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Are you keen to improve public health and improve health and wellbeing via food and nutrition? Do you want to develop the knowledge required to reflect on current concerns and practice issues linked to this field?  

Popular with both UK-based and international students, the unique Master of Public Health (Nutrition) programme has been specifically designed for those who wish to develop their career within public health, with a particular focus on nutrition. Typically you will be from a nutrition, food science, bioscience, sport, exercise, nursing, midwifery or integrated health and social care background.

Guided by experts in the field of public health and registered nutritionists, you will combine practical experience with a thorough grounding in relevant areas of theory and research. The practical application of these academic skills will equip you with the knowledge and approaches necessary to implement a broad range of interventions to improve public health outcomes in different employment contexts and in particular relating to food and nutrition, for example tackling a range of relevant societal issues such as, health inequalities in nutritional wellbeing, the increase in diabetes and the high prevalence of obesity.

Upon successful graduation you will possess in-depth research and enquiry skills, and a critical understanding of their application in public health and in a range of employment contexts:

  • local authorities
  • the community and local partnerships
  • the private sector
  • charitable organisations
  • the NHS and further research

We also offer a Public Health course without a nutrition focus - please click here to read more

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
28 months part-time
2 other options available

Department
Social Work, Education & Community Wellbeing

Location
Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2020

Fee Information

Module Information

Discover More / Public Health

Watch Programme Leader Dr Richard Lee discuss the course and the thriving research culture in Public Health at Northumbria, and hear from Georgia about her experience with the course.

Book an Open Day / Experience Public Health (Nutrition)

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Public Health at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

This programme will provide you with the opportunity to explore and develop your skills and knowledge of public health fundamentals, public health intelligence and epidemiology,nutrition related diseases, public health nutrition and research project.

Teaching will be delivered via a mix of lectures and seminars, which will be supported by case studies, enquiry-based learning exercises, skills development sessions and independent study.

The tutors use a range of learning and teaching methods to help you in your learning, development and application of skills. Interactive lectures provide a trigger to stimulate your critical engagement and analysis of complex public health issues, which are then explored in seminar based discussions and presentations. 

Experiential learning approaches will enable you to develop your self-concept, challenge beliefs, communicate effectively, increase cognitive potential, problem-solve and develop new perspectives through reflection, all key attributes sought by employers.

This programme will be assessed through written work, oral presentations and essays .

You will also produce an in-depth nutrition related dissertation project around a subject area of your choice. Undertaken under the supervision of a dedicated supervisor, this project will form the final stage of the assessment process.

Book an Open Day / Experience Public Health (Nutrition)

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Public Health at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

This programme is taught by a team of experienced lecturers with a practice background in public health and nutrition. We boast close links with local directors, commissioners and practitioners of public health and nutritionists, some of whom are employed as part of our teaching team to provide you with access to professionals that are actively working within public health and nutrition.

Teaching staff possess the accreditations and academic qualifications required to teach, in addition to professional registrations with the Association for Nutrition

We also welcome external visiting speakers from a variety of public health and food and nutrition contexts to contribute to lectures, enabling you to learn about the current issues that are defining the public health, food and nutrition sectors.

Our team have extensive experience of working with both UK and international students and will provide ongoing guidance to support you throughout every step of this course.

Book an Open Day / Experience Public Health (Nutrition)

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Public Health at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

This programme is based at both our Coach Lane and City campuses and our facilities are some of the most advanced in the country and allow us to ensure your learning evolves in-line with the latest developments in the industry.

Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree and you will receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists.

Facilities / Public Health

Explore the fantastic facilities you'll have access to at Northumbria University.

Coach Lane Campus

Academic Language Skills Programmes (ALS)

Research-rich learning is central to the structure of this programme and our research-active staff will use examples from the latest research publications as well as their own research to develop your critical understanding and thinking.

You will be encouraged to critically examine and comment on the philosophical underpinnings and methodologies applied to public health studies and begin to design a research proposal to form the basis for your dissertation - a project of self-directed study that requires you to undertake independent enquiry around a nutrition subject area of your choice.

More than 80% of research activity in Allied Health Sciences and Nursing is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014).

Deaprtmental Research

Explore the diverse research that we're currently undertaking across Public Health and Community Wellbeing.

Northumbria works in partnership with local and national services and organisations to produce independent public health and nutrition professionals who are competent, confident, compassionate and able to meet and exceed the professional, statutory and regulatory body standards required of them.

Our partnership with those actively involved in public health as well as nutrition, will enable you to interact and network with professionals who are currently working within the fields of public health, and nutrition allowing you to further understand how the skills taught on this course apply to a real working environment.

The Master of Public Health (Nutrition) programme provides a good foundation for you to develop a portfolio at the level required for your particular role, if you so wish. For those pursuing speciality training for consultants/ registrars / supervisors the learning from the programme will inform your portfolio development route (Faculty of Public Health 2015).

The modules on this programme have been aligned to reflect the core and defined areas of the UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework (2013) and the Faculty of Public Health’s (2015) six domains of public health practice.

Book an Open Day / Experience Public Health (Nutrition)

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Public Health at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Upon graduation you will possess the skills required for leadership, management and system-based thinking in public health and nutrition, all of which will enhance your ability to lead and manage in a variety of public health organisations in the UK and worldwide.

The Master of Public Health (Nutrition) qualification is a national and internationally renowned degree that will help you seek employment in public or government services, voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations and research posts both in the UK and abroad.

Completion of this Masters programme also provides an excellent grounding for progression to PhD or professional doctorate studies.

Roles may include:

  • policy development and implementation
  • assessing and scoping population or community needs
  • providing dietary and lifestyle advice to individuals or groups
  • nutrition consultancy
  • research
  • health promotion
  • community focused nutrition, health and wellbeing projects

Student Profiles / Public Health

Discover more about our MPH courses from our global community of students

Patrick Okonji

Ulumma Yvonne Agbarakwe

The study facilities are really impressive. The fact that education is mixed with volunteer and leadership opportunities is also something that I have enjoyed.

Tolulope Haastrup

MPH alumni

Book an Open Day / Experience Public Heath (Nutrition)

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Public Health at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships Study Options

Entry Requirements 2020/21

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a subject related to nutrition, healthcare or health sciences, or relevant professional experience in public health, healthcare, nutrition, dietetics or health sciences.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2020/21 Entry

Full UK Fee: £7,170

Full EU Fee: £7,170

Full International Fee: £15,500

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Scholarships and discounts

Click here for Home/EU scholarships and discounts information

Click here for International scholarships and discounts information

If you'd like to receive news and information from us in the future about the course or finance then please complete the below form

* By submitting your information you are consenting to your data being processed by Northumbria University (as Data Controller) and Campus Management Corp. (acting as Data Processor). To see the University's privacy policy please click here

Modules Overview 2020/21

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

AC0782 -

Public Health Fundamentals: Concepts, Theories and Frameworks (Core,30 Credits)

This module will offer you the opportunity to demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental public health concepts and to begin the process of critically evaluating them at a deeper level. You will learn how to critically analyse a broad range of public health theories, concepts and frameworks that are fundamental to public health policy and practice. You will also evaluate the complex interconnecting links between political, social, economic, biological, technological and environmental determinants of public health and explore underpinning discourses. The module will focus on the three key areas of public health – health protection, health improvement and health care services and in particular the following:

• Social dimensions of public health
• Health inequalities
• Assessing and analysing population health needs
• Social capital
• Health promotion
• Health beliefs
• Self efficacy
• Social marketing
• Community development

You will also be encouraged to reflect on your communication skills when working with peers from a variety of ethnic and cultural contexts as well as your developing self-awareness of new knowledge gained from both national and global public health contexts.

More information

AC7025 -

Public Health Nutrition (Nutrition and Lifestyle in Health and Disease) (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces an evidence-based approach to the relationship between diet, nutritional status and health in populations. You will learn fundamental principles in nutritional epidemiology and public health nutrition and key issues on the influence of lifestyle-related behaviours, policy and the wider environment on health and disease. You will acquire the scientific knowledge to ensure understanding of the impact of food and diet on health and well-being of people and communities, and ways to improve the diet, nutrition and health of people and communities. Factors which influence dietary intake and barriers which are encountered when recommending dietary change will be discussed.

You will learn about the application of methods of collecting, analysing and evaluating nutritional data with practical experience analysing dietary data using computer software as well as learning about the practice and theory of laboratory based methods to provide an understanding of their relationship with nutrition. Good working practice, the importance of professional standards and the application of professional conduct will also be covered.

The skills that you will gain in this module will include appraisal and synthesis of evidence, presentation, evaluation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data, independent learning, and problem solving.

More information

AC7026 -

Nutrition Related Diseases (Core,20 Credits)

Understanding of good nutrition should not just focus on the absence of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, there are many other factors that should be also be considered. Nutritional status is linked to a variety of important physiological processes such as cognitive function, immune function, chronic inflammation, sarcopenia and ageing, and cognitive decline. Nutritional status can also affect resilience, susceptibility and response to therapy. It is not surprising, therefore, that poor nutritional status, caused by either an unhealthy diet or malabsorption of nutrients, is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. A developing area of nutritional research involving genomics provides rational capabilities for preventing disease. It is becoming recognised that dietary advice should be concentrated on providing a more individual approach, rather than providing recommendations catering for the population.

More information

Year two

AC0778 -

Research: Approaches, Methods and skills (Core,30 Credits)

On this module you will appreciate the knowledge and skills needed to undertake research. You will learn about research philosophy, methodology and the different methods associated with a range of research traditions. You will explore the value of research evidence in informing public health and healthcare management practices and be able to apply the principles of research to critically appraise research quality. Specifically on this module you will learn about:
• Locating and organising literature
• Philosophical assumptions and foundations of enquiry
• Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodological approaches
• Data collection, data analysis and interpretation
• Research governance and ethical issues
• Analysis and interpretation
By the end of the module you will be able to prepare a research proposal on a topic of interest to yourself and of value to public health / healthcare management.

More information

AC7024 -

Dissertation Project (Core,60 Credits)

This research rich module will enable you to bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have accrued from other modules on your programme. Prior to the undertaking this module, you will have completed the appropriate level of study that prepares you for engagement with a Masters dissertation process. The module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project.
You will identify a topic with which you are familiar, and which you believe has scope for development or change that will be the focus of your independent study. You can chose one of three methods to structure your dissertation.
- Systematic Review :A structured analysis of evidence
- Empirical research: Based on primary data analysis or secondary sources
- Feasibility study: Planning a future project.
In the module, you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to the research process within your chosen method. This may include discussion of worldviews and research paradigms, research design, working with literature and theory, developing ethical codes, collecting robust research evidence, ensuring quality assurance within your research work, critically assessing the feasibility of a virtual project and writing and disseminating the research dissertation work. There will be a series of research seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one to one supervision work. Both the seminars and supervision will enable you to critically examine how the research process will work best for your dissertation goals and design.

More information

AC7028 -

Public health intelligence and epidemiology: informing policy and strategy (Core,20 Credits)

This is an essential module in public health that will aid your understanding of the ever changing health patterns of the population and threats to health through outbreaks and epidemics. The module will allow you the opportunity to explore the most up to date information and gathering techniques used in public health to inform policy response to contemporary local and global public health issues. Epidemiological theory is used to explore examples of public health at population levels. The module further aims to develop your abilities to conceptualise and critically appraise the relationships between public health issues and the political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental dimensions that inform policy response. Specialist experts in epidemiology and public health contribute to this module and enhance both the research rich aspect and the grounded application which is essential to your learning experience.

The content of the module will cover topics such as:

Public health challenges for the 21st century.
Epidemiological investigations of public health.
Disease outbreaks, management and control
Information data identification and analysis.
Data sets at population levels to identify population health needs assessment for planning purposes and or commissioning of services. Identifying aspects of health inequalities at a local level
Exploring data such as deprivation indices.

You will develop your learning of public health along with a deepening appreciation of global health challenges and issues. There will be opportunities to explore with other group members awareness of various global health systems, health priorities and cultural issues.

More information

Modules Overview 2021/22

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

AC0782 -

Public Health Fundamentals: Concepts, Theories and Frameworks (Core,30 Credits)

This module will offer you the opportunity to demonstrate a systematic understanding of fundamental public health concepts and to begin the process of critically evaluating them at a deeper level. You will learn how to critically analyse a broad range of public health theories, concepts and frameworks that are fundamental to public health policy and practice. You will also evaluate the complex interconnecting links between political, social, economic, biological, technological and environmental determinants of public health and explore underpinning discourses. The module will focus on the three key areas of public health – health protection, health improvement and health care services and in particular the following:

• Social dimensions of public health
• Health inequalities
• Assessing and analysing population health needs
• Social capital
• Health promotion
• Health beliefs
• Self efficacy
• Social marketing
• Community development

You will also be encouraged to reflect on your communication skills when working with peers from a variety of ethnic and cultural contexts as well as your developing self-awareness of new knowledge gained from both national and global public health contexts.

More information

AC7025 -

Public Health Nutrition (Nutrition and Lifestyle in Health and Disease) (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces an evidence-based approach to the relationship between diet, nutritional status and health in populations. You will learn fundamental principles in nutritional epidemiology and public health nutrition and key issues on the influence of lifestyle-related behaviours, policy and the wider environment on health and disease. You will acquire the scientific knowledge to ensure understanding of the impact of food and diet on health and well-being of people and communities, and ways to improve the diet, nutrition and health of people and communities. Factors which influence dietary intake and barriers which are encountered when recommending dietary change will be discussed.

You will learn about the application of methods of collecting, analysing and evaluating nutritional data with practical experience analysing dietary data using computer software as well as learning about the practice and theory of laboratory based methods to provide an understanding of their relationship with nutrition. Good working practice, the importance of professional standards and the application of professional conduct will also be covered.

The skills that you will gain in this module will include appraisal and synthesis of evidence, presentation, evaluation and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data, independent learning, and problem solving.

More information

AC7026 -

Nutrition Related Diseases (Core,20 Credits)

Understanding of good nutrition should not just focus on the absence of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, there are many other factors that should be also be considered. Nutritional status is linked to a variety of important physiological processes such as cognitive function, immune function, chronic inflammation, sarcopenia and ageing, and cognitive decline. Nutritional status can also affect resilience, susceptibility and response to therapy. It is not surprising, therefore, that poor nutritional status, caused by either an unhealthy diet or malabsorption of nutrients, is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. A developing area of nutritional research involving genomics provides rational capabilities for preventing disease. It is becoming recognised that dietary advice should be concentrated on providing a more individual approach, rather than providing recommendations catering for the population.

More information

Year two

AC0778 -

Research: Approaches, Methods and skills (Core,30 Credits)

On this module you will appreciate the knowledge and skills needed to undertake research. You will learn about research philosophy, methodology and the different methods associated with a range of research traditions. You will explore the value of research evidence in informing public health and healthcare management practices and be able to apply the principles of research to critically appraise research quality. Specifically on this module you will learn about:
• Locating and organising literature
• Philosophical assumptions and foundations of enquiry
• Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodological approaches
• Data collection, data analysis and interpretation
• Research governance and ethical issues
• Analysis and interpretation
By the end of the module you will be able to prepare a research proposal on a topic of interest to yourself and of value to public health / healthcare management.

More information

AC7024 -

Dissertation Project (Core,60 Credits)

This research rich module will enable you to bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have accrued from other modules on your programme. Prior to the undertaking this module, you will have completed the appropriate level of study that prepares you for engagement with a Masters dissertation process. The module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project.
You will identify a topic with which you are familiar, and which you believe has scope for development or change that will be the focus of your independent study. You can chose one of three methods to structure your dissertation.
- Systematic Review :A structured analysis of evidence
- Empirical research: Based on primary data analysis or secondary sources
- Feasibility study: Planning a future project.
In the module, you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to the research process within your chosen method. This may include discussion of worldviews and research paradigms, research design, working with literature and theory, developing ethical codes, collecting robust research evidence, ensuring quality assurance within your research work, critically assessing the feasibility of a virtual project and writing and disseminating the research dissertation work. There will be a series of research seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one to one supervision work. Both the seminars and supervision will enable you to critically examine how the research process will work best for your dissertation goals and design.

More information

AC7028 -

Public health intelligence and epidemiology: informing policy and strategy (Core,20 Credits)

This is an essential module in public health that will aid your understanding of the ever changing health patterns of the population and threats to health through outbreaks and epidemics. The module will allow you the opportunity to explore the most up to date information and gathering techniques used in public health to inform policy response to contemporary local and global public health issues. Epidemiological theory is used to explore examples of public health at population levels. The module further aims to develop your abilities to conceptualise and critically appraise the relationships between public health issues and the political, economic, social, technical, legal and environmental dimensions that inform policy response. Specialist experts in epidemiology and public health contribute to this module and enhance both the research rich aspect and the grounded application which is essential to your learning experience.

The content of the module will cover topics such as:

Public health challenges for the 21st century.
Epidemiological investigations of public health.
Disease outbreaks, management and control
Information data identification and analysis.
Data sets at population levels to identify population health needs assessment for planning purposes and or commissioning of services. Identifying aspects of health inequalities at a local level
Exploring data such as deprivation indices.

You will develop your learning of public health along with a deepening appreciation of global health challenges and issues. There will be opportunities to explore with other group members awareness of various global health systems, health priorities and cultural issues.

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

Any Questions?

Our admissions team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.

Contact Details for Applicants:

bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk

Current, Relevant and Inspiring

We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.

Your Learning Experience find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions - northumbria.ac.uk/terms
 Fees and Funding - northumbria.ac.uk/fees
 Admissions Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

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If you're a UK/EU student and would like to know more about our courses, you can order a copy of our prospectus here.

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* By submitting your information you are consenting to your data being processed by Northumbria University (as Data Controller) and Campus Management Corp. (acting as Data Processor). To see the University's privacy policy please click here

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