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Human Nutrition
School of Medicine and Population Health,
Faculty of Health
Course description
Passionate about health, wellness, and the impact of food and nutrition? This accredited programme is designed to equip you with the scientific knowledge, practical experience, and professional skills needed for a successful career in nutrition, food, health, or for further study. Our course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Upon completion, you'll graduate fully qualified to work as a Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr).
This comprehensive and exciting programme begins with a strong foundation in nutritional science, including biochemistry and physiology, exploring how the body responds to food and its nutritional needs across the life cycle. You’ll engage in hands-on lab sessions to measure energy balance, body composition, and food analysis. You will also learn about public health nutrition and global nutrition.
Building on this foundation, you’ll go on to study clinical nutrition and the complex relationships between diet, health, and disease, including the role of nutrition in preventing and managing conditions like chronic metabolic disorders. You will also learn about exciting advances in nutrition and current topics in the field. Furthermore, you will learn about sustainable nutrition and food systems, and how climate change is affecting food and nutrition. You will be able to get valuable hands-on practical skills in public health through conducting a real nutrition outreach event for members of the public.
Throughout, you’ll develop essential professional and practice skills, such as communication, ethics, and leadership, while learning directly from practising nutritionists. The programme will also help prepare you for the next step in your career through focused training on employability skills.
The culmination of the programme is a dissertation project, offering valuable training and experience in research design and execution, allowing you to explore nutrition areas that align with your interests under the guidance of experienced academics. As an MSc run within a research-intensive university, you will get the opportunity to work with globally renowned researchers. Combining theoretical knowledge, practical application, and real-world insights, this MSc prepares you for the next step in your career and to tackle contemporary nutritional challenges whilst making a meaningful impact in the field.
Why study at Sheffield?
- Training in current nutrition topics: Gain expertise in a diverse range of contemporary nutrition areas, including public health nutrition, global health, clinical nutrition, advances in nutrition, and sustainability.
- Hands-on learning experiences: Develop practical nutrition skills through lab-based and community engagement activities, applying your knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Focus on professionalism and employability skills: Build essential skills in professionalism, practice, and employability, preparing you for advanced careers in nutrition or further academic pursuits.
- A longstanding reputation in nutritional research: For over 30 years, our AfN-accredited Human Nutrition course has built a trusted reputation. Through a balanced curriculum comprising classroom learning, hands-on practical activities, research training, and wider training on professionalism, practice and employability the MSc provides the breadth of skills needed for students both planning to work or pursue further study and PhDs.
Intercalation
An intercalation year in Human Nutrition will provide you with the knowledge and skills to apply nutrition in patient care, research, and public health.
Find out more on the School of Medicine and Population Health website.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition. Candidates who successfully complete the MSc can apply for direct entry as Registered Associate Nutritionists on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, held by AfN.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Continuing Professional Development
All modules in this course are available as standalone CPD modules, allowing you to focus on specific areas of interest in Human Nutrition. Completing CPD modules can enhance your professional development and knowledge, making it easier to integrate nutrition into your practice. If you decide to pursue further study, you can apply to transfer to an MSc, PGDip, or PGCert qualification, with any time spent on CPD counting towards the overall time limit for completing your chosen qualification.
Core modules:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
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This module will provide you with an understanding of the way in which the body metabolises nutrients under a variety of different dietary circumstances and metabolic states. The chemical composition and characteristics of different classes of nutrients will be covered, with reference to their physical properties and functions in the body. Nutrients will be discussed with reference to the main dietary sources. Biochemical processes involved in the metabolism of macro and micronutrients will be covered. The complexities of metabolism will be considered using an integrated approach with the concept of energy flux through metabolic pathways as a focus. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms whereby the body can adapt metabolically to different dietary circumstances. Established functions of specific micronutrients will be discussed. Some important clinical and metabolic effects of deficiency of vitamins and minerals will be covered.
15 credits - Nutritional Epidemiology
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This module is designed to i) introduce students to the basic principles of nutritional epidemiology, ii) provide students with a knowledge of epidemiological study design and the ability to interpret epidemiological research, iii) introduce students to the methods of dietary assessment and analysis options, and enable them to collect, analyse and interpret dietary information, iv) provide students with a knowledge of the socio-ecological influences on food choice and v) introduce students to the nutritional challenges of vulnerable population groups and the importance of nutrition policy.Please note: there is a number cap of 50 for this module
15 credits - Nutritional Physiology
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This module will introduce the concept of homeostasis and the functions of the human body related to nutrition. The module introduces the major physiological processes occurring through life, as they relate to and are influenced by nutrition, beginning in-utero, and considering the physiological adaptations of pregnancy, lactation and ageing. Included in the module are the principles and measurement of energy balance, energy expenditure, body mass and body composition and the physiological regulation of food intake.
15 credits
Please note: there is a number cap of 50 for this module - Nutrition in the Global South
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The aim of this module is to promote an interest and understanding of the nutritional issues particularly facing countries in the Global South, through considering the nutritional situation in low and middle income countries with respect to food availability and consumption at all levels. Key topics encompass malnutrition in all its forms (micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases). It will explore the relationships between deficiency states with infection and growth, food security, the trend to urbanisation and the broad range of factors that influence food intake and nutritional status, e.g. socio-cultural and physical/financial access as well as climate change and global food systems. A range of learning methods will help students to understand how nutritional status in the Global South could be improved.
15 credits - Nutrition in Health and Disease
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This module is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of nutrition through the lifespan in relation to health and disease. In particular, the content of the module considers what our nutritional requirements are, how we determine nutritional status of an individual and how nutritional recommendations are adapted dependent on certain common conditions including obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Interactive sessions and case-based activities are used to demonstrate how evidence based practice is used in real world scenarios.
15 credits - Introduction to Research Methods
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This module is offered across several programmes. Learning activities for the module are tailored to your individual specialist areas to provide learning that is relevant and specific to your chosen degree programme.
15 credits
This module provides students with an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods; it covers all stages of the research process from planning and design and research ethics and public and patient involvement, through to data collection and analysis and dissemination stages. It is specifically designed for students who do not have prior research experience and would be suitable for students from a range of backgrounds, but is particularly relevant to those interested in applied health related research. The course also provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods. - Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal
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The unit introduces students to basic concepts and techniques such as hypothesis testing and confidence interval estimation in statistics. Students will learn some simple statistical methods and the principles behind some advanced methods such as regression. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and critically appraise statistics in research literature.The course is not aimed at 'doers' of statistics, that is, students who are going to design their own studies to collect and analyse their own data. It will not teach you how to analyse, present and report your own data.
15 credits - Dissertation
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This module is offered across several programmes. Learning activities for the module are tailored to your individual specialist areas to provide learning that is relevant and specific to your chosen degree programme.
60 credits
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding and obtain practical experience of the research process and research skills required to undertake a supervised research project.
Students will be required to identify relevant information on a topic and critically review the research of others. You will be provided with the knowledge and skills required for identifying a knowledge gap, developing a research question, selecting a suitable research design, and conducting an independent piece of research to completion. You will be able to select a dissertation topic of your own interest and a research type (primary data collection, secondary data analysis, literature review). You can also select projects offered by staff members.
The dissertation should demonstrate competence in the following areas, as applicable to your chosen specialism and dissertation topic; -Critically appraising and interpreting published literature; -Collecting and using data and information to answer a nutrition or clinical research question; .
Optional modules:
- Health Promotion
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The module seeks to elaborate on the theoretical background of health promotion with the aim of developing a critical awareness of the key concepts, debates and methods. The module also aims to evaluate a range of health promotion strategies in different fields. Teaching will be presented through a series of lectures and workshops that will also include group discussion, case studies and examples, to develop the lecture themes, and problem-solving skills.
15 credits - Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers
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The unit covers fundamental statistical concepts, and both simple statistical methods and the more widely used advanced methods of multiple regression, survival analysis and generalised linear models. It will be a practical module, including the teaching of the statistical software SPSS, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and analyse a study to answer specific research questions; to understand and critically appraise the literature; and to present research findings in a suitable fashion.
15 credits - Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques
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To familiarise students with principles of systematic reviews and critical appraisal and the acquisition of skills necessary to undertake such work. The unit includes an introduction to information systems; principles of systematic literature reviews and critical appraisal; search strategies; computer-assisted search methods; practicalities of writing up the results of a systematic review; introduction to Meta- analysis; and dissemination of findings.
15 credits - Qualitative Research Design and Analysis
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On completing the module students will be expected to be able to: understand a range of qualitative research approaches, data collection methods and forms of analysis; plan and undertake a simple analysis of student-generated qualitative data; critically appraise the methods and results of qualitative research.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
Duration
1 year full-time
Teaching
This course is taught by registered nutritionists and other health professionals who are actively involved in research and teaching.
You’ll learn through lectures and seminars, practical lab-based sessions, workshops, tutorials, real-life outreach events, and independent study. You’ll also carry out a nutrition research project under the supervision of an experienced supervisor.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through exams, written reports, laboratory practicals, group assignments, and oral presentations. The research project is assessed by a written dissertation.
Your career
Graduates of our MSc in Human Nutrition are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers across the nutrition and health sectors. With the programme’s focus on professional skills, hands-on experience, and accreditation by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), you’ll have the qualifications and confidence to make an impact from day one.
Where our graduates work
Many of our alumni go on to build successful careers as registered nutritionists, contributing their expertise both in the UK and internationally. Others channel their skills into careers in dietetics, healthcare, and related fields. Additionally, many graduates thrive in roles within such as:
- Nutrition Policy and Advocacy: Shaping public health initiatives in local and central government or influencing global strategies in international development.
- Humanitarian and Non-Profit Work: Contributing to health-focused projects with organisations like the United Nations, UNICEF, and other third-sector agencies.
- Pharmaceutical and Food Industries: Driving innovation and product development for leading companies, including Quorn and other food manufacturers.
- Academic and Research Roles: Conducting cutting-edge studies in universities, research institutes, and health agencies.
- Freelance Nutritionist: provide evidence-based nutrition advice and guidance to private clients
Further study
This course provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing a PhD or a research-focused career.
Student profiles
I highly recommend the course to anyone interested in pursuing a career related to nutrition, not only from my personal experience but how positively the degree is spoken about from professionals I have met through my work.
Bethan Hamilton
Human Nutrition
Entry requirements
Minimum Degree: An undergraduate degree with at least a 2:2 (honours) or a Medical degree.
Subject requirements
We accept degrees in the following subject areas:
- Anatomy
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Science
- Genetics
- Human Sciences
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Physiology
- Veterinary Sciences
- Zoology
Degree subjects in the following areas can be accepted if you meet the module requirements below:
- Dietetics
- Food Quality and Safety
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Nutrition
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
We may also consider other Bioscience subjects.
Module requirements
If relevant, you should have studied at least one module from the following areas:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Nutrition
- Physiology
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.
Generally, applicants may use a degree from a Majority English Speaking country (MESC) to waive the English language condition.
For this course, applicants from non-Majority English Speaking countries who study a degree in a MESC will still be required to provide evidence of their previous Secure English Language Test (SELT) or Non-SELT qualifications, to meet 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all component standards. This is due to accreditation regulations.
Applicants who do not meet the requirement will need IELTS conditions adding to their offer.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
Alumni discount
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.