Global Public Health Nutrition MSc

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,500 *
International Fees £17,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our Global Public Health Nutrition MSc will give you the specialist scientific knowledge and practical skills to take an active role in global public health nutrition in a range of different settings.

Nutrition has long been recognised as a vitally important determinant of health status within both industrialised and industrialising countries. Significant changes are occurring in the profile of nutritional problems. Many countries continue to face problems of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, but countries in economic transition also face the public health challenge of rising rates of diet-related chronic disease, such as obesity and coronary heart disease. Also, many industrialised countries now face problems of food insecurity among low-income groups. These challenges have led to growing political resources to address nutrition.

There is now an increased need for trained public health nutritionists, to work in a range of contexts, to control and prevent diet-related problems. The United Nations Secretary General has declared 2016–2025 the Decade of Nutrition. What better time to develop your skills in this crucial area?

As over 800 million people still go to bed hungry while one in three suffer from hidden hunger and one in nine are overweight or obese, there is still a long way to go to achieve these targets. The targets are also essential for achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals, and you'll explore the role of health and nutrition in addressing these global targets by 2030.  

You'll be introduced to policy making, leadership and governance frameworks. You'll be encouraged to explore and debate the political and social influences underpinning policy implementation and impact, and to create innovative solutions to addressing global challenges in our food system, such as the impact of climate change and food waste. 

Your modules will explore the relationship between diet and disease, the nutrition science underpinning these factors, public health nutrition epidemiology, research methods for health science, nutritional assessment tools and how to develop and manage nutrition programmes.

The course will introduce you to stakeholders and skills that can enhance your professional competency, employability and development as a public health reflective professional.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Our course takes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding health and disease as related to food and nutrition, to reflect the changing profile of public health
  • We deliver a broad but balanced approach to the understanding of nutritional issues, in which the perspectives of social science are explored as well as the more traditional disciplines of nutrition, epidemiology and statistics
  • We offer a unique Essentials of Nutrition access course for those without an undergraduate degree in nutrition or health
  • Our modules are linked to global targets such as global nutrition targets and Sustainable Development Goals, including a module on global challenges focusing on climate change and the food system
  • Our teaching staff have strong links with employers, in diverse fields such as school feeding programmes, population weight management programmes and addressing food insecurity in all contexts. Many are alumni of the course
  • Our course team is research-active, and in previous years have involved students in ongoing research programmes with all assessments supporting employability skills
  • In previous years, field research trips have included locations such as Ethiopia and Zanzibar, and students have also undertaken research within London boroughs and UK NGOs

Course structure

Our assessments ensure that you graduate with the skills required by employers, which are transferable to a wide variety of fields and contexts. Assessments may include presentations, critical reviews, policy development and analysis, expressions of interest, programme proposals, data analysis using SPSS, interviews, podcasts, posters, policy briefings, TV newscasts, and health system analysis.

The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.

Core modules

This module introduces you to the basic concepts and principles of nutritional science that underpin the theory and practice of public health nutrition. You will explore the role of macro and micronutrients in maintaining health, and their effects when consumed in excess or when deficient, through the appraisal of scientific information relating to their structure, function, sources and bioavailability. This module emphasises the skills required to develop a critical understanding of the scientific basis of nutritional requirements, factors that influence them, and how they are applied to populations throughout the lifecycle.

This module will introduce the discipline of public health within an international context. Within this, three key themes are explored. Firstly what is public health and what is its scope. Secondly an exploration of nutrition and disease, including the definition of and consequences of an unbalanced diet, and finally changing patterns of diet and disease across the globe. In this way the module provides key knowledge and skills that are a foundation for future professional practice.

This module will explore the many challenges to sustainable, safe and equitable food supplies. Different conceptual frameworks, such as food security and food regimes, will be compared with food, providing a lens to examine the contributions of different academic disciplines in developing multi-sectoral actions. Food security assessment tools will be introduced and used. The role of the UN, government and private sector actors in relation to food production, trade, access and consumption will be examined, while current policies to establish safe and equitable food supplies will also be discussed. Factors such as the impact of climate change will also be examined.

This module examines evidence-based approaches to the prevention, management and control of nutritional disorders of public health significance. The module introduces you to project and strategic management tools and principles to increase your skills and employability.

You will cover the theory and techniques used to assess nutritional status, and gain practical skills in the measurement of body composition, energy expenditure and anthropometry.

This module introduces the political influences on health and nutrition policies and governance. Students will explore policy making and governance frameworks and carry out a policy analysis for their assessment. Students are supported to become more reflective practitioners, helping them to develop skills like effective team leadership and performing well under stress while managing conflict. There is a strong emphasis on developing your skills for professional practice, including professional accountability and ethics.

This module aims to develop your knowledge and competence of the research design process, exploring both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and quality assurance tools to be used in the application of research methods in the area of global public health nutrition.

This module project is an extended piece of research on a relevant topic that you are interested in, with the approval of your supervisor and course leader. The topic will draw on knowledge, skills and methodological techniques covered by the course. It will need to focus on research which can improve health and nutrition outcomes in either a low middle or high income context.

Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition as part fulfilment of the requirements for registration as an associate Public Health Nutritionist. Students on this course can also apply for membership and certification with the World Public Health Nutrition Association. 

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

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(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Employment opportunities for public health nutritionists are growing and there are numerous career paths our graduates follow, from working with Public Health England in writing policies, to acting as nutrition advisers to the Department of Health or other nutrition-focused organisations.

As well as developing the specialist skills to become an effective public health nutritionist, you'll be supported in developing key transferable skills for your career including communication, problem-solving, group-work and organisation.

Graduate success

Many of our graduates have gone on to work in international development with organisations such as Save the Children, Action against Hunger, UNICEF, GAIN, FAO, WFP and WHO. Other graduates have continued their academic studies by moving on to a PhD or becoming a lecturer.

Industry links

We have close links with organisations such as Save the Children, Results, and Action against Hunger. 

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Graduate success

  • Nine of our graduates presented their research at the 2020 World Public Health Nutrition Conference
  • We have alumni working with the Henry programme to support health nutrition outcomes in UK families 
  • We have a number of students working with Children for Health to create child-friendly health promotion material for low-income contexts 
  • We have alumni working with Save the Children in emergencies to address malnutrition

Student awards

In previous years, we've awarded two prizes each year: a prize for the most outstanding student, and a unique award for students who work or focus their research on the right to food and health, the Saunders Alma Ata Right to Food and Health Award.

Job roles 

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Global Public Health Nutritionist working with populations in international development
  • Public Health Nutritionist working with non-governmental organisations to improve population health and nutrition outcomes such as addressing malnutrition in children or elderly
  • Public health nutrition policymaking
  • Programme manager for health and nutrition programmes in the UK or globally
  • Academic researcher in public health nutrition
  • Nutritionist in private sector or industry roles 
  • Working with humanitarian responses or international agencies such as UNICEF

Graduate employers 

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • Action Against Hunger
  • Concern
  • GOAL 
  • Henry
  • Local government public health teams 
  • Ministry of Health in Somalia 
  • Obesity think tank
  • Public Health England
  • Results UK 
  • Save the Children
  • School Food Matters
  • Second Nature
  • UNICEF
  • Urban farming manager

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

There is a present need for increased nutrition and health capacity in the post-COVID recovery phase. Public health nutritionists are needed to apply population solutions with a clear understanding of the science, as well as the skills to implement them.

Prepare for your career in global public health nutrition

On our course, you'll be equipped with the specialist knowledge and practical skills to be a globally skilled public health nutritionist, and prepared to work in a range of workplace contexts.

Develop key transferable skills

You'll be supported to develop essential skills in group-work, problem-solving and organisation, using and managing information, self-motivation and reflection and effective communication. 

Fantastic central London location

You'll be based at our Cavendish Campus in the heart of multicultural central London, with easy access to London's huge range of scientific, library and cultural resources. 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including science or a social science subject. Students from a non-nutrition background are welcome to apply but they will be invited to complete our Essentials of Nutrition course, which has four short assessments.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including science or a social science subject. Students from a non-nutrition background are welcome to apply but they will be invited to complete our Essentials of Nutrition course, which has four short assessments.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

Learn new skills

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Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
23%77%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
20%80%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

As a student on this course, you're encouraged and supported to publish your research through our Food Nutrition and Public Health research group, in journals such as World Nutrition.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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