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The MSc in Nutrition and Genetics aims to educate students in molecular biology principles that explain the interactions between human DNA and nutrition.

  • 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.

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.

The degree 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.

Entry requirements

2:2 Previous degree

2:1 or a good 2:2 (or equivalent qualification) in Nutrition or Dietetics.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

Further information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Course content

Modules

  • Principles of Molecular Biology Core
  • Genetics in Health and Disease Core
  • Nutrient-gene Interactions Core
  • Genetics and Personalised Nutrition Core
  • Applied Personalised Nutrition Core
  • Genetic Tests in Nutrition Core
  • Research Project Core

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Nutrition and Genetics will have gained an expertise in incorporating elements of genetic profiling in nutritional and dietary assessments and regimes. Also, graduates of this programme will be in a unique position to work for (or with) companies that offer genotyping services; such companies are becoming increasingly popular, creating the need for such expertise. 

Finally, the specific degree is the ideal platform for a career in research considering that graduates will be in the advantageous position to combine two distinct scientific disciplines (Nutrition and Genetics).

The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.

How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

September 2021

  • Home: £9,150
  • International: £13,950

Part-time fees

Part-time students will be charged for the modules undertaken per academic year. Module prices are calculated as a percentage of credits against the total credits and cost of the degree.

Tuition fees are subject to an inflationary increase each year, meaning if your course runs over more than one academic year you may pay an increased fee per module for each subsequent year of study. Tuition fee increases for returning students will be capped at the higher of 5% per annum or the rate of Consumer Price Index inflation in the United Kingdom.

Funding

The tuition fees listed on this page are for the 2018/19 academic year. For information on fees for other academic years - along with information about financing your studies - please check the Fees & Funding section.

International Students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

Government-funded loans of over £11,000 are available to many UK/EU postgraduate students.

For guidance about financing your studies, including information about the government-funded loans, please check out Fees & Funding section.

International Students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken For further information about additional costs please contact yiannis.mavrommatis@stmarys.ac.uk.

Facilities

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Further information