Human Nutrition

Human Nutrition is the scientific study of the foods we eat, the nutrients in foods, the fate of the nutrients when they are eaten and the effects of diet on health and well being. As a graduate nutritionist, you will have the skills to elicit, disseminate, and apply knowledge drawn from the relevant sciences to promote an understanding of the effects of diet on human health and well-being.



This master's course is a 12 month full-time intensive programme. The programme will provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of human nutrition, developing scientific and research skills to master's level. Two taught semesters provide study in core modules in human nutrition. The human nutrition research project is an integral part of this programme where students undertake an independent research project under close supervision.



Revalidation

The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.



In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.



This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.



Work placement / study abroad

This course requires students to undertake a 3 month research project embedded within a nutrition research environment in Ulster University. There are no external placements or internships within this programme.



Professional recognition

Association for Nutrition (AfN)

Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for the purpose of eligibility for Direct Entry Registration at Associate Level with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN).

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

• Applied Nutrition

• Biochemistry and Molecular Approaches to Nutrition

• Public Health and Nutrition Communication

• Research Methods and Biostatistics for Nutritional Sciences

• Nutrition Research Project

• Nutritional Assessment



Optional Modules

• Nutritional Metabolism in Sports and Exercise

• Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe

• Nutritional Controversies

• Diet and Disease

• Food Science & Microbiology

• Supply Chain Management Applied to Functional Foods

Applicants must have gained a second class BSc Hons degree (2:2) or higher in a science based course which has provided substantial background and fundamentals in core science subjects in particular biochemistry and also physiology/anatomy or equivalent science subjects from a recognised institution.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for students whose first language is not English



The minimum requirement is Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual section less than 6.0

Graduates must be able to communicate in English to the equivalent of IELTS level 6.5 with no element below 6.0 to be eligible to apply for registration with Association for Nutrition.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

12-months, Full-Time

3-years, Part-Time

Start Date: September 2025

Career options

The academic content of the programme, together with the experience gained from the Masters research project, leads to excellent employment opportunities within industry, nutrition research, health promotion, public health, personalised nutrition ie in the areas of metabolomics, nutrigenomics or in nutrition overseas. Many of our graduates choose to pursue higher research degrees (PhD) or to pursue further taught study in the area of human nutrition, dietetics, sports nutrition or to complete a PGCE and become teachers of science, home economics or biology at both this University or at other institutions of higher education and research.