MSc Nutrition and Food Science

Learn fundamental concepts of nutrition, the development of dietary reference values and recommendations, and techniques used in nutrition research. You’ll also develop an understanding of major issues of nutrition during the life cycle, and have an appreciation of the scientific base of nutritional recommendations and controversial topics in nutrition research.

Learn about human nutrition during the life cycle and its link to nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, epigenetics and personalised nutrition. You’ll also study a selection of current issues in nutrition which impinge on lifestyle, health, genetic susceptibility and disease and matters relevant to the interface between human nutrition and food science.

Learn the fundamentals of microbiology, with a focus on understanding the role of microbes in shaping health and disease outcomes. You’ll also learn skills in microbiological techniques and develop an understanding of how microbial communities can be manipulated through diet or clinical intervention, and the resultant impact on health.

Gain an introduction to policy, food choice and nutrition behaviour change in the context of public health nutrition. You’ll explore factors that influence food choice and conduct research to examine a real-world nutrition issue in your local environment. You’ll also develop a behaviour change intervention and communication plan based on your findings and understand how this relates to the Association for Nutrition Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance.

Develop your expertise in designing, developing and evaluating reformulated food products. You’ll learn about the key pillars in food product reformulation including nutrition, public health, food science, manufacturing, food quality, legislation, consumer perception and business perspective.

Learn about the scientific basis for nutritional support, medical ethics and nutritional counselling with a focus on healthy, sick and metabolically compromised patients.You’ll build skills in clinical nutrition with respect to physiological systems and learn about how diet can be used to prevent and treat  human disease.

Work as an independent research scientist to design a research project, undertake the research and write up the analysis in the format of a research paper. You’ll develop research skills and gain the opportunity to enhance your self-awareness and effectiveness in facilitating decision-making processes to boost your career development.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.