MSc in Clinical Nutrition
Clinical nutrition is crucial for enhancing individual health and development. This field addresses a broad range of patient needs, from specific nutritional deficiencies to general health improvement, focusing on personalised nutritional support throughout healthcare.
Our MSc in Clinical Nutrition provides students with comprehensive knowledge on how nutrition impacts various medical conditions and lifestyle choices across different populations. Students gain valuable insights into diverse nutritional challenges they might face professionally.
Subject to validation
Next intake: September 2024Key Facts
In oncology, clinical nutrition is essential for supporting cancer patients and managing treatment-related side effects.
The field also plays a key role in managing gastrointestinal disorders and thrives on teamwork within healthcare settings to provide integrated care that improves overall patient health.
This programme equips healthcare professionals with the skills to apply effective nutritional strategies in clinical settings, improving patient outcomes and health management.
There is no set timetable, making it possible to fit your study and qualification around your schedule. We offer accessible, high-value, fast-paced education that allows students to advance their careers in Clinical Nutrition quickly. This university-validated course aims to:
- Equip the individual with a critical and systematic knowledge of clinical nutrition, skills in critical appraisal and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
- Equip students with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to (clinical) practice in a range of settings.
- Enable graduates to critically evaluate practice in clinical nutrition in relation to the evidence base.
- Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of nutrition-related care.
- Enable graduates to deliver leadership to teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
- Equip students with a systematic knowledge of evidence-based clinical nutrition in relation to patient management across the spectrum of medical specialties caring for individuals with specific dietary needs.
- Enable graduates to use relevant knowledge, methodologies and approaches to address complex issues of clinical nutrition in various healthcare scenarios.
- Equip students with the ability to implement best practice and innovation in complex clinical nutrition scenarios.
- Extend student knowledge of research methods and application to practice.
- Extend the scope of clinical nutrition practice by delving into a complex issue in greater depth, utilising the knowledge acquired.
Subject To Validation
This programme has not yet been validated by a University partner. We are accepting applications for this course on the basis that it will shortly be validated. Please note that all applications are subject to this validation being approved.
Subject to validation
Next intake: September 2024 Key Facts
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Why Study a Clinical Nutrition Master's with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our MSc in Clinical Nutrition is ideal for:
Dietitians: For dietitians, postgraduate studies in clinical nutrition would provide advanced knowledge in assessing and managing medical conditions through specialised dietary interventions. It would deepen their expertise in areas like critical care, chronic disease management, and specialised populations, while enhancing collaboration with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care.
Medical doctors: Physicians, especially those specialising in fields such as gastroenterology, endocrinology, oncology, or paediatrics, may pursue postgraduate training or certifications in clinical nutrition. This knowledge helps them better understand the nutritional aspects of various medical conditions and how to incorporate dietary interventions into patient care.
Pharmacists: Clinical pharmacists, especially those working in hospitals or specialised clinics, may study clinical nutrition to better understand the interactions between medications and nutrition, as well as to provide nutritional counselling to patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
Speech and language therapists: Some speech and language therapists, particularly those working with patients who have swallowing disorders or feeding difficulties, may study clinical nutrition to better understand the nutritional needs of their patients and develop appropriate dietary recommendations.
Occupational therapists: Occupational therapists working in healthcare settings, such as rehabilitation centres or long-term care facilities, may study clinical nutrition to address the nutritional needs of their patients and promote independence in activities related to food preparation and eating.
Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists, especially those working in sports medicine or rehabilitation settings, may study clinical nutrition to understand the role of nutrition in injury recovery, tissue repair, and overall physical performance.
How Will I Learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted through our interactive online learning platform, log in daily whenever and wherever you want. No fixed timetable empowers you to study when it suits you
These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.
Curriculum
The master's in Clinical Nutrition is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the postgraduate diploma. The second year of master's in occupational medicine starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
The module provides a systematic understanding and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches of the fundamentals of nutrition in adult medicine, covering the physiology and pathophysiology of diet, metabolism, appetite and food science, including macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) and their metabolic roles.
Indicative content:
- Food science, including Foods, nutrients, metabolism, diet and appetite
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrients
- Physiological functions
- Biochemical mechanisms
- Diets
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the fundamentals of nutrition in health.
- Critically evaluate current research and guidelines relating to dietary patterns and nutrient intake in adults, in a range of settings.
- Apply an advanced knowledge and understanding of the dietary variety, nutritional intake patterns, functions of nutrients, absorption and metabolisation.
This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct integrated nutritional assessments, calculate individual energy and nutrient requirements, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing nutritional concerns, whilst providing in-depth knowledge of body composition in healthy individuals, assessment methods, and factors influencing nutritional status.
Indicative Content:
- Nutritional risk, nutritional status and body composition changes (changes throughout the life cycle)
- Methods for assessing nutritional risk and nutritional status body composition (practical and research applicability)
- Dietary intake questionnaires to assess current and previous dietary patterns. Nutritional history
- Previous intake of food and nutrients (consumption of supplements and drugs)
- Biochemical analysis
- Social and individual aspects relevant to access and intake of food (isolation, housing conditions, economic factors, functional disabilities)
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the physiological changes in body composition across various life stages and the implications for overall health, integrating knowledge of metabolic processes, hormonal influences, and nutritional requirements.
- Critically evaluate and apply advanced methodologies for assessing body composition in clinical and research contexts, synthesising information from multiple sources to interpret anthropometric data, bioimpedance measurements, and imaging techniques accurately.
- Synthesise the evidence and critically interpret this into the delivery of processes to conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments, including obtaining dietary history, analysing nutrient intake data, and interpreting weight variations over time, to make informed recommendations for dietary interventions and personalised health strategies.
The overall aim of this module is to equip postgraduate healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and practical expertise in utilising clinical nutrition as an integral component of preventative care strategies for promoting optimal health and mitigating chronic disease risk across diverse patient populations.
Indicative Content
- Importance of nutrition in disease prevention
- Obesity and chronic disease prevention
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
- Bone and joint health, neurological health
- Gut health and immune function
- Cancer prevention
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the role of specific dietary patterns, functional foods, and nutraceuticals in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity-related conditions.
- Critically analyse current research findings and evidence-based guidelines to formulate comprehensive nutritional strategies for the prevention and management of various health conditions in diverse patient populations.
- Devise and justify personalised nutrition care plans for patients, incorporating appropriate dietary modifications, lifestyle recommendations, and patient education strategies for effective preventative care.
This module aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced understanding and practical skills in clinical nutrition assessment and management across acute and chronic conditions. Participants will develop interprofessional collaboration abilities, enhance clinical decision-making through case studies, and gain expertise in specialised nutrition support techniques. Additionally, the module aims to explore future trends and ethical considerations in clinical nutrition, preparing participants to adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes and contribute to advancements in the field.
Indicative Content:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases
- Intensive care units (ICU), critically ill patients; surgery, burns
- Obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Diabetes, high-blood pressure (HBP), dyslipidemia
- Kidney disease and disorders
- Cancer
Learning Outcomes:
- Critically evaluate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying malnutrition in acute and chronic conditions, and appraise the metabolic response to various states such as injury, recovery, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
- Systematically and critically evaluate current research and guidelines relating to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of nutritional status in acute and chronic conditions.
- Construct and consider the application of tailored nutritional plans for individuals with chronic conditions, synthesising evidence-based principles and practical considerations to optimise nutritional status and seek to mitigate disease progression.
This module aims to provide students with an advanced understanding of various dietary patterns, including cultural, regional, and individual differences, and their impact on health and well-being. It emphasises the integration of multidisciplinary approaches in dietary counselling, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, psychologists, and physicians, to provide comprehensive care to patients by enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in conducting thorough dietary assessments to implement personalised and effective counselling strategies for facilitating sustainable behavioural change, whilst upholding ethical considerations throughout the counselling process.
Indicative Content:
- Dietary history, food preferences, current intake, comorbidities, symptoms, drug therapy, social and cultural background
- Behavioural change, psychological mechanisms underlying dietary behaviours
- Motivational interviewing, goal setting, and active listening
- Tailoring dietary Interventions, communication
- Addressing Barriers to Change
- Sustainable Behaviour Change, evaluation and Monitoring of Progress
Ethical Considerations in Counselling
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of individual and cultural factors influencing dietary behaviours, incorporating a broad healthcare and lifestyle perspective to critically appraise the impact of social, economic and healthcare system barriers to optimal nutrition.
- Systematically synthesise advanced information and specialised theories related to behavioural change communication and dietary counselling strategies to develop tailored nutritional interventions that meet individual needs, preferences, and goals in a range of healthcare and lifestyle contexts.
- Apply advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance multidisciplinary team performance in facilitating sustainable dietary changes and food habits for patients in a variety of contexts.
To impart a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of clinical nutrition therapy across the healthcare continuum. Students will develop competencies in evaluating patient needs, determining appropriate nutritional interventions, implementing tailored nutrition care plans, and monitoring outcomes through an interprofessional, patient-centred approach.
Indicative Content:
- Decision making process for nutrition intervention with a multidisciplinary approach, including ethical and cultural considerations
- Therapeutic diets
- Nutritional supplements
- Medical nutritional therapy, artificial nutrition (enteral and parenteral)
- Therapeutic diets and artificial nutrition in specific conditions
- Multidisciplinary nutrition team
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an in-depth and systematic knowledge of the decision making process involved in nutrition intervention, with an emphasis on ethical and cultural considerations presented in complex and varied settings.
- Critically evaluate emerging approaches to the treatment of nutritional disorders to develop effective methodologies that justify recommendations in complex nutritional contexts along the continuum of care.
- Critically apply knowledge and synthesise evidence into the development of personalised diagnostic management strategies for patients requiring specialised nutritional interventions, demonstrating advanced interpersonal, team, and networking skills to strategically enhance multidisciplinary collaboration in a variety of settings.
Year 2
Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal-
- Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
- Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots and meta-analyses.
- Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and number needed to treat. Statistical tests and their applications including t-tests, ANOVA and chi-square.
- Qualitative research methods.
- Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
- Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
- Establishing patient registers and the value of disease-specific registers.
- Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
Professional Project-
This module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
Learning outcomes:
- Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in the field.
- Critically analyse and interpret relevant research in the subject area.
- Design and undertake a research/development project.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Assessment Methods
The Clinical Nutrition MSc course places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of clinical scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The first six modules on the master's of the Clinical Nutrition course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout.
You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module. These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice.
For the final module of the master's you will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,000 words.
Year 1
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically. The examination tests Anti-Ageing Medicine related theory and problem-solving skills.
Year 2
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry requirements
Since our Masters in Clinical Nutrition is conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered for the postgraduate diploma in occupational medicine on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS (with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £750 | £8,400 |
| 1st November 2024 | £750 | |
| 1st January 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st March 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st May 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st March 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st May 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2026 | £650 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
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We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
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