- Be skilled in proposing and developing solutions to nutrition-related problems as they relate to human health and disease and communicate these to stakeholders, at a professional and appropriate level, utilizing information technology and a range of approaches
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of principles relating to scientific integrity and ethical issues in Food, Nutrition and Health
- Demonstrate competence to acquire, organise, analyse, integrate and critically review information from a wide range of sources relating to issues in Food, Nutrition and Health and construct and defend reasoned conclusions
- Demonstrate effective time management and organization skills
- Have a working knowledge of the structures and theoretical tools that enable efficient team work, in order to generate innovative ideas and know-how to approach their subsequent selection for further development
- Integrate and apply knowledge of key principles underlying Food, Nutrition and Health
- Think independently, show initiative, evaluate and reflect, set tasks and select appropriate and reasoned approaches to solve problems
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The Graduate Programmes in Food, Nutrition and Health are aimed at graduates from a variety of disciplines and is suitable for both science and non-science graduates. Students will be educated on the fundamentals of food science and nutrition after which the curriculum enables students to choose topics for more detailed focus.
This programme is delivered and assessed entirely on- line. Minimum registration to the Graduate Diploma is 18 months. The flexible and online format of the programme enables the majority of students enrolling on the programme to combine studying while in employment.
Hosted by the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, the Food, Nutrition and Health programme brings together academic and research staff from across UCD in health-related aspects of food research, including food science, human and public health nutrition, food production, biosystems engineering, food law, consumer behaviour and food safety.
Students will gain an understanding of the nature of food, how it is produced, how it is affected by processing, why we eat, what happens to food when we eat it, and how food components can interact with the functioning of humans. Upon completion of the MSc graduates will be able to apply this knowledge to address nutrition-related problems in different groups, cultures and societies.
Graduates will be educated to a high level in the science of food as it pertains to human nutrition and health.
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Core Modules We advise that students take HNUT 40060 Introduction to Nutrition; FDSC 40500 Chemistry of Nutrients, and FDSC 40530 Principles of Biochemistry in Autumn, Year 1 if possible. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40500 | Chemistry of Nutrients | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Core Modules We advise that students take HNUT 40060 Introduction to Nutrition; FDSC 40500 Chemistry of Nutrients, and FDSC 40530 Principles of Biochemistry in Autumn, Year 1 if possible. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40530 | Principles of Biochemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Core Modules We advise that students take HNUT 40060 Introduction to Nutrition; FDSC 40500 Chemistry of Nutrients, and FDSC 40530 Principles of Biochemistry in Autumn, Year 1 if possible. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40060 | Introduction to Nutrition | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40520 | Food Microbiology & Safety | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40920 | Plant Foods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40090 | Pathways to Health (O/L) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40100 | Food Regulatory Affairs (O/L) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40130 | Research Design and Statistics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40150 | Nutritional Assessment | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
PHPS40720 | Public Health Nutrition O/L | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40510 | Food Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40540 | Food Process Technology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40570 | Food Marketing (O/L) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40600 | Principles of Sensory Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
FDSC40890 | Animal Foods | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40070 | Nutrients in the Life Cycle | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40080 | Omic Strategies in Nutrition | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40110 | Food Quality and Safety (O/L) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40250 | Clinical Nutrition O/L | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
HNUT40280 | Nutritional Physiology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
PERS40090 | Sport and Exercise Nutrition | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Choose nine of the following. Students choose 45 credits of Option Modules over the course of their programme registration. Students should refer to the Food, Nutrition & Health Programme Handbook for further details. |
PHPS40710 | Promoting Consumer Nutrition | Spring | 5 |
Gráinne Clarke (Graduate)
I chose to complete my postgraduate studies at UCD as it is such a globally renowned, impressive and distinguished University. I completed the Master’s degree in 2 years. While the course was challenging at times overall, I found it to be extremely enjoyable and rewarding. Lectures and coursework were efficiently delivered, interactive and extremely well-organised. Professors and tutors provided excellent support and encouragement throughout. While the course is delivered online there was always a sense of responsive care and courtesy from all academics with a robust support system in place.
I would recommend the Master’s course to anyone that is considering pursuing a career in the food, nutrition or health industry. Potential students need to be fully committed and self-disciplined throughout the course and I would advise them to grasp and enjoy the experience and opportunity. I believe attaining this Master’s has distinguished me to employers and businesses. Since graduating I have been continually to advance my professional development and I plan to apply to the Association for Nutrition for Registered Associate Nutritionist status.
Breda O'Mahony (Graduate)
One of the main advantages attached to this course is the whole area of its diversification. The depth and variety of modules delivered offered a host of different opportunities in the spectrum of Food, Nutrition, and Health.
After exhaustive investigation between different institutions and the courses that they had to offer, I knew the MSc in Food, Nutrition and Health at UCD was the one for me. Their online platform enabled me to continue working whilst studying at a pace that suited my schedule. As a result, a great level of compatibility between my work and study life was achieved. The open timeframe to complete the Masters was very attractive. I was motivated to complete it within two years but it was reassuring that I could extend the timeframe if needed. Receiving the coursework grid on week 1 of each semester allowed me to focus and plan coursework/MCQ’s around busier times at work. Similarly, knowing that on each Monday relevant lectures would be released, therefore aiding planning.
I can genuinely say that completing my Masters in the field of Food, Nutrition and Health has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I have never worked so hard nor have I ever felt so proud of the work that I have produced. This is largely due to the challenging environment the programme provided, as I was stimulated by the realistic obstacles that confronted me throughout the programme. This journey has allowed me to study with some of the leading academics in their field.
Lectures and coursework were relevant, engaging and thought provoking thus enabling me to expand on areas such as subject knowledge and development of critical thinking skills with relevance to everyday life. The depth and variety of modules offered insight into varying perspectives thus enhancing my subject knowledge. Having a tutor for each module was advantageous, they were very helpful and responded very quickly to any query no matter how big or small.
The completion of this Programme has opened up a number of differing opportunities that perhaps would not have come otherwise. The biggest sensation I feel when I think about my time at UCD is that of pride. Whilst the workload was demanding, the feeling of pride and accomplishment upon its completion meant that the hours of dedication were all worth it.
Graduate Diploma Food, Nutrition & Health (X620) Part Time
EU/NONEU fee per credit - € 125.1
***Fees are subject to change
EU/NONEU fee per credit - € 125.1
***Fees are subject to change
The total cost of this graduate diploma is based on 60 credits at the current per credit fee listed above. (Per credit fee x 60).
Applicants who would like to take a stand-alone module may do so as an Occasional Student, and should contact the School of Agriculture and Food Science directly for further details on how to apply and cost per module. Email: foodonline@ucd.ie
NOTE: These fees are correct at time of publication and are for guidance only. Fees are subject to change. Official fees are as per UCD Fees website.
The course is aimed at graduates from science-based disciplines with no previous or recent formal educational background in Food Science or Nutrition who wish to up-skill and become competent in this increasingly important and rapidly evolving area.
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours degree in a cognate subject (Science, Engineering or related discipline), or international equivalent.
Applicants with other awards who hold substantial relevant work experience will be considered.
Applicants who do not hold the requisite Science qualification (but who hold a Level 8 Honours degree or equivalent) have been admitted previously and are advised to submit an application for assessment by the Programme Coordinator to determine eligibility.
All applications are assessed on a case by case basis by the Programme Director.
Applicants are asked to provide a CV and Personal Statement with their application, along with Academic Transcripts (non UCD Graduates) and proof of English proficiency if required.
Applicants who would like to take a stand-alone module may do so as an Occasional Student, and should contact the School of Agriculture and Food Science directly for further details on how to apply and cost per module. Email: foodonline@ucd.ie
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The programme is suitable for graduates with no formal educational background in food science or nutrition, who wish to up-skill and become competent and employable in this increasingly important and rapidly evolving field.
It is aimed at graduates from a variety of disciplines and the programme is suitable for both science and non-science graduates.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Diploma Food, Nutrition & Health:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X620 Graduate Diploma Food, Nutrition & Health Graduate Diploma |
Part-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Apply |
* you can change options at the top of the page