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    Graduate as a confident nutrition practitioner, equipped to drive change in health, wellbeing, and performance. Study on campus or by distance – wherever you are.

    The Master of Science (Applied) is the new name for the former Master of Applied Science degree.

    Students intending to begin study in 2027 should apply for the Master of Science (Applied).

    Programme requirements may have changed for some subjects.

    Study the Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied)) in Advanced Nutrition Practice

    Build confidence through applied nutrition practice

    You will explore clinical nutrition, public health, sports and exercise nutrition, and practical food solutions to complex nutritional challenges. Engaging with current research will sharpen your ability to apply evidence across different social and cultural contexts. You can tailor your learning with related papers in areas such as sports and exercise science, entrepreneurship, public health, science communication, or food science. The programme may also include an opportunity to complete a work placement or project with an organisation, connecting theory with professional practice.

    Ready to apply?

    If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.

    Programme details

    Regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (Applied)  (MSc (Applied))

    1. Admission to the Programme

      1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
      2. Every applicant must have been awarded a bachelor's degree with an average grade of at least B in the relevant 300-level papers or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

    2. Subjects of Study

      The degree may be awarded in any of the subjects for the degree of Master of Science (Applied) listed in Science Schedule D. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences), the degree may be awarded in a subject not listed in Science Schedule D.

    3. Structure of the Programme

      1. The programme of study:
        1. shall consist of approved papers at 400-level or higher worth at least 180 points, selected from the papers specified in Science Schedule D for the Master of Science (Applied) subject concerned, and must include at least 40 points from SCNC 501, SCNC 503, SCNC 597, SCNC 598, or approved 500 level papers.
        2. shall normally include papers from more than one subject and at least one of the approved 400-level papers that shall be amongst the first papers taken in the programme of study.
        3. may, with the approval of the Head of Department or Course Director concerned, include papers substituted worth up to 60 points from 400- and 500-level papers other than those specified in the subject requirements.
      2. A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science shall be exempted from those papers in the programme for the degree which have previously been passed for the certificate or diploma.

    4. Duration of the Programme

      The programme shall normally be completed within 18 months and not less than one year (12 months) by full-time candidates, or by part-time candidates over more than 18 months.

    5. Examination

      1. Every report for SCNC 597 or SCNC 598,  shall be assessed by at least two examiners and be subject to the overview of the external assessor for the supervising department.
      2. The candidate's supervisor for any of SCNC 597 or SCNC 598 shall not be an examiner but may make a report on the work of the candidate to the Course Director concerned

    6. Level of Award of the Degree

      The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

    7. Variations

      The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

    Note: The due date for applications for first enrolment in the programme is 10 December. Late applications will be considered.

    Explore more in Advanced Nutrition Practice

    Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.

    Study Advanced Nutrition Practice at Otago

    Career opportunities

    Postgraduate study in Human Nutrition equips you with advanced skills valued across health and science sectors. You’ll be ready to influence nutrition practice, policy, or research with confidence and expertise. Careers include:

    • Registered nutritionist
    • Public health nutrition advisor
    • Research scientist in nutrition or food science
    • Policy analyst for government or NGOs
    • Health promotion specialist

    Develop pathways into professional nutrition practice

    Graduates are supported to become Associate Registered Nutritionists with the New Zealand Nutrition Society, with a pathway towards full Registration. Otago also provides the mentoring required during the first year of associate registration. You will build the evidence-based knowledge and practical confidence to contribute across private practice, community and public health, sport, industry, policy, education, and nutrition-focused organisations. If you have not studied Human Nutrition at undergraduate level but want to develop your career in this direction, see the MSc (Coursework) Human Nutrition conversion degree.

    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.

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    The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.

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