The MSc in Nutrition and Genetics aims to educate students in molecular biology principles that explain the interactions between human DNA and nutrition.
Why study Nutrition and Genetics?
The degree provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the progress, advantages and limitations of personalised nutrition. Finally, the programme will provide students with the necessary practical skills associated with molecular nutrition techniques.
NHS England states that “the shift to personalised medicine is already underway” and the NHS National Genetics and Genomics Education Centre has developed specific learning outcomes that need to be achieved by currently practising and future dietitians.
Freelance dietitians and nutritionists already feel the need to include elements of genetics and personalised nutrition in their consultations. An extensive market analysis on consumer trends (DataMonitor) showed that one of the main food-consumer “mega” trends is that people of all ages are more proactively addressing their health in a more personalised manner. The UK is one of the leading countries in consumer rates who consider the idea of using genetics in nutritional advice.
Why St Mary's?
St Mary’s University, Twickenham is the first and only university in the UK that offers a degree in Nutrition and Genetics. Teaching staff at St Mary’s have great experience teaching Nutrition and they also conduct research in the field of Nutrition and Genetics.
St Mary’s University has been ranked as the top London university for student experience and we are proud of the excellent tutoring support we offer. The specific programme offers the opportunity for students to carry out their Research Project at the University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) as part of the Erasmus exchange programme.
Teaching methods
The programme uses a variety of teaching methods (e.g. lectures, seminar, workshops, laboratory practicals etc) and provides students with the opportunity of comprehensive learning that covers theoretical aspects but also practical and applied perspectives.
Lectures are delivered in all modules and students are expected to regard the information gained as a guideline/basis for further research and study, to be completed in non-contact time.
Assessment methods
The assessment strategy has been designed to not only measure student learning but to also facilitate student learning. Assessments at postgraduate level are designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate critical analysis, deep and insightful thought and the application of knowledge.
Coursework not only optimises the student learning experience but also enables the aforementioned skills, together with the transferable and practical skills that are developed and learnt throughout modules, to be effectively evaluated. A wide variety of assessment modes are employed including essays, laboratory reports, exams, e-portfolios and oral presentations.
Key facts
- This is the first MSc on Nutrition and Genetics in the UK and Europe.
- Students on this programme are provided with the opportunity to conduct their Research Project at the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- The programme combines elements from research, enterprise and NHS recommendations/planning in order to provide comprehensive education in the field of Nutrition and Genetics.