Program Overview

Overview

The Nutrition, Food and Human Health PhD and MPhil programmes ground students in the methods and research approaches to understand how nutrition and food affect human health and wellbeing. Within your research, you'll get the opportunity to work in our exciting multi-disciplinary teams. Our work explores how nutrition affects:

• human biology and physiology - including human athletic performance and the microbiome
• health and ageing
• disease process - including cancer, cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes and NAFLD
• how food security affects biology and wellbeing
• nutrition and health challenges in global sustainability
• the outcome and management of disease (dietetics)

Qualifications Explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

• MPhil: An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• PhD: A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods:

• Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
  • Thesis
  • Viva

Your Development

Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) Researcher Development Programme

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact
• Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence. You’ll cover:
• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements
• Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Your Future

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 95 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

Our modern laboratories provide important teaching and research environments. They have analytical equipment such as:

• HPLCs
• GCs
• CNS analyser
• centrifuges
• spectrophotometer
• molecular biology equipment Our specialist research facilities include:
• a tissue culture laboratory
• plant growth rooms
• a Class II laboratory for safe handling of human biological samples
• taste panel facilities and test kitchen
• a thin section facility for soils analysis

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (Per Year)

• Qualification: MPhil Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
  • International students: Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £31,900-£46,000
• Qualification: MPhil Part time
  • Home students: Part time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
• Qualification: PhD Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
  • International students: Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) £31,900-£46,000
• Qualification: PhD Part time
  • Home students: Part time: 72 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic Entry Requirements

• MPhil: A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
• PhD: A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.

English Language Requirements

Select your qualification:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeks
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

How to Apply

Before You Start

• Start Dates: There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged:
  • September
  • January
  • April
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
• Specialised Application Information: You do not need to identify a supervisor prior to submitting your application via the applicant portal. As part of your application, please upload a short (non-binding) research proposal to indicate your broad area of interest (outline any proposed methods if applicable). This helps us assess both your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision. If your application is successful and we can match you with a supervisor, you will normally be invited to attend a selection interview (either on campus, by video-conferencing or Skype).
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:
  • pay a deposit of £1,500
  • or submit an official letter of sponsorship The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.

Programme Codes

• Qualification: MPhil Full time
  • Full time: 12 months | Programme Code: 7300F
• Qualification: MPhil Part time
  • Part time: 24 months | Programme Code: 7300P
• Qualification: PhD Full time
  • Full time: 36 months | Programme Code: 8300F
• Qualification: PhD Part time
  • Part time: 72 months | Programme Code: 8300P

Using the Application Portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them. You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.