Program Overview

---

Master's in Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health (online)

What to Expect

• Field of Study: Nutrition, Health
• Study Type: Part-time
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Language: English
• Format: Online

About the Program

The Master's in Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health aims to equip future epidemiologists with expertise in examining the connections between dietary intake, nutritional status, and health outcomes. The curriculum prepares students to conduct observational and intervention studies to innovate disease prevention and health promotion strategies. Topics include the aetiology of diet-related diseases, preventive strategies, and treatment options, enhancing understanding of how to maintain health, assess public health interventions, and influence both individual and environmental outcomes.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Flexible Training

• Workload: Approximately 20 hours per week, allowing students to balance work and study.

Epidemiology Training

• Focus on observational and intervention studies to identify new methods for disease prevention and health promotion.

Disease Prevention

• Study causes of diet-related diseases and community-based prevention strategies.

Strong Research Support & Networking

• An onsite "WUR Week" in the second year provides opportunities for students to interact with lecturers and peers, explore thesis projects, and experience the campus environment.

Learning Objectives

The program trains students in crucial aspects of nutritional epidemiology:

• Gain understanding of epidemiology and develop data analysis skills.
• Build a foundation in statistics to interpret health data effectively.
• Learn to assess dietary intake and nutritional status.
• Explore nutritional physiology and the design of randomized controlled trials.
• Investigate how diet, lifestyle, and body composition impact disease prevention and management, particularly for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
• Familiarize with the public health cycle for planning and evaluating health policies and programs.

Course Structure

General Information

The online master's specialization is designed for part-time study (approximately 20 hours/week). It encompasses a two-year course program, culminating in a tailored internship and master's thesis. The course format encourages collaboration via a virtual platform and includes a week-long on-campus residency.

Year 1 Courses

• Introduction Descriptive Epidemiology and Public Health (HNH28303)
• Introduction Analytical Epidemiology and Public Health (HNH28803)
• Causal Thinking in Epidemiology (HNH30403)
• Epidemiology and Public Health Policies (CHL33303)
• Assessment of Nutritional Status (HNH33903)
• Advanced Statistics for Distance Learning (MAT25303)
• Randomized Controlled Trials: Design and Analysis (HNH31903)
• Essentials of Nutritional Physiology (HAP32303)
• Nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases: Cancer and Cardiometabolic Diseases (HNH20503)
• Translation of Theory to Projects (continuous course) (YNH60312)

Year 2 Courses

• Observational Designs and Assessment of Validity (HNH48303)
• Intermediate Analytical Epidemiology: Confounding and Effect Measure Modification (HNH42303)
• Advanced Analytical Epidemiology (HNH42803)
• Assessment of Dietary Intake (HNH34403)
• Evaluation of Dietary Assessment Methods (HNH34903)
• Evaluation of Public Health Interventions (CHL33803)
• Miscellaneous Tools in Epidemiological Research (HNH43303)
• Translation of Theory to Projects (continuous course) (YNH60312)

Year 3 Requirements

Before beginning the thesis or internship, students must successfully complete at least 24 ECTS from this MSc program.

• Master's Thesis (36 ECTS)
• Academic Internship (24 ECTS)

Students may continue on a part-time basis or opt for full-time status for their thesis and/or internship.

Teaching Methods

The program includes pre-recorded knowledge clips, online group work, forum discussions, and online exams, ensuring a comprehensive and interactive educational experience.

Study Guidance

Wageningen University emphasizes personalized support with an extensive network of lecturers, study advisers, and student counselors, promoting academic success and preventing dropout.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master's in Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health are equipped with valuable research skills that lead to various career pathways. Many secure positions as researchers or PhD students, while others find roles as advisors or trainers within the private sector. Common employers include universities, research institutes, and public sector organizations.

Admission Requirements

General Criteria

• A bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Health or equivalent is required.
• Applicants must demonstrate knowledge in at least two of the following fields:
  • Human Biology
  • Nutrition
  • Epidemiology or Public Health
  • Research Methodology with Statistics

Assessment Method

• Evaluation will consider transcripts and CVs that reflect relevant academic and professional experiences.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are based on nationality, with EU students paying statutory tuition rates similar to on-campus students. Non-EU students enjoy a 50% reduction from regular on-campus fees.

Conclusion

The Master's in Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health offers a robust academic framework that bridges diet, health, and epidemiology, preparing graduates for impactful careers in health research and public health policy.