From Medicine to Human Nutrition

Why did you choose to pursue an MSc in Human Nutrition?

I did an undergraduate degree and short apprenticeship in medicine in Indonesia before joining the MSc in Human Nutrition at University of Sheffield. I can say that all my academic experience has been basically all health related. 

I chose to pursue an MSc in Human Nutrition mainly because I am really interested in food and want to learn more about them and how it affects our body. Even though I was studying in a school of medicine and health sciences, I still feel like my understanding in nutrition was still quite limited. Therefore, I really want to learn more about nutrition for my Master’s degree. 

What attracted you to the University of Sheffield?

I actually found some suggestions online that lead me to the city of Sheffield. The University was also recommended by some study agents back in my home country. What attracted me the most was the fact that the course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), which I believe to be important if I want to work as a nutritionist in the future. I also appreciated the comprehensiveness of the modules, from nutrition biochemistry to clinical and public health, as well as the opportunities available within the taught programme to prepare us for our career journey.

How have you found the support from faculty and staff at the University?

Everyone has been really supportive, I would say. The faculty, the tutors, and the university as whole actually have offered me a lot of support and guidance to make the most of my academic experience. The faculty and the university have been really diverse and responsive. They have listened and worked on the students’ feedback and also provided us with the support that we need. The tutors have been kind and helpful towards all of us and make learning really enjoyable. Even though we come from various backgrounds that might be outside food science or nutrition, they have been really understanding by tailoring the basics of the module and the learning approaches to make it easier to follow through. They are truly one of a kind. 

What do you think of the resources and facilities at Sheffield?

I think there are way too many to mention! I would say the Library and the IT support have a lot of resources that helped me quite a lot throughout the learning process and assignments in general. There is also academic support like the 301, Math and Statistic Help (MASH), and the ELTC for academic English who have supported me through my assignments and dissertation. I could not be thankful enough for the tutors, the Career and Employability service, the University Health Service, and the Student Wellbeing Service that have offered me a lot of support for my academic journey as well as my future career.

How has the course shaped your career goals?

I believe the programme has influenced me so much to a point where I finally be made aware of the opportunities I never knew before. They have given me lots of ideas and provided me opportunities to prepare my career in the future whether in academia, industry, policy, or even clinical practice. But mostly, I personally find that the Human Nutrition MSc programme has shifted my paradigm about the learning process in general, how I understand myself and my capacity better, and how every skill I learned could actually be made relevant to any career I aspire to do. 

What advice for would you give to prospective students looking at the MSc in Human Nutrition?

Go for it and do not overthink it!

It has been a great experience for me and I hope that you can experience it too. I could not describe it enough how much I have acquired through this journey. Without a doubt, it was initially scary, as I came from a far country, but things have worked out better than I thought possible. Please do not be discouraged, because support is always within reach

How are you enjoying living and studying in Sheffield?

I think the best part is the city, and the people here have been really friendly! I cannot stress enough how green and convenient it is to walk around the city, which is great for getting those extra steps in. I really like the fact that most of us living around here are students and how we come from different countries, languages, and cultures. It feels like I do not need to worry that I would be the odd one out, because everybody has been really understanding.

Any final thoughts you want to share? 

The MSc in Human Nutrition has provided me with a lot of new experiences, not only knowledge and skill-wise but also the overall journey as well. It might be scary at first, but it really is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that I am grateful to have.

I can't wait for you to experience it firsthand.