Course Summary
The MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics is an integrated postgraduate course which enables graduates with a BSc or MSc in Nutrition or equivalent degree to meet the standards of proficiency and professional competency so they are eligible to apply to the Dietitians Registration Board (CORU) for registration as a dietitian.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Candidates will hold a minimum Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent) or a postgraduate degree (Level 9 NFQ or equivalent). Applicants must have successfully completed human physiology and biochemistry modules (a minimum of 10 credits for each module are required) as part of the primary or postgraduate degree. Suitable degrees include nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, biology, food science, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement, indicating their reasons for applying and stating their suitability for the programme.
Two references should be included with the online application, one of which should be academic and one professional (to be uploaded by the applicant when applying).
Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of educational qualifications, CV, references and relevant work experience.
All applicants accepted onto the programme will need to have evidence of appropriate vaccinations for working in hospital environments.
Garda Vetting
Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. View UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.
Fitness to Practise
This programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Application Details
Closing Date 16 January 2026
Non-EU Closing Date 16 January 2026
Start Date 7 September 2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
What can I do after I graduate with an MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics?
By studying this course you have the opportunity to become a highly skilled, evidenced based clinician, who can use a range of resources and evidence to deliver safe and appropriate dietetic advice in clinical, community and other settings. During the course you build on a wide base of transferable clinical skills which may enable you to specialise in a specific area of Dietetics following successful graduation.
Occupations associated with an MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietitians are employed in a variety of locations, providing opportunities in areas such as:
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (hospital and community dietetics)
Food Industry
Public Health Nutrition (government health, promotion agencies)
Pharmaceutical industry
Sports Nutrition
Private Practice
Education
Research (nutrition and medical research-public and private sectors)
Working overseas
Opportunities to work in research in Dietetics are expanding and students may use their masters as a stepping stone to doctorial study in the UK or overseas, or teaching in higher education.