Program Overview

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MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics is an integrated postgraduate course that enables graduates with a BSc or MSc in Nutrition or equivalent degree to meet the standards of proficiency and professional competency, so they are eligible to apply to the Dietitians Registration Board (CORU) for registration as a dietitian.

Course Overview

The programme is delivered full-time over two calendar years. The curriculum is based on standards set by the professional associations, the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) guided by the Dietitians Registration Board (CORU) Criteria and Standards of Proficiency for Education and Training Programmes. The curriculum reflects current evidence-informed and research-based educational theory and dietetics practice.

Why Choose This Course

UCC has a well-established suite of food-related BSc programmes, including a strong programme in Nutritional Sciences. The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at University College Cork has a longstanding national and international reputation for provision of quality education in Food Science and Technology and Nutritional Sciences.

Course Practicalities

This is a full-time 2-year MSc programme. The course content is delivered in modules of between 5-30 credits. Students enrol in modules to the value of 60 credits in year 1 and 60 credits in year 2, over a period of two calendar years. There are 3 semesters per calendar year.

Curriculum

The first-year curriculum consists of a 60-credit curriculum distributed over three semesters and includes the first clinical placement (ie Practice Education Placement). A further 60-credits are completed in year 2 which includes one taught module, two further clinical placements and an MSc dissertation.

Student Workload

Students attend lectures daily with some time dedicated to independent learning, during semesters 1 and 2. Students complete 28 weeks of clinical placements between years 1 and 2. Students need to engage in at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice to meet the professional requirements of the Dietitians Registration Board.

Clinical Placements

Clinical Placements take place in the hospitals and adjacent community health organisation of the South /South West Hospital Group (SSWHG). Students may need to incur the costs of travel to hospitals in Cork City as well as hospitals of the SSWHG, when necessary; and incur the costs of accommodation during those placements.

Assessment

Assessment is by continuous assessment and formal exams. This consists of tutorial performance, small presentations, class tests, essays, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE's), and clinical placement assessments.

Who Teaches This Course

The course is taught by staff of the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, HSE/Dietetic staff from Regional and National hospitals, experts from UCC, within the College of Medicine & Health, allowing the opportunity for inter-professional teaching, and overseas guest clinical specialists.

Career Opportunities

By studying this course, you have the opportunity to become a highly skilled, evidence-based clinician, who can use a range of resources and evidence to deliver safe and appropriate dietetic advice in clinical, community and other settings. During the course, you build on a wide base of transferable clinical skills which may enable you to specialise in a specific area of Dietetics following successful graduation.

Occupations Associated with an MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Dietitians are employed in a variety of locations, providing opportunities in areas such as:

• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (hospital and community dietetics)
• Food Industry
• Public Health Nutrition (government health, promotion agencies)
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Sports Nutrition
• Private Practice
• Education
• Research (nutrition and medical research-public and private sectors)
• Working overseas

Course Outline

Year 1

Students take 60 credits as follows:

• Core Modules:
  • DT6002 Nutrition Assessment in the Clinical Setting (5 credits)
  • DT6003 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy (10 credits)
  • DT6004 Food Skills and Food Service Management (5 credits)
  • DT6006 Professional Practice and Interpersonal Skills (10 credits)
  • DT6007 Public Health Nutrition (5 credits)
  • DT6008 Medical Management of Disease (5 credits)
  • DT6009 Clinical Practice Placement 1 (5 credits)
  • DT6010 Applied Research for Dietetics (5 credits)
  • DT6014 Dietetics Through the Lifecycle (5 credits)
• Elective modules:
  • Students take 5 credits from the following:
    • EH6158 Health promotion I (5 credits)
    • NT6107 Integration and Regulation of Nutrient Metabolism (5 credits)

Year 2

Students take 60 credits as follows:

• DT6011 Clinical Practice Placement 2 (10 credits)
• DT6012 Clinical Practice Placement 3 (15 credits)
• DT6013 Research Dissertation in Dietetics (30 credits)
• DT6015 Advanced Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (5 credits)

Applicant Profile and Application Requirements

To be able to apply for the MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, candidates must:

• Hold a minimum Second-Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent) or a postgraduate degree (Level 9 NFQ or equivalent).
• Have successfully completed human physiology and biochemistry modules (a minimum of 10 credits for each module are required) as part of the primary or postgraduate degree.
• Provide evidence of appropriate vaccinations for working in hospital environments.

Fees and Costs

Please see the UCC Fees website for more information.

How to Apply

Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus. Applicants can apply for up to two courses under one application. If you have any questions regarding the MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, please email the programme coordinator.

1. Gather Supporting Documents
2. Apply Online

Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

Required Documents

• Transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
• Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement, indicating their reasons for applying and stating their suitability to the programme.
• Two references should be included with the online application, one of which should be academic and one professional (to be uploaded by the applicant when applying).
• Supporting documentation – You will be asked to upload your module descriptors. You are required to do this for physiology and biochemistry credits only.
• Any supplementary items requested.

Additional Documents

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This includes the following material/questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please upload your CV.

Please log into the online application portal for more details. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of educational qualifications, CV, references and relevant work experience.

Application Processing Timeline

Our online application portal opens for applications in October. Applications are open until January. In the case of successful written application, applicants will be contacted in February with an interview offer. Interviews are scheduled for March. Successful applicants will be offered a place shortly after interviews.