The MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics is offered at the University of Limerick (UL) as a Graduate Entry Masters of Science programme.  It is delivered full-time over two years. This is an innovative, evidence-based, interfaculty programme.   Honours graduates have the opportunity to pursue studies that lead to becoming competent nutritionists and dietitians who can gain employment in a variety of settings. Broadly, graduates of the programme will build on a prior knowledge base of physiology and biochemistry and apply it to the role of food and nutrition in health and disease.

Through an interprofessional education model,  students undertake shared modules with other healthcare disciplines in the School of Allied Health, including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy.  This model exposes our graduates to an integrated multidisciplinary team approach to healthcare from the outset.  Students will undertake modules in the School of Allied Health (Faculty of Education and Health Sciences) and in the Department of Biological Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering).

In addition to academic modules at UL, students on the MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme will complete 1000 hours of clinical and community placement.  This is included in placement blocks over the two years of the programme including, a summer study period. Clinical placement modules will take place in a range of settings (tertiary and secondary hospitals, primary care, public health, role emerging and food service establishments) and with clients of all ages. Placements may be based outside of Limerick.

Programme Aims

The MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics aims to develop graduates who are able to:

  • Establish therapeutic relationships with diverse populations through optimising the nutrition of communities and individuals, in a range of settings.
  • Critique and apply evidence to patient assessment, diagnosis and management.
  • Be competent in the prescription, delivery and monitoring of nutrition and dietetic interventions, based on an evidence-based and clinically-reasoned approach for the effective management of people with a range of conditions.
  • Employ the principles of client centred practice.
  • Collaborate with clients, colleagues and communities.
  • Engage in continuing professional development.
  • Use an innovative and creative approach to meet evolving service developments and healthcare needs.
  • Conduct research and appraise the scientific literature to inform an evidence-based approach to research and practice.
  • Integrate the ethical, social and cultural dimensions of healthcare within clinical judgement.