Nutritional science is a subject of growing importance in many aspects of healthcare, lifestyle and industry. This Masters programme offers you the option to study one of four specialisations: public health nutrition, clinical nutrition, obesity and weight management or sports and exercise nutrition.

Programme overview

• MSc (Med Sci): 12 months full-time;
• PgDip 9 months full-time;

The core teaching provides an excellent grounding in nutrition given in the form of lectures, practical sessions, debates, team work tasks, self-directed learning, seminars and tutorials.  Much of the core teaching takes place two days per week, however this is an intensive full time programme and you will be expected to engage with self-directed learning on the other days of the week.

Core courses

• Food and nutrient requirements and nutrition through the lifecycle
• Digestion, absorption and nutritional metabolism
• Dietary and nutritional assessment
• Public health and eating behaviour.

Specialisation courses, one from the following

• Public health nutrition
• Clinical nutrition
• Obesity and weight management
• Sports and exercise nutrition.

You will also undertake a research project in the summer semester based on your specialisation area.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for a variety of employment opportunities in the food and health industries, public health, research, health promotion, food policy, the media and relief/development work in less developed countries. There is an expanding role for high quality nutritionists in all these sectors.

A high proportion of our graduates go on to complete PhDs in Glasgow or other high quality institutions across the world.
Please note, this programme does not lead to State Registration in Dietetics.

Academic entry requirements

An Honours degree in a suitable science subject, or an ordinary degree in a highly relevant subject such as nutrition or dietetics from an institution recognised by the University Court.

You are required to provide two references, a full degree transcript and a personal statement with your application.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc (Med Sci)

PgDip