Why study this course?
Our Human Nutrition MSc will build the experience you gained from a related undergraduate degree and will provide you with the option to specialise in either public health nutrition or sports nutrition. Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), this master of science course will help you to develop advanced practical experience in your approach to research and practice in nutrition. By becoming an effective learner and practitioner with cross-functional skills, you’ll be well prepared for a future career in public health or sports nutrition.
Our nutrition and food science courses are impressively ranked third in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide. They are also ranked third for teaching quality and seventh for course satisfaction.
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More about this course
The course team on our Human Nutrition MSc has a wide range of expertise ranging from whole body metabolic research, epidemiology and dietary assessment to clinical research and nutrition policy. These interests are reflected in the subjects you’ll study on this postgraduate course.
In the core modules, you’ll explore the fundamental concepts of nutrition science and human metabolism and develop your research skills including the critical evaluation of literature, data collection and analysis. You'll also develop your laboratory techniques and methodologies for assessing the nutritional status of individuals, groups and populations.
The Human Nutrition Dissertation module will allow you to undertake a substantial piece of research in the field of nutrition. Through the analysis of data and synthesis of theory, policy and practice in relation to either public health nutrition or sports nutrition, this is your opportunity to become an expert in your own right.
On completion of the course, you will be eligible to become a registrant with the AfN as an associate nutritionist, which will allow you to place the designatory ANutr after your name. After three years of relevant experience as an associate nutritionist, you can become a full registrant. You can apply under one of five specialisms: public health, sports and exercise, nutrition science, animal or food.
The MSc is a one-year full-time course, involving 30 weeks of taught modules divided into two 15-week semesters commencing in either September or February. The part-time mode follows a similar pattern over two years.
Assessment
This course is assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
Professional accreditation
The course has been accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) since 2011.
Fees and key information
Apply nowEntry requirements
You will be required to have:
- a minimum of a lower second class (2.2) UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in nutrition or a related subject such as biochemistry, sports science or physiology (other related subjects will be considered on an individual basis)
At admission, students whose first language is not English must have English Language requirements appropriate to an AfN Accredited programme, which must not be less than 6.5 IELTS (or equivalent), with no individual section less than 6.0.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
English language requirements
To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.
If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
- This module currently runs:
- autumn semester - Thursday morning
This module focuses on the fundamental concepts of nutrition science and human metabolism. It addresses the functional roles of energy and macro- and micronutrients (and non-nutrients) and explores the physiological influences on energy and nutrient demands across the lifespan and in altered nutritional states.
This module aims to provide a conceptual framework for the study of human nutrition science and to enhance an understanding of the concepts of nutritional balance and turnover; nutritional supply and demand; the essential roles of energy, nitrogen and macro- and micronutrients. It also explores the interrelationships between food, nutrients, diet and lifestyle with physiology and human health.
Assessment: Practical report (50%) (2000 words)
Written exam (50%) (1.5 hours)Learners must obtain at least 50% to pass this module.
- This module currently runs:
- spring semester - Tuesday afternoon
This module develops the student skills in conducting research in food & nutritional sciences with experience in critical evaluation of literature, study design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.
The content of this module will focus upon the key tools available for research relevant to human nutrition and food science giving the students an appreciation of the key skills required to participate in research. It will consolidate prior broad knowledge of statistical techniques to develop a deeper understanding of statistics and allow the student to enhance their critical and reflective approaches to research. This will be addressed in a wider context of ethics and professionalism. - This module currently runs:
- autumn semester - Friday morning
This module provides students with an understanding of the methods available for assessing nutritional status of individuals, groups and populations. It aims to enhance student’s critical evaluation of the assessment of nutritional status at a population level using available published data. The module examines the derivation of nutrient reference values, their strengths and limitations. UK’s nutritional surveillance systems are analysed and evaluated. This will be approached within a context of applying statistical analysis to investigate the dietary and nutrient patterns of the UK population and subgroups. The methods applied to gather surveillance data will be critically scrutinised.
- This module currently runs:
- autumn semester - Thursday afternoon
This module focuses on the critical evaluation of dietary assessment methodologies and their use for individuals and specified population groups. There is also a critical evaluation of DRVs (dietary recommended values), food composition databases and laboratory analysis of nutrient intake. The module also involves the critical appraisal of nutrition epidemiological studies and how to interpret and evaluate the evidence for diet-disease relationships, particularly for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer to inform public health policy.
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the rationale for and the formulation, implementation and limitations of food, nutrition and obesity policies, in local, national and international contexts. The content of this module will draw upon prior knowledge and practical experience in basic food and nutrition science.
This module will focus on the food and nutrition issues at the population level and how they relate to chronic disease prevention and wellbeing. It will draw upon the epidemiology of nutrition-related morbidity to examine how local, UK, European, international and global food, nutrition and obesity policies and strategies are formulated, implemented and evaluated. This will be approached within a context of the wider food and public health systems and policies and the political environment. Surveillance will be examined ranging from global to local systems, with special reference to the National Child Measurement Programme. The obesogenic environment (with particular reference to the role of the food industry) will be addressed. Health promotion theory, historical and current activities including Change4Life. Fiscal policies to address the obesity epidemic will be evaluated.- This module currently runs:
- spring semester - Monday morning
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the application and limitations of nutritional public health initiatives, in a national and international context. You will develop knowledge of the major national and international public health bodies and their aim(s), field(s) of influence, terms of reference and sources of funding. Students will also develop practical skills in communication to enable them to design and present nutritionally balanced diets to meet the needs of individuals, propose epidemiological studies and evaluate nutrition initiatives in public health. The module focuses on the factors which affect the nutritional needs of individuals and communities. The effects of the social determinants on health inequity are examined. Overnutrition, food insecurity and the association of deprivation on health are explored in detail. The impact religious practices, cultural beliefs on accessing healthcare, and their impact on dietary intake is investigated. The theories of behaviour change and their application is considered and scrutinised in relation to improving nutrition. The module offers training on the role of the UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Outcomes Framework, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and the Health and Wellbeing Strategies. Public health initiatives to reduce inequalities in health are examined and critically evaluated. Experts in the nutrition arena from governmental, non-governmental organisations, charities, the food industry and The Association of Nutrition are also invited as external speakers.
- This module currently runs:
- spring semester
- autumn semester
- summer studies
The aims of this module are to allow the learner to undertake a detailed piece of original research either by the empirical collection of data or an original secondary analysis of existing data.
To build upon experience at undergraduate level and understanding of the research methodologies relevant to human nutrition and/or food science and/or dietetics and to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills developed through their prior study in the respective degrees. This module also aims to provide an opportunity for critical reflection of the research topic and self-reflection of learning, studying and research skills and knowledge.
This module is designed for learners to undertake a substantial piece of research in the nutrition and/or food science and/or dietetics. The research project is intended to build upon the taught modules of the relevant award. The dissertation is designed to demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and skills developed throughout the award. As the largest piece of assessed work undertaken on the award, the dissertation will carry great significance with the assessment board as it will be seen as the clearest expression of the learners’ ability at postgraduate level.
Assessment: Will comprise of project proposal (750 words), Dissertation (8000 words) and a viva voce of 20 minutes where learners will defend their research submission.
To pass the module an aggregate mark of at least 50% must be obtained.
What our students say
"I am amazed by the opportunities for students and alumni to work and grow further with the University. It truly stands for its name – combining a variety of people, culture and ideas. The support system offered by each department is strong."
Princee Kalra, Human Nutrition MSc formerly called Human Nutrition (Public Health/ Sports) Msc graduate
Where this course can take you
Career opportunities include roles in the food industry, research, local authorities, governmental bodies, the media and charitable organisations. You’ll also be well placed to apply for research studentships with a view to completing a PhD. Employment opportunities are currently increasing within the human nutrition field.
How to apply
Use the apply button to begin your application.
If you require a Student visa and wish to study a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, please read our how to apply information for international students to ensure you have all the details you need about the application process.
When to apply
You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.
To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.
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