Postgraduate study, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, New Zealand

Students wanting to study at the postgraduate level in Human Nutrition have a wealth of options to choose from. The Department offers postgraduate pathways in Human Nutrition, Sports and Exercise Nutrition as well as options by Distance.

For all pathways you will be studying with leading researchers in the nutritional fields of International, Sports and Activity, Lifecycle Nutrition, Behaviour Change, Chronic Disease and Public Health are available and a list of potential postgraduate research projects can be found here:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of the submission of a thesis. The thesis should give evidence of the candidate’s ability to carry out research, that the candidate has shown originality and independence, and that the candidate has made a significant contribution to knowledge in the particular field. It is expected that some of the work in the thesis would be worthy of publication.

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Advanced Nutrition Practice

The study of Advanced Nutrition Practice is for students with a relevant undergraduate degree in human nutrition or sport and exercise nutrition, or a background from a related health field, who wish to develop and advance their nutrition skills and develop skills for a career in the practice of nutrition.

This course covers clinical nutrition, public health, sports and exercise nutrition, food solutions to nutritional issues and the latest evidence in nutrition research. Each aspect of the course has practical components that allows students to learn and develop skills in real-world environments. Students also have the opportunity to take papers from other departments such as sports and exercise science, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, public health, science communication and food science depending on their areas of interest.

A major component of this course is completing a substantial period of work experience or a placement within an organisation in an area or field of work that is of interest to the student.

Master of Science (MSc)

The Master of Science majoring in Human Nutrition is a two-year post-graduate degree. The first year is mostly coursework and research preparation. In the second year you work closely with an academic supervisor within a chosen topic to explore and contribute to the advancement of nutritional science. This degree prepares you well for jobs in areas such as government policy, food industry, research institutes, non-government agencies, and health communication and education. It provides an excellent steppingstone for students wishing to complete a PhD either within New Zealand or Internationally.

Master of Dietetics (MDiet)

The Master of Dietetics (MDiet) degree is an academic and professional dietetic training course which prepares graduates to work as dietitians in New Zealand. This full time, two-year course encompasses specialist papers in clinical nutrition, public health, food service, professional skills, research thesis preparation, a block placement and a research project.

Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition

This degree programme enables healthcare and education professionals to develop advanced skills in the field of human nutrition, including research design skills, and to undertake supervised research in a human nutrition-related area.

Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc)

The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc) is a one-year thesis-only postgraduate degree for students who have completed the BBiomedSc(Hons) or similar postgraduate programme. It provides excellent hands-on training as preparation either for work in biomedical research or for students wishing to continue on to PhD studies.

Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)

The DipGrad is intended for students who have earned a degree. In some cases a student who has not earned a degree may also be eligible. The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year.

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences endorsed in Human Nutrition (PGDipHealSc) is intended for New Zealand resident health and education professionals who are seeking to develop or update their nutrition knowledge and skills in order to complement their work as general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental nurses, health education or home economics teachers. It enables the development of postgraduate-level skills in the field of human nutrition, including an advanced capacity for appraisal of research evidence in this field.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) is a one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree. The diploma encompasses both papers and a research topic, and can be taken full-time or part-time. It provides entry to the Master of Science (MSc) degree by thesis only.

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition is intended for New Zealand health and education professionals who are seeking to develop or update their nutrition knowledge and skills in order to complement their work as general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental nurses, health education or home economics teachers. It is a tertiary, not professional, qualification and does not prepare participants to practice as dietitians.

Postgraduate Study in Human Nutrition