Human Nutrition MSc – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2023
- Study mode and duration
- Full-time: 1 year
Why choose this course
- Study a research-led curriculum to develop a deep understanding of current issues in the field of human nutrition
- Learn from lecturers who’ve been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2017-18 for Further and Higher Education, in recognition of their research excellence in the field of food and nutrition
- Access our multi-million-pound biomedical laboratories, kitted out with the latest industry equipment, to measure rates of synthesis, disposal and conversion of metabolites
- Join one of our research groups to take part in seminars and workshops, and benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world
- Get the academic requirements needed to register with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) to work as an associate nutritionist once you’ve graduated.
What you will study
You’ll investigate the evidence-based links between diet, health and disease, supported by a full appreciation for the nutritional mechanisms involved. You’ll develop your knowledge and scientific research skills to an advanced level, preparing you for a career in nutritional sciences.
You’ll study topics, including the fundamentals of human nutrition, international and public health nutrition, metabolic nutrition, molecular nutrition, and sports and exercise nutrition.
You’ll also undertake your own original research, and we’ll supervise you to carry out experiments and projects on important topics in the field. We’ll match your interests with the expertise of our researchers, ensuring you get the best support. You’ll also be part of ongoing research activity at Surrey.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Facilities
You’ll get access to our multi-million-pound biomedical laboratories, kitted out with the latest industry equipment. This includes our Stable Isotope-based Analysis Core Facility, where we use stable isotope tracers and mass spectrometry to measure rates of synthesis, disposal and conversion of metabolites.
Teaching staff
You’ll be taught by experts who are active researchers in diabetes, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular risk, bone health, vitamin D, selenium and iodine, appetite and the gut, obesity, and exercise nutrition, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers.
You’ll also learn from lecturers who were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2017-18 for Further and Higher Education, in recognition of their research excellence in the field of food and nutrition. These may include:
- Dr Adam Collins, a qualified nutritionist for over 20 years and an expert in obesity, weight loss, body composition and sports nutrition
- Dr Barbara Fielding, an expert in lipid metabolism and isotope tracers
- Professor Bruce Griffin, a qualified nutritionist and world-leading expert on the effects of diet on cardiometabolic risk
- Professor Margaret Rayman, an expert on the effects of selenium and iodine in pregnancy.
Research groups
You’ll be invited to join one of our research groups focusing on metabolic medicine, food and macronutrients, and public health and food security. You’ll participate in discussions about research topics, findings and publications, and you’ll benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world.
We also have a host of external speakers that visit us and present their work, and a collection of seminars and workshops, allowing you to network with likeminded individuals.
Teaching
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Laboratory-based practicals
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Presentations
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including coursework, essays, examinations and presentations.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Professional recognition
MSc - 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).
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). This means you’ll be eligible to apply for direct entry into the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists to work as an associate nutritionist (ANutr) on successful completion of your studies. Once you’ve gained three years of post-degree professional experience, you’ll be eligible to apply for registered nutritionist status (RNutr). ANutr and RNutr nutritionists are the only evidence-based nutritionists recognised by Public Health England and the Department of Health.
95 per cent of our biosciences and medicine postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (**Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA). Our alumni take on roles as nutritionists and healthcare assistants, working for NHS trusts, food production companies, Government departments, nutrition organisations, sports clubs and start-ups.
The skills you’ll gain are also highly relevant in other fields, including consultancy and pharmaceuticals. Many of our graduates go on to complete a PhD, investigating an area of personal interest.
Learn more about nutrition careers on the Association for Nutrition website.
Schools and departments
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in anatomy, biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, dietetics, forensic science, medicine, microbiology, nutrition, pharmacology, pharmacy, physiology or veterinary, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
We'll also consider substantial relevant work experience if you don't meet these requirements.
Professional qualifications in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine can also be considered.
Not accepted: Food quality and safety or food science and engineering.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection will be based upon the candidate’s application. Applications that do not meet the standard criteria are referred to the admissions tutor.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If your experience exceeds the typical requirements for entry to the programme, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for specific modules through your previous learning, it may be possible to exempt you from those modules, and for you to be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
In some cases, prior knowledge and skills may allow applicants to join the start of a course without meeting the formal entry requirements.
Please see our code transfer and recognition of prior learning guide (PDF) and recognition of prior learning and prior credit web page for further information. Please email Admissions (admissions@surrey.ac.uk) with any queries.
Fees per year
Start date: September 2023
Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £9,100
- Overseas
- £23,900
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2023-24 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually
- If you are on a two-year full-time MFA programme, or a two-year or three-year part-time masters programme (excluding modular/self-paced/distance learning), the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a tuition fee loan: Will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a tuition fee loan: Are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
- If you are sponsored: You will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Course | Status |
|---|---|
Human Nutrition MSc Full-time, 12 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 1 June 2023 |
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready. | |
Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, Policies, Regulations and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/2023 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: the offer terms and conditions and registration terms and conditions which you will be asked to agree to may be different from those detailed in the examples. Our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will be available at the start of each academic year and will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing but changes (for example, to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH