Obesity

The MSc Obesity 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 University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly 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.



University of Galway is uniquely well placed to deliver this course, which forms part of an integrated suite of masters programmes including cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes and clinical research. It will be delivered by clinical academic staff attached to the regional bariatric service, providing multidisciplinary medical, nursing, surgical, dietetic and psychological care to patients with severe and complicated obesity.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Optional MD510: Fundamentals of Health Research & Evaluation Methods - 10 Credits -

Semester 1

Optional EC584: Economic Evaluation in Health Care - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional MD1602: Introduction to the Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks of Clinical Research - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required MD1702: Research Dissertation - 30 Credits - Semester 1

Required MD1700: Obesity in the Population - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required MD1701: Obesity in the Patient - 10 Credits - Semester 1

Optional EC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD1803: Tobacco Cessation in Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Management - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD1804: Diet and Weight Management in Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Health - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD1805: Physical Activity and Exercise in Chronic Disease Management - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD1810: Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches in Cardiometabolic Medicine - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD578: Lifestyle Risk Factor Modification - 30 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD1809: Applied Bioethics in Obesity - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Optional MD1808: Obesity: the role of marketing, advertising and lobbying - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Successful applicants will possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 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.

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

1 year, full-time; 2 years, part-time.

Next start date September 2026

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 include general practice, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, public health and occupational health as well as surgery. 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.