Program Overview

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Food and Nutrition - MSc

Overview

Understanding key aspects of the science of food and nutrition in the context of regulatory affairs, policy and legislation.

Summary

The food and drink industry is a global business that is thriving; the food industry in the UK alone contributes almost £90 billion to the economy. While career opportunities within food and nutrition continue to expand, there is still a worldwide shortage of qualified graduates with food and nutrition knowledge and skills.

A major aim of the PgCert /PgDip /MSc course in Food and Nutrition is to provide students with an academically challenging and professionally relevant programme of study which will enable them to pursue a career in the area of food and nutrition. The course is aimed especially at those interested in the relationships between food, nutrition and health, who wish to pursue the wide variety of career opportunities within this challenging and rewarding environment.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

About this course

About

This course is a master's course. It is modular and studied on a full-time basis over 12 months.

This course provides study of core modules in Food and Nutrition science including aspects of food toxicology, policy and food legislation from an EU perspective. Year 1 semester 1 (60 credits) and 2 (60 credits) are taught modules in core subjects. Year 1 semester 3 students undertake Food and Nutrition master's research project ( 60 credits) which is an integral part of the programme where students undertake an independent research project.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Attendance

The Food and Nutrition MSc programme has the option of being taken as distance learning (which is fully online) or as blended learning (which mixes online modules with on campus provision). All students would be offered an on campus induction (optional).

Students undertaking the programme by blended learning would be required to attend campus 1 day per week in each semester for on-campus taught modules. Those undertaking the MSc in full-time mode would complete a research project either on-campus or by distance learning; on-campus this would require students to attend the campus at least 3 days per week during the semester in which the research project runs.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The University of Ulster is a leading Centre of internationally recognised teaching and research in the field of food and nutrition. You will be taught by a dynamic expert team of academics, scientists and dietitians who share the common endeavour of researching and teaching nutrition at the highest level. Consequently this programme provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food and nutrition and promotes their ability to assess available evidence and data in order to make sound scientific judgements. Teaching is through online lectures, online discussions, individual support, video and on line links with staff, independent learning, and work in small groups. Students undertaking the MSc will complete a dissertation project based on research according to their circumstances and supervisors expertise.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand.

Year one

• Risk Analysis
• International Food Regulatory Affairs
• Food and Health
• Nutrition and Health Claims in the UK and Europe
• Food and Nutrition Research Project
• Nutritional Controversies
• Research Methods and Biostatistics for Food and Nutrition
• Nutritional Assessment
• Supply Chain Management Applied to Functional Foods

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

A second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification. In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative entrance route an individual who has substantial and significant demonstrable experiential learning may be considered.

Relevant subject degree areas include biology, biochemistry, food and nutrition, food science, human nutrition, physiology or other relevant degree discipline. Applicants must also demonstrate evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The academic content of the programme helps students to develop knowledge and understanding of key topics relevant to food and nutrition, developing creative and critical thinking, research and development skills, project planning, data analysis and the application of key aspects of food regulatory affairs including policy and legislative aspects. The enhanced skills base provided by this programme will lead to excellent employment opportunities in government (EU and international) and non-government organisations, and in the local, European and international agri-food industry.

Professional Recognition

Accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).

Fees and funding

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£7,240.00

International Fees

£17,810.00

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees.

Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.