The Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences is a full-time programme running for 9 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Candidates must be holders of an honours BSc degree, or equivalent qualification, in a Human Biology-related discipline including a significant element of biochemistry and/or physiology and a minimum of Second Class honours Grade 1 or equivalent. Graduates with a Second Class Honours Grade II degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to the approval of the Director of the PG Dip in Nutritional Sciences. Candidates with a BSc in Nutritional Sciences or closely related programmes are not eligible for admission.

Modules will be chosen with the approval of the Programme Board depending on the student's background.

Students take 60 credits as follows:

Core Modules
NT6103 Functional Foods: New Frontiers for Food and Health (5 credits)
NT6104 Library Project in Nutritional Sciences (10 credits)
NT6106 Current Topics in Public Health Nutrition (10 credits)
NT6107 Integration and Regulation of Nutrient Metabolism (5 credits)
NT6108 Sensory Analysis in Nutrition Research (5 credits)
NT6109 Minerals in Health and Disease (5 credits)
NT6110 Food Security and Implications for Human Nutrition (5 credits)
NT6111 Advances in Vitamins and Other Dietary Bioactives (5 credits)

Students submit their library and research projects in April.

Elective Modules

Students select 10 credits from the following:
NT3001 Clinical Nutrition (5 credits)
NT3002 Food Toxicology (5 credits)
NT3009 Determinants of Food Choice and Eating Behaviour (5 credits)
NT6009 Assessment of Nutritional Status of Individuals and Populations(5 credits)
NT6112 Sports and Exercise Nutrition (5 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2017 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2016/2017.

Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature search using all available resources of seminal and recent research in a specified topic
• Analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports, and write a well-constructed and concise scientific report.
• Explain the principles of, and apply in practice, techniques used in nutritional sciences research;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and the development of disease and disorders;
• Demonstrate the importance of nutrition to facilitate optimum physical and mental development and maintenance of health throughout life;
• Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems in nutrition;
• Communicate effectively on nutrition-related issues with different stakeholders;
• Demonstrate the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.