Nutritional Medicine MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Nutritional Medicine
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Nutritional Medicine |
| PGCert | Nutritional Medicine |
Professional recognition
Association for Nutrition (AfN)
Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for the purpose of eligibility for Direct Entry Registration at Associate Level with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN).
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Part-time | PCA61001 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
BATH Sarah (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
24/04/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- Our programme will help students to develop critical skills, knowledge and confidence in nutrition applicable to professional practice, within a collegiate environment. To become an advocate for the nutrition profession
- Students will gain knowledge and skills necessary to investigate, understand and apply the concepts of Nutritional Medicine in relation to current health issues, such as obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and nutritional deficiencies
- To develop evidence-based knowledge and practice in students in healthcare roles, private practice or industry who provide nutrition-related care or advice
- To enhance the critical and analytical skills of students through taking a critical and scholarly approach to theory, practice, literature and research findings within the subject resulting in a greater understanding of the range and potential of nutritional management of disease risk
- To further the students' knowledge of the mechanisms underlying disorders with nutritional aetiologies at both the biochemical and molecular level
- To provide opportunities for professional development, encourage the acquisition of intellectual, scientific, technical and transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning, allowing students to show evidence of their development and support their career progression
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| To discuss the type of evidence that underpins current dietary requirements/guidelines and know how to evaluate the nutritional status of individuals | KCP | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| To consider the epidemiology of nutritional status and related health in the UK and other populations | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| To understand the role of human nutrition and metabolism in health and in the pathogenesis of disease | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| To understand the specific roles of macro, micro and phytonutrients in health and disease | K | MSc | |
| Measure food intake and be aware of the pitfalls in such measurement | KPT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Describe food sources of particular nutrients | KP | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Understand the role of the food matrix and meal composition in the uptake and metabolism of nutrients | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Plan a diet plan for a specific health-related purpose | CP | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Understand research design and data analysis to interpret published nutrition research | CT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| To develop the analytical skills required to allow interpretation of data or evidence and formulate conclusions | KCT | PGDip, MSc | |
| Design/plan/undertake an appropriate research project | KPT | MSc | |
| Develop confidence in communicating ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means, including group work. Work effectively, independently and in small groups and teams towards a common goal | PT | PGDip, MSc | |
| To develop a critical, scholarly and evidence-based approach to theory and practice in Nutritional Medicine | P | PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two to five years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Unstructured (2-5 years) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Unstructured (2-5 years) - FHEQ Level 7
MSc choose 4 from the 5 listed optional modules (plus the 5 core 15-credit modules and the 45-credit project module BMSM013)
PG Dip choose 3 from the 5 listed optional modules (plus the 5 core 15-credit modules)
PG Cert take BMSM001 and BMSM002 plus two other 15-credit modules
Modules BMSM001, BMSM002, BMSM013 run every year.
Within one academic year, the following 15 credit modules will run:
BMSM001, BMSM002, BMSM003, BMSM005, BMSM041, BMSM042
Within the next academic year, the following 15 credit modules will run:
BMSM001, BMSM002, BMSM009, BMSM011, BMSM012, BMSM043.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
1 Direct entry route
This is for those who meet the entry criteria: upper second class undergraduate degree or higher in a relevant subject (e.g. dietetics, biochemistry), or a registrable qualification in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine.
2 Occasional route
This is considered on a case-by-case basis by the Programme Director for those who do not meet entry criteria. Students join with BMSM001 and within 2 years must pass four modules (60 credits), including BMSM001 and BMSM002. They can either:
¿ Exit with PG certificate (60 credits)
¿ transfer registration to the MSc
This part-time programme has a maximum registration of five years (calculated from BMSM001 registration) for both routes of study.
3 CPD option
Modules other than BMSM001 and BMSM001 are available for CPD (if entry criteria met); students get a certificate of attendance (not credits).
Five Pillars
The University of Surrey has a commitment to developing learners with capabilities in the following five areas:
Employability
As an accredited MSc, students cover the core competencies required to be a registered nutritionist with the AfN. The variety of speakers demonstrates the diverse role of nutritionists. Authentic module assessments are used and critical appraisal skills are fundamental.
Sustainability
Nutrition is considered in the context of the UN Sustainable Goals. The sustainability of food biosystems in relation to healthy diets is covered.
Digital capabilities
There is structured engagement with online learning environments, specialist digital resources (e.g. dietary and data analysis) and emerging technologies, including the critical and responsible use of AI-supported tools.
Resourcefulness and resilience
Students develop ways to respond to opportunities, challenges, and problems, reflecting and learning from experiences.
Global and Cultural Capabilities
Lecturers encompass global and cultural experiences. Students respect variations in food culture, diversity and promote equality and inclusion.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.