MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Key Points

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This innovative evidence-based inter-teaching programme is an opportunity for honours graduates to undertake studies that will lead them to become competent nutritionists and dietitians working in a wide range of settings including clinical, community and public health settings, hospital and private practices, food service management and food industry.

Students will undertake shared modules with other health disciplines at the School of Allied Health through an interprofessional education model, so they will be exposed from the outset to an integrated multidisciplinary team approach to medical care.

In addition to the academic modules at UL, students on the MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme will complete 1000 hours of clinical and community placement over two years, which includes a period of summer study. Clinical placement modules will take place in a variety of settings (tertiary and secondary hospitals, primary care, public health and food service facilities) and with patients of all ages. Placements may be based outside Limerick.

The Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics aims to develop graduates who are able to:

Establish therapeutic relationships with diverse populations by optimizing the nutrition of communities and individuals in a variety of settings.
Critique and apply the evidence for patient assessment, diagnosis and nutritional management.
Be competent in prescribing, administering and monitoring nutritional and dietary interventions, based on an evidence-based and clinically reasoned approach for the effective treatment of people with a variety of conditions.
Employ the principles of client-centered practice.
Collaborate with clients, colleagues and communities.
Participate in continuing professional development.
Use an innovative and creative approach to meet evolving service developments and healthcare needs.
Conduct research and evaluate scientific literature to inform an evidence-based approach to research and practice.
Integrate the ethical, social and cultural dimensions of health care into clinical judgement.

Program results

Upon completion of the master’s program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in the application of specialized knowledge in accordance with the required dietetic competencies as established by the CORU Board of Registration of Dietitians.
Understand the associations between nutrition, health and disease to enable integration and application to dietetic practice.
Use an evidence-based framework to provide practical and holistic solutions to a variety of changing and complex nutritional and dietary problems in a variety of settings.
Apply critical thinking in the assessment and dietary management of individuals, groups and communities.
Exercise professional and ethical dietetic practice for individuals, groups and communities from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and in different settings.

Career options

Graduates will be able to practice in Ireland and will be able to register in other parts of the world. In addition, they will be able to work in a wide range of settings including clinical and public health settings, hospital and private practice, food service management and food industry. Graduates may be eligible to progress to further postgraduate research, leading to possible career options in research and academic institutions.

Program structure

YEAR 1

Semester 1 – Fall

Communication and nutrition education
Preparation for practical education
Food and nutrition throughout life
Dietary assessment and practice
Food science and food skills

Semester 2 – Spring

Theory and practice of food service
Consultation in Healthcare 2
Medical nutrition therapy
Nutritional epidemiology and translational research
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics A

Semester 3 – Summer

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics B
Clinical Placement 1
Research project 1

YEAR 2

Semester 4 – Fall

Research project 2
Public health and community nutrition
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics C
Community Placement

Semester 5 – Spring

Innovation in Health and Social Care Management
Research project 3
Engaging through complexity
Clinical Placement 2

Admission requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is an undergraduate honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or a postgraduate qualification (NFQ Level 9) which includes units or modules in Biochemistry and Human Physiology as part of the primary or postgraduate degree or other relevant qualification from a recognised University..
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
IELTS 8.0, with no less than 7 in any component (or its internationally recognised equivalent).

In addition to the above, applications must include:

An updated Curriculum Vitae
One-page personal statement
2 references (one academic and one work reference).
A copy of your birth certificate (long document).