Students prepare food in the kitchen facilities in the Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine.

MSc Public Health Nutrition

Learn how nutrition is combined with the science of disease prevention and management, as well as health and behaviour methods, to improve the lives of individuals and populations.

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      Overview

      Covid-19 - Public Health Nutrition Essential Information

      View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
      Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time
      Start Dates: September 2021, September 2022
      Subjects: Health and Social Care
      Nutrition and Health
      Location: Edge Hill University

      Subject to validation.

      This MSc in Public Health Nutrition will provide you with the specialist scientific knowledge and practical skills required to meet the nutritional challenges of the 21st century. The course is designed to produce graduates who possess the appropriate skills, knowledge and expertise to make significant contributions to the field of nutrition, at both national and international level. If you are interested in a degree that combines the science of nutrition with an understanding of chronic disease management, sustainability, and ways to implement effective change with individuals, groups and populations then this is the programme for you.

      Student and Alumni Profiles

      • Katherine Jones

        Katherine Jones

        MSc Public Health Nutrition
        When I started this masters degree I really didn’t expect it to change my life in the way that it has. How I look at the world has really altered. I’m more critical and questioning but also more confident in my own abilities.
         View Katherine Jones' full profile
      • Sarah Norburn

        Sarah Norburn

        MSc Public Health Nutrition
        The skills I developed meant that I could go into public health campaigning, weight management, diabetes prevention, even health and lifestyle journalism. There are so many avenues available to you.
         View Sarah Norburn's full profile
      • Paige Costello

        Paige Costello

        MSc Public Health Nutrition
        It’s been great to be around different health professionals and the guest lecturers have been fantastic.
         View Paige Costello's full profile
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      In Depth

      What will I study?

      All modules on the programme are designed to enhance your understanding of the scientific evidence that underpins public health nutrition, from the rationale behind dietary recommendations and reference nutrient intakes through to strategies and policies to improve population health through nutrition.

      You will learn about the metabolism of nutrients with regards to their effect on the causation and prevention of disease, while exploring the psychological models of behaviour and behaviour change in relation to food choice. Global health challenges, such as maternal and child nutrition, sustainable food production and food poverty, will also be considered.

      Alongside this you will study emerging topics in the field of nutrition that have an impact on health status. This will include issues such as nutrigenomics and the impact of sugar intake on health.

      The knowledge and skills you develop throughout the course will be utilised in a project-based module that will provide you with the opportunity to complete a research project relevant to your own interests or area of employment. You will be supervised by one of the experts within the faculty and encouraged to submit your work for publication if appropriate. Your journey into research will be underpinned by a dedicated module enhancing your knowledge of research methods and the research process.

      How will I study?

      The programme incorporates a variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, workshops, student-led seminars, practical activities and case studies. This varied approach is designed to meet a range of learning needs, encourage problem-solving skills and foster peer discussion and communication. Teaching will usually be delivered during the daytime.

      How will I be assessed?

      Assessment methods are varied and include a combination of exams, essays, case studies and presentations.

      Who will be teaching me?

      You will be taught by specialists in the fields of nutrition, health, physiology, biochemistry and psychology. The programme team are actively engaged in nutrition-related research and consultancy with organisations such as the British Dietetic Association and British Association for Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation. Staff research interests include maternal nutrition, cardiovascular health, obesity, nutrition and sustainability, food science and metabolism, and behavioural psychology. This expertise and knowledge is used to directly inform teaching activities ensuring a real-world learning experience.

      A Great Study Environment

      Three students make notes and discuss with each other during a seminar.The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.

      Offering some of the best facilities for health, social care and medicine students in the country, the outstanding teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.

      The faculty is home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups.

      Modules

      Expand All

      HEA4444Research Methods (20 credits)

      Research Methods introduces you to the research process including the philosophical fundamentals of both quantitative and qualitative traditions and a range of research methodologies. The module will enable you to demonstrate the ability to critically appraise a range of research methodologies and plan a small-scale empirical project in your chosen discipline, as well as gaining awareness of the theoretical and practical implications of undertaking such a study.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      HUG4049Dissertation 2 (60 credits)

      Dissertation 2 enables you to focus upon a significant piece of investigative enquiry in an area of interest, from conceptualisation through to completion. The module will develop your skills as an independent learner who is able to manage a project over an extended period of time. Critically evaluating existing research and theoretical perspectives to identify a gap in research knowledge, you will be expected to justify the choice of methodology and underpinning theory, analyse the impact of the research project and appraise the ethical considerations encountered during your research. The module is assessed by the production of a 5,000-6,000 word journal article and an additional piece of supporting work such as a presentation.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      HUG4050Fundamentals of Public Health Nutrition (20 credits)

      Fundamentals of Public Health Nutrition provides you with robust foundations in understanding the complexities of nutrition at both individual and population levels. Nutritional recommendations for the general population remain a contentious aspect to population health, with new evidence emerging constantly that highlights the intricacies of nutrition and the potential to refine advice. The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of nutritional requirements throughout the lifespan, enabling you to discover the evidence behind these recommendations and the link with health and disease.


      Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

      HUG4051Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credits)

      Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease equips you with a comprehensive knowledge of nutrition and its application in the prevention and management of dietary related diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dementia and cancer. Understanding the relationship between foods, nutrients and key disease of society is crucial for public health nutrition. The module will enable you to discover the principles of human metabolism that underpin the maintenance of homeostasis in the human system. You will examine biochemical and physiological systems, with emphasis placed on understanding the regulation of whole body metabolism.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      HUG4052Health and Behaviour Change (20 credits)

      Health and Behaviour Change focuses on the determinants of behaviours related to health and the theories used to explain and predict behaviour. The module also examines the use of theory in developing interventions to change behaviours to improve health. You will have opportunities to develop your understanding of the underlying principles, as well as gaining expertise in their application, by designing behaviour change interventions. The module will also enhance your presentation skills.


      Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Practical(s): 40%.

      HUG4053Nutrition and Sustainability (20 credits)

      Nutrition and Sustainability provides you with an understanding of the complex issues associated with nutrition, food and sustainability. With the issue high on the agenda for governments, international organisations, the private sector and academia, food sustainability is an important consideration when looking at population health. You will develop a broad understanding of food sustainability issues, as well as examining the key policies and strategies for promoting food sustainability, tackling the modern challenges of feeding a growing population, and exploring the burden of diseases associated with poor diet and lifestyle choices. The module will equip you with the expertise required to support individuals, communities, organisations and groups to adopt healthful and sustainable dietary choices.


      Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

      HUG4054Epidemiology, Evaluation and Effectiveness (20 credits)

      Epidemiology, Evaluation and Effectiveness develops your critical understanding of populations and the population measures of health, wellbeing, illness and disease. An insight into current population characteristics, variations and trends is an essential component for most types of policies and actions aimed at promoting health, controlling disease and reducing health inequalities. The module will assess how population measures are used to describe patterns of health, illness and disease in different populations and across time and place. You will also gain an understanding of how these patterns can inform disease risk factors, infectious disease control and public health and social care policy.


      Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Practical(s): 40%.

      HUG4055Professional Practice (0 credits)

      Professional Practice develops your skillset as a potential nutritionist of the future. With the opportunity to attend expert research seminars, you will be introduced to the standards of ethics, conduct and performance as set out by the Association for Nutrition. The module will enable you to refine and supplement skills developed in other modules on the course while also equipping you with practical competence to complement the theory developed in the classroom.

      Timetables

      You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

      Disclaimer

      Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

      Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

      Entry Criteria

      Entry Requirements

      You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject such as nutrition, dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, sport science, health, food science or biology.

      Applicants with a third class honours degree and/or relevant work experience would need to demonstrate a good level of knowledge in biosciences and will be considered on an individual basis.

      English Language Requirements

      International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

      If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

      Recognition of Prior Learning

      Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

      Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

      Career Prospects

      What are my career prospects?

      This programme provides ideal preparation to progress into nutrition-related roles in many organisations within the public and private sector. These include local authorities, charitable organisations, the NHS, health promotion organisations, the leisure industry and the private sector. Example potential roles could include nutritionists for food retailers, scientific officers for Public Health England, policy and communication officers, nutrition and health advisors for the Ministry of Defence Police, or healthy lifestyle specialists.

      Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto PhD study to further develop a specialist knowledge of nutrition.

      Finance

      Tuition Fees

      Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are £5,580 for UK students and £13,500 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22. Exemptions apply for EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK full-time tuition fee rate.

      Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are £31 per credit for UK students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22, i.e. £620 per 20 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree. EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK part-time tuition fee rate.

      If you’re an Edge Hill University graduate joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition fees. You could receive a 50% reduction if you graduated in academic year 2020/21 or a 20% reduction if you graduated in academic years 2018/19 or 2019/20. This offer is available to eligible UK students, EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status, and Irish nationals. Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/feereduction2021 to find out more.

      The University may administer a small inflationary rise in part-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

      Financial Support

      For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2021.

      EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.

      Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

      Apply

      How to Apply

      There is an online application process for this programme.

      Please choose the application form for your preferred intake date and mode of study.

      Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect for more information about the application process.

      Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect to access the relevant online application form and to find out more about the application process.

      Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

      Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

      Visit Us

      If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

      Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

      Request a Prospectus

      If you would like to explore our full range of taught Masters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters by Research (MRes) degree before you apply, you can order a postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.

      Get in Touch

      If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

      If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:

      International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

      A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

      Course Changes

      Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

      23rd March 2021 - Change of Module

      HUG4049 Dissertation 2 (60 credits) replaces HUG4048 Dissertation (60 credits) as a compulsory module.

      9th February 2021 - Change of Modules

      HUG4048 Dissertation (60 credits), HUG4050 Fundamentals of Public Health Nutrition (20 credits), HUG4051 Nutrition, Metabolism and Disease (20 credits), HUG4052 Health and Behaviour Change (20 credits), HUG4053 Nutrition and Sustainability (20 credits), HUG4054 Epidemiology, Evaluation and Effectiveness (20 credits) and HUG4055 Professional Practice (0 credits) replace HUG4001 Nutrition Metabolism and Disease (30 credits), HUG4003 Health Behaviours and Nutrition (30 credits), HUG4007 Dissertation (60 credits), HUG4008 Public Health Nutrition with an International Perspective (20 credits) and HUG4009 Contemporary Issues in Human Nutrition (20 credits) as compulsory modules.

      9th February 2021 - Change to Entry Requirements

      You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject such as nutrition, dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, sport science, health, food science or biology.

      Applicants with a third class honours degree and/or relevant work experience would need to demonstrate a good level of knowledge in biosciences and will be considered on an individual basis.

      International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

      If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

      11th September 2020 - Change of Tuition Fees

      Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are £6,120 for UK and EU students and £13,250 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21.

      Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are £34 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21, i.e. £680 per 20 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.

      Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are £6,300 for UK students and £13,500 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22.

      Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are £35 per credit for UK students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22, i.e. £700 per 20 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.

      Tuition fees for EU students enrolling on postgraduate courses in academic year 2021/22 are still to be announced. If you are a prospective EU student, you are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

      The University may administer a small inflationary rise in part-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

      Covid-19 - Public Health Nutrition Essential Information

      Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

      Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.