Obesity

Course Overview

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 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.



What Makes This Course Unique

- Consolidate your understanding of the causes, complications and treatment of obesity with a flexibly structured course that will suit those based anywhere in Ireland.



- Study with other students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds in medicine, nursing, sports science, dietetics as well as health policy, economics, marketing and philosophy.



- The research project offers an excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration and for peer-reviewed publication of your scientific work.

The range of modules on offer makes the programme uniquely versatile and well placed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals, scientists, policy makers and those working in industry seeking to develop and in-depth understanding of the causes of and solutions to the obesity crisis.



Year 1

Semester 1

MD1700 Obesity in the Population (10 ECTS)

MD1701 Obesity in the Patient (10 ECTS)

MD1602 Introduction to Ethical/ Regulatory Frameworks of Clin. Res. (10 ECTS)



Semester 2

MD 578 Lifestyle Risk Factor Modification (30 ECTS)



(Please note student is registered for Masters Research Project Module for Semester 1,2,3)



Semester 3

MD1702 Research Dissertation (30 ECTS)

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.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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).

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

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 2025

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. While this course is open to nurses, there is a dedicated MHSc in Obesity at University of Galway, delivered through the School of Nursing, which integrates different core modules that are more relevant to advanced nursing theory and practice.