Students wanting to study at the postgraduate level in Human Nutrition have many options to choose from. The Department offers postgraduate pathways in Human Nutrition, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Applied Science as well as options by Distance.
For all pathways you will be studying with nutritional scientists with active research programmes in Sports and Activity, Lifecycle Nutrition, Behaviour Change, Chronic Disease, Micronutrients, Sustainable Nutrition, and Public Health. A list of potential postgraduate research projects can be found here.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree and typically takes three years to complete. This advanced degree develops expertise in a particular discipline in nutrition, which is demonstrated through the completion of original research and the writing of a thesis. It is expected that some of the work in the thesis will be publishable. Typically, PhD students already have a postgraduate degree, such as a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma in Science, or an Honours degree.
Read more about the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Advanced Nutrition Practice
The Master of Applied Science in Advanced Nutrition Practice is an 18- month post-graduate degree for students who wish to develop and advance their nutrition skills and develop skills for a career in the practice of nutrition.
The 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.
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. Students who take this degree have gone into varied roles within Non-Government Organisations (e.g. Sports Otago, Harbour Sport, Stroke Foundation), sports nutrition, personalised nutrition and private practice, Industry and Government.
Read more about the Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Advanced Nutrition Practice
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; students can take a range of nutrition papers (eg clinical nutrition, public health, sports nutrition, biostatistics), as well as papers from other departments . In the second year you work closely with an academic supervisor undertaking a research project and writing a thesis.
Students with an Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in Science, can enrol for a one-year Master of Science by thesis only.
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 also provides an excellent stepping stone for students wishing to complete a PhD either within New Zealand or Internationally.
Read more about the Master of Science (MSc)
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.
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 can be entirely paper-based or consist of papers and a research topic. The degree can be taken full-time or part-time. If a research topic has been included, the PGDipSci can provide entry to the Master of Science degree by thesis only.
Read more about the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition
This qualification is only available for those working as a health or education professional.
The Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Human Nutrition enables healthcare and education professionals to develop advanced skills in the field of nutrition, and to undertake supervised research in a human nutrition-related area. This will complement their work as general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental nurses, health education or home economics teachers. Applicants must firstly complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences endorsed in Human Nutrition.
Read more about the Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition
This qualification is only available for those working as a health or education professional.
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.
Read more about the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Human Nutrition
This qualification is only available for those working as a health or education professional.
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.
Read more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
Bachelor of Science with honours (BSc(hons)) in Human Nutrition
The Bachelor of Science with honours is a postgraduate degree, requiring an additional year of study after completion of an ordinary three-year Bachelor of Science degree. It involves taking further Human Nutrition papers at 400-level, as well as a research dissertation.
Read more about the Bachelor of Science with honours (BSc(hons))