics and intervention design. You will also learn to evaluate current sources of evidence to identify and critically appraise the relationship between food and nutrition the wider society and policy development.
- Semester 3
-
Introduction
This course offers one of the most extensive research projects available on a taught masters, which will give you the opportunity to carry out a detailed piece of work. Many of our past students have successfully published the findings of their project in peer-reviewed journals.
Compulsory Courses
- Specialist Research Project in Human Nutrition (PU5911) - Credits: 60
-
This 18 week research project completed under the guidance of a supervisor will give direct experience of the different processes involved in scientific research either in a laboratory, clinical or public health setting. A wide range of research topics will be offered covering the subjects studied in the taught course. Projects are carried out at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, School of Medical and Dentistry or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; projects may also be undertaken in other institutions in the UK or overseas where suitable supervision can be identified.
- Diploma Literature Review in Human Nutrition (MT5804) - Credits: 30
-
Full-time literature review on a topic related to human nutrition chosen by the student in consultation with an appointed supervisor
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Our Human Nutrition taught programme combines traditional lectures with seminars and practical sessions. Many lectures are recorded via Camtasia and can be viewed again when required.
The MSc enables you to learn outside the classroom so that you can apply both theory and practice to human nutrition projects.
Some of the additional learning opportunities on the programme include:
- Research placements
- Insight into current human nutrition studies
- Access to industry experts
- Site visits to key nutrition projects in the community
- Research-led teaching by key opinion leaders
On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated team of experienced researchers, who will be tutoring you. Much of the teaching on this course involves participatory research work. Students are expected to engage with research work as well as classroom teaching and independent study in their own time.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are evaluated in the form of essays, laboratory practicals, individual and group presentations and written examinations in December and March. The assessments aim to train you for your future career. We use innovative assessment procedures which complement the skills that you will be required for the future, such as academic poster presentations, writing papers and communicating with the public. The MSc project is assessed by a thesis and oral presentations of the project findings.
Why Study Human Nutrition?
- Studying Human Nutrition at Aberdeen means you will experience multi-disciplinary, research-led teaching by experts who are leaders in the field.
- As Aberdeen is a leading centre for human nutrition research, the programme offers site visits and arranges guest lectures that will provide you with unique insights into nutritional research. You will also gain first-hand experience of what is involved in running a research study.
- You will be able to specialise in the area of human nutrition which is of most interest to you: Clinical Nutrition, Molecular Nutrition or Public Health Nutrition.
- The MSc is accredited by the Association for Nutrition, one of only 3 MSc programmes in Scotland to have achieved this standard.
- You will have access to the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, which has been responsible for ground-breaking nutritional research including the effect of milk on the growth of children, the development of partition chromatography, the identification of metallothionein protein and the establishment of the Food Standard’s Agency and the Scottish Diet Action Plan.
- The programme is coordinated through the University Medical School and has strong links to the on-campus hospital, offering you the opportunity to carry out medical-focused nutrition projects.
- The University has a strong focus on developing your applied skills and expertise, so that your qualifications and experience are closely aligned to employers’ needs.
- The new purpose-designed Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health building has recently opened on the University's Foresterhill campus, one of the largest health complexes of its kind in Europe.
- Lord Boyd Orr former director of the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the worldwide fight against hunger.
- The MSc Human Nutrition is co-ordinated with the Medical School which is ranked 7th in the UK (Guardian League Tables 2016).
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
A second-class honours degree in Biological Sciences or Life Sciences, or equivalent research or field experience. Minimum 2.2, 60% or GPA 2.4/4 or 3.0/5 overall.
Please check the In My Country pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Students from other disciplines who do not have the required level of biomedical sciences can be considered for the programme once they have successfully completed the University of Aberdeen’s Access to Postgraduate Biomedical Science course. This 6-week online course has been designed to help students, planning to study Human Nutrition, gain the required level of biomedical sciences knowledge and understanding to prepare for postgraduate studies.
The Access to biomedical sciences course will run for 6 weeks from the 8th May at a cost of £500. If you are considering registering for this access course please contact PGBiomedicalsciences.access@abdn.ac.uk for further details.
English Language Requirements
All students entering the University must provide evidence that they can use English well enough to study effectively at the University of Aberdeen.
Details of our English language entry requirements can be found on our English Language Requirements webpages. This programme requires that you meet the College of Life Sciences and Medicine Postgraduate Standard level of English proficiency.
If you have not achieved the required scores, the University of Aberdeen offers pre-sessional English courses. Further details are available on our Language Centre website.
Nationals of some English-speaking countries or those who hold degrees from some English-speaking countries may be exempt from this requirement. Details of countries recognised as English-speaking can be found on our English Language Requirements webpages.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Tuition fee rates can be found on our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU / RUK Students | £6,000 |
| Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year | |
| International Students | £18,000 |
| Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies. Please click the links for full details and eligibility criteria.
- Scottish Funding Council Scholarships - Postgraduate tuition fee scholarships for Scottish/Non-UK EU students.
- Tuition Fee and Living Cost Loans - SAAS loans to cover up to £5,500 towards tuition fees and £4,500 for living-costs for eligible students.
- Aberdeen International Masters Scholarship - a £2,000 tuition fee discount and is open to self-funding students who are nationals of Vietnam, China, Malaysia, and African countries.
- Alumni Discount Scheme - a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Completing the MSc Human Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen will give you the knowledge, understanding and practical insight required to advance your career in nutrition. You will broaden your career opportunities and develop an invaluable network of contacts through the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, one of the leading nutrition research facilities in Europe.
Career options available to you include:
- Further study (PhD)
- Academic jobs in university settings, e.g. lecturer, researcher
- Nutritionist
- Public Health Policy Manager
- Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinator
- Fitness and Nutrition Counsellor
Not only will you gain a qualification from one of the world’s top universities, but you will be part of Aberdeen’s strong heritage of research excellence. In 2014, the University was ranked number 1 in the UK by the Research Excellence Framework in the Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science category.
Industry Links
NHS Grampian
Food Standards Scotland
Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health
Accreditation
This MSc Programme is accredited by the Association for Nutrition. AfN Degree Accreditation supports development of nutritionists’ skills by recognising university courses which deliver evidence-based nutrition education to a professional level.
You have the right to apply for direct entry at Associate level to the UKVRN, which would entitle you to use the letters ANutr after your name, without having to go through the lengthy process of additional assessment.
What our Alumni Say
-
Jenny Harbottle, at -
Dominique Glatt, Research Scientist with Bio-tech company at Dominique Glatt
- Job Details
- Research Scientist with Bio-tech company
- Graduated
I really loved the course! I had wonderful professors, lecturers and project supervisors, the classes were engaging and always diverse, my classmates were from every corner of the world and I met some of my best friends on this course.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Dr Janice Drew
- Dr Frank Thies
- Dr Kirsty Kiezebrink
- Dr Alan Sneddon
- Dr Alex Johnstone
- Dr Flora Douglas
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Janet Kyle
- Dr Viren Ranawana
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Programme Overview
Discover how our MSc Human Nutrition will improve your knowledge of clinical, metabolic and molecular nutrition while also learning about the issues affecting public health.
Watch videoFacilities
Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health
The new purpose built Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health building, on the Foresterhill Health Campus, is equipped with state-of the-art laboratory facilities, write-up areas and a specialist Human Nutrition Unit.
Health Sciences Building
The Health Sciences building, located on the Foresterhill Health Campus, houses the purpose built Clinical Research Facility, researchers from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences and the Imaging Department which boasts state-of-the-art equipment
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.
Research Impact
Marks & Spencer (M&S) plc developed the Fuller Longer food range with expert input from University of Aberdeen scientists, led by Dr Alex Johnstone.
Watch videoGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
College of Life Sciences and Medicine Graduate School
University of Aberdeen
Polwarth Building
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZD