Human Nutrition & Dietetics

Course Outline

The MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics is an integrated postgraduate course that enables graduates with a BSc or MSc in Nutrition or equivalent degree to meet the standards of proficiency and professional competency so they are eligible to apply to the Dietitians Registration Board (CORU) for registration as a dietitian. The programme is delivered full-time over two calendar years.



The curriculum is based on standards set by the professional associations, the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) guided by the Dietitians Registration Board (CORU) Criteria and Standards of Proficiency for Education and Training Programmes. The curriculum reflects current evidence-informed and research-based educational theory and dietetics practice. The course is delivered through lectures, workshops, practice education and problem-based learning tutorials.



Practice Education (clinical placement) comprises 1,000 hours of placement spread throughout the programme in Years 1 and 2 to facilitate the application of knowledge gained during the academic year. Practice Education is delivered through a partnership between the University, the Health Service Executive, and voluntary and private sector providers. Students will complete three compulsory placements in a variety of settings (hospitals, clinics, community settings) throughout Southern Ireland.



• The CORU Dietitians Registration Board has approved the MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme at University College Cork.

Year 1 (60 credits)

Core Modules

• DT6002 Nutritional Assessment in the Clinical Setting (5 credits)

• DT6003 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy (10 credits)

• DT6004 Food Skills and Food Service Management (5 credits)

• DT6006 Professional Practice and Interpersonal Skills (10 credits)

• DT6007 Public Health Nutrition (5 credits)

• DT6008 Medical Management of Disease (5 credits)

• DT6009 Clinical Practice Placement 1 (5 credits)

• DT6010 Applied Research for Dietetics (5 credits)

• DT6014 Dietetics Through the Lifecycle (5 credits)



Elective Modules (Choose 5 credits)

• EH6158 Health promotion I (5 credits)

• NT6107 Integration and Regulation of Nutrient Metabolism (5 credits)*



*Module selection is subject to the agreement of the programme coordinator, however students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Nutrition are required to take NT6107.



Year 2 (60 credits)

• DT6011 Clinical Practice Placement 2 (5 credits)

• DT6012 Clinical Practice Placement 3 (15 credits)*

• DT6013 Research Dissertation in Dietetics (40 credits)*



*Students will be split into two groups. Group 1 will complete DT6012 followed by DT6013 and Group 2 will complete DT6013 first and then DT6012. Students who fail to achieve the pass standard for DT6011 at the Supplemental Examination Board will be assigned to Group 2.

Requirements

1. Candidates will hold a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent) or a postgraduate degree (Level 9 NFQ or equivalent). Applicants must have successfully completed human physiology and biochemistry modules (a minimum of 10 credits for each module are required) as part of the primary or postgraduate degree. Suitable degrees include nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, biology, food science, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

2. Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement, indicating their reasons for applying and stating their suitability for the programme.

3. Two references should be included with the online application, one of which should be academic and one professional (to be uploaded by the applicant when applying).

4. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of educational qualifications, CV, references and relevant work experience.

5. All applicants accepted onto the programme will need to have evidence of appropriate vaccinations for working in hospital environments.



Garda Vetting

Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. View UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.



Fitness to Practise

This programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date: 10 January 2025

Non-EU Closing Date: 10 January 2025

2 years full-time.

Start Date: 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

What can I do after I graduate with an MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics?

By studying this course you have the opportunity to become a highly skilled, evidenced based clinician, who can use a range of resources and evidence to deliver safe and appropriate dietetic advice in clinical, community and other settings. During the course you build on a wide base of transferable clinical skills which may enable you to specialise in a specific area of Dietetics following successful graduation.



Occupations associated with an MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Dietitians are employed in a variety of locations, providing opportunities in areas such as:

• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (hospital and community dietetics)

• Food Industry

• Public Health Nutrition (government health, promotion agencies)

• Pharmaceutical industry

• Sports Nutrition

• Private Practice

• Education

• Research (nutrition and medical research-public and private sectors)

• Working overseas



Opportunities to work in research in Dietetics are expanding and students may use their masters as a stepping stone to doctorial study in the UK or overseas, or teaching in higher education.