Course summary

Overweight and obesity have been associated with physiological and psychological ill health and a number of links have been demonstrated for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome and depression to name but a few. During the 2020 Covid-19 crisis there have also been emerging links between obesity and the risk and severity of the infection. Personal costs of overweight and obesity, but also costs to the health and wider economy are substantial and growing on an annual basis. This course provides advanced-level education, continuous professional development and training for those already holding or seeking roles in obesity prevention, weight management, health promotion and related areas. Topics covered in the programme include latest developments in public health, diet, exercise, psychology, and research methods. We also include a number of practical and problem-based sessions to give students hands-on experience in assessing body composition (anthropometrics), dietary intake and physical activity, devising and analysing meal plans and delivering consultations. Our students also conduct their own Master's research project under the guidance of experienced and competent personal supervisors. Why study this course with us? This programme was the first of its type to run in the UK and we have been building on our strengths and experience ever since. It is delivered by our team of teaching experts who are nutrition, dietetics, exercise, public health and research specialists. In addition, we invite a range of professionals into sessions to deliver guest lectures and practical sessions within their area of expertise, adding to the currency and relevancy of the course content. In the past these have included practitioners with their own weight management clinics, experts in client profiling, staff members of child measurement programmes, and members of national NGOs reporting on their practice amongst others. Whilst this programme is not accredited, the programme leader is a registered nutritionist taking care that the teaching content aligns as much as possible with the core competencies of the Association for Nutrition (AfN) where feasible within the context of these modules. A distinct advantage of our postgraduate programme is that teaching for each module is undertaken in three-day blocks which are spaced out and are followed by a half-day tutorial (about four weeks later). Our virtual learning environment ensures that between modules you can keep in touch with your tutors and fellow students on the programme. This programme can be completed full-time, requiring you to attend six three-day modules and undertake and write up a research project (MSc only – 180 credits) over the course of one year. You also have the option to complete the Master's part time at a more leisurely pace to fit around your other work-life commitments. In addition, you also have the option to take this course to obtain a postgraduate certificate (three 20-credit modules) or postgraduate diploma (six 20-credit modules, no research project), also on a full-time or part-time basis. Your learning experience can therefore be flexible and tailored to meet the needs of yourself and your (future) employers. This programme is both suitable for entry for newly qualified undergraduates with the aspiration to pursue a career in this or a related area, and for healthcare professionals wanting to change careers or enhance their current career options. In the past we have welcomed students both from UK and international background, making the knowledge exchange highly relevant and exciting.