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*This course is not currently taking applications, to register your interest for the 2025/26 intake please fill in the form in the apply now button*

We also offer a Public Health course without a nutrition focus - please click here to read more

Are you keen to improve public health and improve health and wellbeing via food and nutrition? Do you want to develop the knowledge required to reflect on current concerns and practice issues linked to this field?  

Popular with both UK-based and international students, the unique Master of Public Health (Nutrition) programme has been specifically designed for those who wish to develop their career within public health, with a particular focus on nutrition. Typically you will be from a nutrition, food science, bioscience, sport, exercise, nursing, midwifery or integrated health and social care background.

Guided by experts in the field of public health and registered nutritionists, you will combine practical experience with a thorough grounding in relevant areas of theory and research. The practical application of these academic skills will equip you with the knowledge and approaches necessary to implement a broad range of interventions to improve public health outcomes in different employment contexts and in particular relating to food and nutrition, for example tackling a range of relevant societal issues such as, health inequalities in nutritional wellbeing, the increase in diabetes and the high prevalence of obesity.

Upon successful graduation you will possess in-depth research and enquiry skills, and a critical understanding of their application in public health and in a range of employment contexts:

  • local authorities
  • the community and local partnerships
  • the private sector
  • charitable organisations
  • the NHS and further research

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
28 months Part Time

Department
Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location
Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

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Discover More / Public Health

Watch Programme Leader Dr Richard Lee discuss the course and the thriving research culture in Public Health at Northumbria, and hear from Georgia about her experience with the course.

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Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have: 

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a subject related to nutrition, healthcare or health sciences. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

Full UK Fee: £9,700

Full International Fee: £19,350



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

AC0782 -

Public Health Fundamentals: Concepts, Theories and Frameworks (Core,30 Credits)

This module will offer you the opportunity to demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental public health concepts and to begin the process of critically evaluating them at a deeper level. You will learn how to critically analyse a broad range of public health theories, concepts and frameworks that are fundamental to public health policy and practice. You will also evaluate the complex interconnecting links between political, social, economic, biological, technological and environmental determinants of public health and explore underpinning discourses. The module will focus on the three key areas of public health – health protection, health improvement and health care services and in particular the following:

• Social dimensions of public health
• Health inequalities
• Assessing and analysing population health needs
• Social capital
• Health promotion
• Health beliefs
• Self efficacy
• Social marketing
• Community development

You will also be encouraged to reflect on your communication skills when working with peers from a variety of ethnic and cultural contexts as well as your developing self-awareness of new knowledge gained from both national and global public health contexts.

More information

AC7025 -

Public Health Nutrition (Nutrition and Lifestyle in Health and Disease) (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces an evidence-based approach to the relationship between diet, nutritional status and health in populations. You will learn fundamental principles in nutritional epidemiology and public health nutrition and key issues on the influence of lifestyle-related behaviours, policy and the wider environment on health and disease. You will acquire the scientific knowledge to ensure understanding of the impact of food and diet on health and well-being of people and communities, and ways to improve the diet, nutrition and health of people and communities. Factors which influence dietary intake and barriers which are encountered when recommending dietary change will be discussed.

You will learn about the application of methods of collecting, analysing and evaluating nutritional data with practical experience analysing dietary data using computer software as well as learning about the practice and theory of laboratory based methods to provide an understanding of their relationship with nutrition. Good working practice, the importance of professional standards and the application of professional conduct will also be covered.

The skills that you will gain in this module will include appraisal and synthesis of evidence, presentation, evaluation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data, independent learning, and problem solving.

More information

AC7026 -

Nutrition Related Diseases (Core,20 Credits)

Understanding of good nutrition should not just focus on the absence of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, there are many other factors that should be also be considered. Nutritional status is linked to a variety of important physiological processes such as cognitive function, immune function, chronic inflammation, sarcopenia and ageing, and cognitive decline. Nutritional status can also affect resilience, susceptibility and response to therapy. It is not surprising, therefore, that poor nutritional status, caused by either an unhealthy diet or malabsorption of nutrients, is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. A developing area of nutritional research involving genomics provides rational capabilities for preventing disease. It is becoming recognised that dietary advice should be concentrated on providing a more individual approach, rather than providing recommendations catering for the population.

More information

Year two

AC0778 -

Research: Approaches, Methods and skills (Core,30 Credits)

On this module you will appreciate the knowledge and skills needed to undertake research. You will learn about research philosophy, methodology and the different methods associated with a range of research traditions. You will explore the value of research evidence in informing public health and healthcare management practices and be able to apply the principles of research to critically appraise research quality. Specifically on this module you will learn about:
• Locating and organising literature
• Philosophical assumptions and foundations of enquiry
• Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodological approaches
• Data collection, data analysis and interpretation
• Research governance and ethical issues
• Analysis and interpretation
By the end of the module you will be able to prepare a research proposal on a topic of interest to yourself and of value to public health / healthcare management.

More information

AC7024 -

Dissertation Project (Core,60 Credits)

This research rich module will enable you to bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have accrued from other modules on your programme. Prior to the undertaking this module, you will have completed the appropriate level of study that prepares you for engagement with a Masters dissertation process. The module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project.
You will identify a topic with which you are familiar, and which you believe has scope for development or change that will be the focus of your independent study. You can chose one of two methods to structure your dissertation.
- Systematic Review :A structured analysis of evidence
- Empirical research: Based on primary data analysis or secondary sources

In the module, you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to the research process within your chosen method. This may include discussion of worldviews and research paradigms, research design, working with literature and theory, developing ethical codes, collecting robust research evidence, ensuring quality assurance within your research work, and writing and disseminating the research dissertation work.
There will be a series of research seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one to one supervision work. Both the seminars and supervision will enable you to critically examine how the research process will work best for your dissertation goals and design.

More information

AC7028 -

Public health intelligence and epidemiology: informing policy and strategy (Core,20 Credits)

This is an essential module in public health that will aid your understanding of the ever changing health patterns of the population and threats to health through outbreaks and epidemics. The module will allow you the opportunity to explore the most up to date information and gathering techniques used in public health to inform policy response to contemporary local and global public health issues. Epidemiological theory is used to explore examples of public health at population levels. The module further aims to develop your abilities to conceptualise and critically appraise the relationships between public health issues and the political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental dimensions that inform policy response. Specialist experts in epidemiology and public health contribute to this module and enhance both the research rich aspect and the grounded application which is essential to your learning experience.

The content of the module will cover topics such as:

Public health challenges for the 21st century.
Epidemiological investigations of public health.
Disease outbreaks, management and control
Information data identification and analysis.
Data sets at population levels to identify population health needs assessment for planning purposes and or commissioning of services. Identifying aspects of health inequalities at a local level
Exploring data such as deprivation indices.

You will develop your learning of public health along with a deepening appreciation of global health challenges and issues. There will be opportunities to explore with other group members awareness of various global health systems, health priorities and cultural issues.

More information

Modules Overview 2026/27

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

AC0782 -

Public Health Fundamentals: Concepts, Theories and Frameworks (Core,30 Credits)

This module will offer you the opportunity to demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental public health concepts and to begin the process of critically evaluating them at a deeper level. You will learn how to critically analyse a broad range of public health theories, concepts and frameworks that are fundamental to public health policy and practice. You will also evaluate the complex interconnecting links between political, social, economic, biological, technological and environmental determinants of public health and explore underpinning discourses. The module will focus on the three key areas of public health – health protection, health improvement and health care services and in particular the following:

• Social dimensions of public health
• Health inequalities
• Assessing and analysing population health needs
• Social capital
• Health promotion
• Health beliefs
• Self efficacy
• Social marketing
• Community development

You will also be encouraged to reflect on your communication skills when working with peers from a variety of ethnic and cultural contexts as well as your developing self-awareness of new knowledge gained from both national and global public health contexts.

More information

AC7025 -

Public Health Nutrition (Nutrition and Lifestyle in Health and Disease) (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces an evidence-based approach to the relationship between diet, nutritional status and health in populations. You will learn fundamental principles in nutritional epidemiology and public health nutrition and key issues on the influence of lifestyle-related behaviours, policy and the wider environment on health and disease. You will acquire the scientific knowledge to ensure understanding of the impact of food and diet on health and well-being of people and communities, and ways to improve the diet, nutrition and health of people and communities. Factors which influence dietary intake and barriers which are encountered when recommending dietary change will be discussed.

You will learn about the application of methods of collecting, analysing and evaluating nutritional data with practical experience analysing dietary data using computer software as well as learning about the practice and theory of laboratory based methods to provide an understanding of their relationship with nutrition. Good working practice, the importance of professional standards and the application of professional conduct will also be covered.

The skills that you will gain in this module will include appraisal and synthesis of evidence, presentation, evaluation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data, independent learning, and problem solving.

More information

AC7026 -

Nutrition Related Diseases (Core,20 Credits)

Understanding of good nutrition should not just focus on the absence of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, there are many other factors that should be also be considered. Nutritional status is linked to a variety of important physiological processes such as cognitive function, immune function, chronic inflammation, sarcopenia and ageing, and cognitive decline. Nutritional status can also affect resilience, susceptibility and response to therapy. It is not surprising, therefore, that poor nutritional status, caused by either an unhealthy diet or malabsorption of nutrients, is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. A developing area of nutritional research involving genomics provides rational capabilities for preventing disease. It is becoming recognised that dietary advice should be concentrated on providing a more individual approach, rather than providing recommendations catering for the population.

More information

Year two

AC0778 -

Research: Approaches, Methods and skills (Core,30 Credits)

On this module you will appreciate the knowledge and skills needed to undertake research. You will learn about research philosophy, methodology and the different methods associated with a range of research traditions. You will explore the value of research evidence in informing public health and healthcare management practices and be able to apply the principles of research to critically appraise research quality. Specifically on this module you will learn about:
• Locating and organising literature
• Philosophical assumptions and foundations of enquiry
• Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodological approaches
• Data collection, data analysis and interpretation
• Research governance and ethical issues
• Analysis and interpretation
By the end of the module you will be able to prepare a research proposal on a topic of interest to yourself and of value to public health / healthcare management.

More information

AC7024 -

Dissertation Project (Core,60 Credits)

This research rich module will enable you to bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have accrued from other modules on your programme. Prior to the undertaking this module, you will have completed the appropriate level of study that prepares you for engagement with a Masters dissertation process. The module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project.
You will identify a topic with which you are familiar, and which you believe has scope for development or change that will be the focus of your independent study. You can chose one of two methods to structure your dissertation.
- Systematic Review :A structured analysis of evidence
- Empirical research: Based on primary data analysis or secondary sources

In the module, you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to the research process within your chosen method. This may include discussion of worldviews and research paradigms, research design, working with literature and theory, developing ethical codes, collecting robust research evidence, ensuring quality assurance within your research work, and writing and disseminating the research dissertation work.
There will be a series of research seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one to one supervision work. Both the seminars and supervision will enable you to critically examine how the research process will work best for your dissertation goals and design.

More information

AC7028 -

Public health intelligence and epidemiology: informing policy and strategy (Core,20 Credits)

This is an essential module in public health that will aid your understanding of the ever changing health patterns of the population and threats to health through outbreaks and epidemics. The module will allow you the opportunity to explore the most up to date information and gathering techniques used in public health to inform policy response to contemporary local and global public health issues. Epidemiological theory is used to explore examples of public health at population levels. The module further aims to develop your abilities to conceptualise and critically appraise the relationships between public health issues and the political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental dimensions that inform policy response. Specialist experts in epidemiology and public health contribute to this module and enhance both the research rich aspect and the grounded application which is essential to your learning experience.

The content of the module will cover topics such as:

Public health challenges for the 21st century.
Epidemiological investigations of public health.
Disease outbreaks, management and control
Information data identification and analysis.
Data sets at population levels to identify population health needs assessment for planning purposes and or commissioning of services. Identifying aspects of health inequalities at a local level
Exploring data such as deprivation indices.

You will develop your learning of public health along with a deepening appreciation of global health challenges and issues. There will be opportunities to explore with other group members awareness of various global health systems, health priorities and cultural issues.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

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If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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