Obesity

Your Course
This newly established masters programme provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. There is a growing awareness of the need to provide effective treatments and prevention strategies. Our motivation in developing this programme at NUI Galway is two-fold: first, to inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and second, to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic. This two-pronged approach is a strong theme throughout the programme, reflected in the two distinct obesity modules that form part of the core learning. Our students will develop in-depth knowledge of the various therapeutic strategies available to patients and will understand the factors underlying variations in the obesity phenotype. Students will also appreciate the potential benefits and disadvantages of various population-level strategies that can be formulated to address the obesity crisis, and the societal, political and legislative challenges faced in deploying these.

Minimum Entry Requirements
Successful applicants will possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (or equivalent) degree in an appropriate clinical or life science degree programme. However, for those who do not hold a primary degree at the required level, a special case can be made if they have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through at least three years of high quality work experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background). Candidates coming to Ireland from abroad or who do not have a degree from Ireland or the UK will be asked to provide evidence of an acceptable result in one of the recognised English language proficiency tests, e.g., IELTS total score of 6.5. All prospective candidates will be interviewed either by telephone or by Skype.

WHEN TO APPLY:
NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Module Assessment
Assessment is continuous, with each module assessed independently through e-tivities, discussion boards and a written assignment or equivalent. For those who opt not to be assessed, participants may audit a module or modules and receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity

30 ECTS - Postgraduate Certificate
60 ECTS - Postgraduate Diploma

1OBS1: 1 year, full-time; 1OBS2: 2 years, part-time.

Intake: Twice Annually (October and January)

Career Opportunities
For doctors this programme will be an adjunct to specialist training (rather than an alternative to it). The appeal will be broad and will include general practice, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, public health and occupational health as well as surgery. The course offers a career development opportunity for public health nurses, midwives, and medical and surgical nurses within acute hospital-based bariatric teams, as well as nurses in primary care, particularly where large-scale deployment of structured lifestyle programmes within the community is likely with the newly established National Clinical Programme for Obesity. Similarly, psychology, dietetic, occupational therapy and physiotherapy graduates who will ultimately contribute to obesity multidisciplinary care will need advanced training in obesity. Managers within the health service, hospital groups, policy makers and industry stakeholders are also likely to enhance their career prospects through completion of this programme.