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The importance of good nutrition as a key facet of healthy living is very high on the public health and scientific agendas. Our Nutritional Science Masters degree is accredited by the Association of Nutrition. We aim to guide you to an in-depth understanding of this academic discipline. You will graduate with an ability to read, interpret, and conduct your own nutrition research. These are essential skills for evidence based professional practice.

Nutritional scientists endeavour to understand and reduce the impact of a broad number of diet related diseases including malnutrition, obesity, and age-related diseases.

The curriculum covers foundation and advanced human nutrition, nutrient analysis, food policy, statistics and general research skills as well as applied and professional nutritional skills.

We place great emphasis on using diverse teaching media and approaches to develop both your technical skills and abilities for effective teamwork and science communication.

The programme will equip you with the knowledge and transferable skills for you to gain professional employment, to start your own business venture or go on to further postgraduate study and research in the field of nutrition and the wider sciences.

Check out all of our available part time study options and discover the course that best suits you.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years Part Time
1 other options available

Department
Applied Sciences

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

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Watch Programme Leader Daniel Commane discuss this Masters in a Minute (or so), and listen to Dominic talk about his experience as a student on the course.

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Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships How to Apply Study Options

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree related to biology, or a science degree including components of biology and/or nutrition.

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: £20,950



Scholarships and Discounts

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

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Laboratory equipment such as spatula, lab book, marker pens and a scientific calculator are required and should cost no more than £25. You may be required to print some documents this should be no more than £10 per academic year.

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

How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



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

AP0709 -

Foundations of Human Nutrition (40 Credits)

You will learn some of the fundamental principles in the field of human nutrition and dietetics such as the biochemistry of nutrients, the digestion, absorption, assimilation, and function in the human body as building blocks for growth and repair and as energy sources. The health effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses and the contribution of diet and lifestyle to the establishment of disease will also be discussed.
You will also learn about energy requirements and energy balance, the control of bodyweight and calculations of body mass index; ideal body weight and individual nutritional requirements will be discussed in depth. Factors which influence dietary intake and barriers which are encountered when recommending dietary change will be discussed. You will also learn about the role of nutrition with regards to healthy ageing and be aware of the various roles that diet and nutrition can play in disease. This module will also introduce you to the use of dietary surveys and epidemiological studies, how they can be used to identify links between diet and disease and how this evidence is then used in nutritional guidance for the public and individuals.
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.

More information

AP0710 -

Advanced Human Nutrition (20 Credits)

This module is designed to further an understanding of the principles of dietary intervention and how nutrition is related to disease. You will learn about the biochemical basis of a range of disorders that are seen in the clinic. This module expands on basic nutritional concepts but with more focus on scientific literature and evidence.

You will learn about how to assess nutritional status using anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data and how these relate to case studies and nutrition-related disease. You will learn how each clinical or metabolic disorder influences nutritional status, and the underlying metabolic complications that causes these conditions.

You will learn about the principles of dietetics, dietary management and control in the clinical environment. You will learn how clinical conditions can influence nutritional status and how these conditions are treated through adequate nutrition.

More information

Year two

AP0700 -

Graduate Science Research Methods (20 Credits)

This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills in the use and understanding of relevant literature and in both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will learn how to evaluate and contribute to the scientific literature and to interpret and disseminate scientific information. You will appreciate the desirable properties of research design and be able to select an experimental design appropriate to a given system and create the design matrix. You will learn how to assess the kinds of scientific data and tests of hypotheses and will be able to select, apply, and interpret the output from statistical methods of data analysis, and to evaluate the results of statistical analyses as applied to a given data set. Using contemporary science stories, you will develop scientific communication skills in systematic searching, summary writing and critical analysis of the underpinning primary research.

More information

AP0708 -

Applied Sciences Research Project (60 Credits)

This module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project. Guided by a staff member, you will plan, carry out and report the outcomes of an independent research project to professional standards. You will identify stakeholders in your research and describe the projected impact your research holds for them. In order to prepare you for life as a research professional, assessments emulate authentic professional documentary formats aimed at securing project resources and disseminating your findings to ensure they develop real world impact.

More information

AP0711 -

Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the challenges facing the ever-changing food and nutrition sector. You will be introduced to the current legislative and advisory bodies that generate food and health policies in the U.K., Europe and internationally and will have the opportunity to review and appraise current policies, including consideration of their impact on relevant stakeholders.
Given the nature of this module, the syllabus will change and evolve and will be influenced by the issues pertinent at any given time. That said, there will be themes which are ongoing challenges relevant across food systems including obesity, food production, food scares, environmental impacts and consumer behaviour. This module will also enable you to evaluate the role of the media in educating and informing the population in realtion to food and nutrition.

More information

AP0712 -

Professional Nutrition Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn how to apply for funding to support a theoretical nutrition based health promotion campaign or public engagement activity. You will also gain valuable communication skills from presenting your ideas and funding bid in the form of a poster to an audience. The module will help to support you to develop a range of knowledge skills, behaviours, attributes and attitudes which will enable you to be successful not just in employment but in life. You will also gain an understanding of the AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance. Strict adherence of these standards is expected from all Associate and Registered Nutritionists, enabling you to sustain your own continued professional development.

The transferable skills that you will gain in this module will include critical thinking, record-keeping, problem solving, independent learning, and communication of ideas to various audiences and project management as well as development of your emotional intelligence.

More information

JE7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Applied Science students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

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

AP0709 -

Foundations of Human Nutrition (40 Credits)

You will learn some of the fundamental principles in the field of human nutrition and dietetics such as the biochemistry of nutrients, the digestion, absorption, assimilation, and function in the human body as building blocks for growth and repair and as energy sources. The health effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses and the contribution of diet and lifestyle to the establishment of disease will also be discussed.
You will also learn about energy requirements and energy balance, the control of bodyweight and calculations of body mass index; ideal body weight and individual nutritional requirements will be discussed in depth. Factors which influence dietary intake and barriers which are encountered when recommending dietary change will be discussed. You will also learn about the role of nutrition with regards to healthy ageing and be aware of the various roles that diet and nutrition can play in disease. This module will also introduce you to the use of dietary surveys and epidemiological studies, how they can be used to identify links between diet and disease and how this evidence is then used in nutritional guidance for the public and individuals.
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.

More information

AP0710 -

Advanced Human Nutrition (20 Credits)

This module is designed to further an understanding of the principles of dietary intervention and how nutrition is related to disease. You will learn about the biochemical basis of a range of disorders that are seen in the clinic. This module expands on basic nutritional concepts but with more focus on scientific literature and evidence.

You will learn about how to assess nutritional status using anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data and how these relate to case studies and nutrition-related disease. You will learn how each clinical or metabolic disorder influences nutritional status, and the underlying metabolic complications that causes these conditions.

You will learn about the principles of dietetics, dietary management and control in the clinical environment. You will learn how clinical conditions can influence nutritional status and how these conditions are treated through adequate nutrition.

More information

Year two

AP0700 -

Graduate Science Research Methods (20 Credits)

This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills in the use and understanding of relevant literature and in both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will learn how to evaluate and contribute to the scientific literature and to interpret and disseminate scientific information. You will appreciate the desirable properties of research design and be able to select an experimental design appropriate to a given system and create the design matrix. You will learn how to assess the kinds of scientific data and tests of hypotheses and will be able to select, apply, and interpret the output from statistical methods of data analysis, and to evaluate the results of statistical analyses as applied to a given data set. Using contemporary science stories, you will develop scientific communication skills in systematic searching, summary writing and critical analysis of the underpinning primary research.

More information

AP0708 -

Applied Sciences Research Project (60 Credits)

This module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project. Guided by a staff member, you will plan, carry out and report the outcomes of an independent research project to professional standards. You will identify stakeholders in your research and describe the projected impact your research holds for them. In order to prepare you for life as a research professional, assessments emulate authentic professional documentary formats aimed at securing project resources and disseminating your findings to ensure they develop real world impact.

More information

AP0711 -

Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the challenges facing the ever-changing food and nutrition sector. You will be introduced to the current legislative and advisory bodies that generate food and health policies in the U.K., Europe and internationally and will have the opportunity to review and appraise current policies, including consideration of their impact on relevant stakeholders.
Given the nature of this module, the syllabus will change and evolve and will be influenced by the issues pertinent at any given time. That said, there will be themes which are ongoing challenges relevant across food systems including obesity, food production, food scares, environmental impacts and consumer behaviour. This module will also enable you to evaluate the role of the media in educating and informing the population in realtion to food and nutrition.

More information

AP0712 -

Professional Nutrition Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn how to apply for funding to support a theoretical nutrition based health promotion campaign or public engagement activity. You will also gain valuable communication skills from presenting your ideas and funding bid in the form of a poster to an audience. The module will help to support you to develop a range of knowledge skills, behaviours, attributes and attitudes which will enable you to be successful not just in employment but in life. You will also gain an understanding of the AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance. Strict adherence of these standards is expected from all Associate and Registered Nutritionists, enabling you to sustain your own continued professional development.

The transferable skills that you will gain in this module will include critical thinking, record-keeping, problem solving, independent learning, and communication of ideas to various audiences and project management as well as development of your emotional intelligence.

More information

JE7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Applied Science students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

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.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

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:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

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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Graduates of the University are entitled to a 20% alumni discount on Masters study at Northumbria (T&C’s apply).

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