Dietetic students in a clinical setting Dietetic students in a clinical setting

Course Summary

Undertake advanced-level education and learn the necessary skills to join a workforce in obesity prevention, treatment, and management. This course will help you make a vital difference to the health and quality of life of an ever-increasing number of individuals, globally and in the UK, who can suffer severe consequences due to their condition. Being overweight or obese has been associated with physiological and psychological ill health, and can lead to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome and depression. During the Covid-19 crisis there were emerging links between excess weight and obesity and the risk and severity of the virus’ infection. Our programme has never been more relevant. 

The personal costs of being overweight or obese, as well as the costs to the health and wider economy, are substantial and growing on an annual basis. The management of excess weight and prevention of obesity is therefore an important tool in the kit of improving public health with diet, nutrition, exercise, and behaviour change techniques. Students on our course will develop an increasing awareness of societal perspectives on obesity and weight management strategies and policies. 

This course is suitable for entry for newly qualified undergraduates with the aspiration to pursue a career in obesity and weight management (or a closely 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 backgrounds, making the knowledge exchange highly relevant and exciting. 

Students that do not wish to study the full MSc programme, can choose to study to a PGDip/PGCert level instead.


What you’llStudy

We host ‘research method’ and topic-related sessions alongside practical sessions in the food skills and exercise science laboratories, where you will be taught how to use dietary assessment software. You can focus on the development of one particular area and learn a standalone module for your continuous professional development (CPD).

Module content:

1. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in different age, socio-economic and ethnic groups – global perspectives and epidemiology
2. Health consequences of obesity (including mortality and co-morbidities such as cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, mental health)
3. Economic consequences of obesity – financial impact on health service
4. The Foresight report – obesity as multi-factorial disease
5. Obesity and inequalities in health
6. Obesity and stigma
7. Who is responsible for prevention and treatment of obesity – critical debate of key issues
8. A ‘Whole systems approach to obesity’ – UK public health approaches to obesity
9. National and international perspectives on obesity policies


Module aims:

1. To introduce students to the study of weight management underpinned by an examination of the epidemiology and consequences of obesity.
2. To highlight that obesity is a multi-factorial disease
3. To provide opportunity for critical debate and reflection on societal matters of obesity, such as inequalities, stigma and responsibility
4. To present current national and international approaches to public health policies and initiatives addressing excess weight
5. To focus upon student-centred learning based around a critical analysis of a published literature and problem-based learning.

Module content:

1. Disturbance of metabolism: metabolic changes during calorie surplus & macronutrient imbalance; normal/abnormal functions of adipose tissue and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle; metabolic changes associated with increased fat deposition and fat distribution.
2. Genetic basis of obesity: hypothalamic control systems: feeding and satiety centres; Prader Willi Syndrome, Agouti protein, Ob- gene, leptin. peroxisome proliferators activator receptors.
3. Review of the evidence of epigenetic (maternal and foetal) causes of obesity including the Foetal origins of adult disease (Barker) hypothesis
4. Regulation of appetite and satiety in relation to food intake: CCK, Peptide YY, Ghrelin, Leptin, Insulin.
5. Strength and limitations of body composition assessment tools and techniques
6. Strengths and limitations of energy expenditure assessment tools and techniques
7. Strengths and limitations of tools of dietary assessment (food diaries, 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaires,
etc) and analysis (food composition tables, nutritional analysis software)


Module aims:

1. To study the main metabolic pathways associated with energy metabolism and their integration and control, in normal and abnormal situations.
2. To develop a critical understanding of the normal metabolism of adipose tissue and the metabolic problems associated with energy imbalance resulting in the deposition of excess fat which may lead to increased morbidity and mortality
3. To develop a critical understanding of the mechanisms by which body weight and body composition are controlled, also within the context of the debate concerning whether ‘calories do or do not count’
4. To understand the genetic, epigenetic (FOAD) and physiological causes of energy imbalance.
5. To appreciate the role of nutritional assessment and energy expenditure assessment as an important tool to assess potential causes of excess adipose tissue
6. To understand the strengths and limitations for assessment of body composition, especially within the context of excess adipose tissue

Module content:

1. The evidence base for foods, food groups and nutrients (macro and micro-nutrients) within the context of weight management
2. Therapeutic diets for weight loss and weight loss maintenance - dietary constructs, evidence-base and efficacy
3. Popular ‘diets’ (FAD diets)- compositional details and ethical dimensions of ‘diets’ accessible to the general public.
4. FAD diets and social media
5. Meal planning for weight loss and weight loss maintenance
6. Using dietary assessment software to create tailored meal plans
7. Diet and weight management programme delivery
8. Judgement making - arriving at a judgement about a recommendation for dietary intervention in the context of the individual.


Module aims:

During this module students will engage with relevant aspects of diet and metabolism that may influence the selection of an appropriate dietary regimen to assist maintenance of a desired weight. They will do so by reviewing of the evidence base and suitability of different dietary approaches to weight management for different individuals, also in terms of efficacy and moral and ethical principles. In addition, students will be introduced to aspects of meal planning in order to create recipes and meal plans. These will be tailored to a specific dietary approach to weight management and under consideration of an individual’s personal circumstances. Students will also practise the use of dietary assessment software to create and analyse recipes and tailored meal plans. Overall aim of the module is to appreciate the elements of successful dietary interventions in weight management.

Module content:

  1. Secular changes in obesity and physical activity: societal, technological innovation, epidemiological evidence associating inactivity with increasing obesity
  2. Physiology of exercise: cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to different forms of exercise
  3. Calorie expenditure during different exercises (frequency, intensity, time, type); weight loss by exercise alone; risks v benefits of exercise
  4. Specific cardiorespiratory, hormonal & metabolic adaptations resulting from exercise that influence body composition changes
  5. Exercise prescription for effective weight loss – principles of training: frequency, intensity, type and time; health-related fitness testing
  6. Individual differences in weight loss response to exercise
  7. Short term and long term effects
  8. Effects of exercise alone, and exercise + diet programmes
  9. Evidence-based studies of exercise in weight loss

Module aims:

1.      To review critically the role of exercise in weight management and examine the evidence-base for its effectiveness in the management of the cardio-metabolic risks associated with overweight and obesity.

  1. To examine critically the concepts of frequency, intensity, type and time in relation to exercising for weight management
  2. To investigate critically the role of habitual physical activity and its measurement and prescribed exercise in relation to energy expenditure and cardio-metabolic risk.
  3. To evaluate critically the effects of exercise plus dietary interventions compared to exercise alone in effective weight management.

Module content:

1.      The building blocks of scientific research: types of research (analytical, descriptive, experimental, and qualitative), scientific parlance (hypothesis, concepts, operational definitions, and dependent/independent variables), sampling procedures, and measurement issues (reliability and validity).

2.      Research and data collection methods: experimental research (developing hypotheses, independent/dependent variables, controls, sample selection, study designs, and experimental validity); descriptive research (questionnaires and interviews, case studies); qualitative research (characteristics, procedures, methods of data collection, data analysis, and internal/external validity).

3.      The nature of research; scientific methods of enquiry, pure versus applied ways of problem solving. Developing the research problem; identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), determining feasible ways to answer the questions.

4.      Ethics in research.

5.      Introduction to data analysis software (SPSS for Windows). Establishing an SPSS database. Defining and transforming variables; data storage and retrieval.

6.      Data analysis for descriptive and experimental research; descriptive statistics. Describing data; measures of variability, correlation and scatter plots. inferential statistics. Selecting an appropriate statistical test (parametric or non-parametric), and types of statistical tests (chi-square; t-tests; one-way ANOVA & post-hoc tests; Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U). Worked examples in SPSS. Repeated Measures ANOVA; Factorial ANOVA, Limits of agreement analysis for method comparison and test retest reliability. Worked examples in SPSS.


Module aims:

1.      To expose students to the essential elements in the process of conducting sound scientific research.

2.      To develop students’ skills in the key aspects of data handling and statistical analysis.

Module content:

The research will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the Research Co-ordinator.  The subject matter must be related to weight management.


Module aims:

 
1.      To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate systematically and in depth a topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.

2.      To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the field of nutrition.

3.     To require the student to present a research proposal in the form of a poster and oral presentation.

4.     To require the student to present the outcomes of personal research in the form of a substantive research article.

 

Module content:

Evidence-base for effective behavioural interventions relative to health behaviour change including, theories and models of behavior change.

Theory and practical components to examine techniques for assessing readiness to change including but not limited to the use of questionnaires, decision balances and motivational interviewing.

Theory and practical components to examine techniques for managing behaviour change including but not limited to; stimulus control techniques, self-monitoring, problem solving, contingency management, social support.

 


Module aims:

1.  To become critically aware of different theories/ models of behaviour change and the evidence-base for their effectiveness

2.   To become aware of a variety of techniques for health behaviour change that may be integrated in personal professional practice.

3.   To develop a knowledge and critical understanding of when to refer a patient/client for behavioural therapy in relation to their heath behaviors.

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Tanja Harrison

Senior Lecturer
Dr Tanja Harrison

Dr Mike Morris

Head of Allied Health
Dr Mike Morris

How you'll Learn

Our students conduct their own Master's research project under the guidance of experienced and competent personal supervisors. These projects can where possible be conducted internationally or within a student’s workplace. 

Teaching for each module is undertaken in flexible three-day to four-day blocks that are intensive and allow you to thoroughly immerse yourself in a topic, 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. 

For your individual research project, you will be appointed an adviser who will assist you in your project development and with tutorials. Most assessments are via written coursework. Group tutorials both during and after modules are also offered to assist you with this. 

Whether you are returning to higher education or are a recent graduate, we have strong links with the study skills and maths skills department, and the library services to help you polish your academic writing, critical thinking, analytical skills and literature search skills required at this level of study. You can book additional sessions and tutorials with our highly-qualified and passionate study skills and library advisers. 

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

The course is open to candidates with a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in health, nutrition, exercise or closely related subject area. Appropriate equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered. 

2:2 honours degree

The course is open to candidates with a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in health, nutrition, exercise or closely related subject area. Appropriate equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered. Please note some programmes have special entry requirements.

English Language Requirements  

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50. 

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£8,505 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750. 

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.  

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

This course will allow you to work in private or public settings. For example, you could: 

  • Set up your own management business, consulting with individuals or businesses 
  • Develop professional expertise in your current health care field and work with more obese service users 
  • Work in health promotion or public health 
  • Gain greater professional recognition and career advancement if you already work in weight management 
  • Develop research expertise and work in research. 

Due to an increasing governmental awareness of the importance of preventing and managing excess weight, entering this Master's-level course is an opportune time to gain advanced knowledge and skills to become a professional within the workforce. The growing demand for preventing and managing obesity needs to be met by professionals with the right level of expertise. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .