Course Title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Public Health Nutrition
| During this course you will come in contact with food and applicants with a medically diagnosed food allergy (note: not a food intolerance) should be aware of this. |
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Public Health Nutrition involves the promotion of good health through nutrition and the primary prevention of nutrition-related illness in the population.
It focuses on applying food and nutrition knowledge, policy and research to improving the nutritional health of the population and high-risk or vulnerable subgroups within the population.
This public health nutrition degree has an international perspective. It examines how global, national and local community programmes can be designed to improve the nutritional status of the population as a whole and those at particular risk.
There are employment opportunities for nutrition experts in the agri-food production and retail industries, as well as in nutrition product sales and marketing.
Several government agencies and bodies also employ expert nutritionists. The growing appreciation of the role of nutrition in public health is increasing the demand for graduates in public health nutrition.
The study of nutrition draws on a range of subjects, including the basic sciences, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, immunology, microbiology and physiology.
The course will provide you with integrated training in the science of nutrition and its applications to human health and well-being, both at the individual and community level. You’ll learn about nutrients in food, the role of nutrients in the body and the relationship between diet, health and disease.
The skills and competencies you’ll develop will be enhanced and reinforced by a research project in Year 3.
Study Abroad Opportunities
In Year 3, you can complete your research project in Europe through the Erasmus programme and in Year 4, you can choose to undertake your work placement in Europe through the Erasmus programme.
Work Placement
In Year 4, students have the opportunity to undertake a 36 to 52-week professional work placement. Through this professional placement, you’ll gain real-life work experience.
Professional Accreditation
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to register as an Associate Nutritionist with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) conferred by the Association for Nutrition. Three years further relevant experience will enable you to apply for Registered Nutritionist status.
This is a full-time course and, depending on the week, students may have 15-25 hours of lectures/labs across all 5 days of the week.
Equipment Specifications
During Year 1 of the course you will be required to obtain the following items to complete the course work (approximate prices are included): Lab Coat, Safety Goggles and Manual (€60), Hepatitis Vaccinations (€90), Immunity Testing (€20), Chef’s Uniform & Shoes (€100) and Knife Set (€30).
Leaving Certificate Requirements
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Minimum Number of |
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Subjects |
Higher |
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6 |
3 H5's |
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Minimum Grade in |
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Maths |
English OR Irish |
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O4/H7 |
O6/H7 |
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Other Grade Requirements |
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| At least H4 in one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry, or Biology. | |
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature
Additional Requirements
TU Dublin students must undergo Garda Vetting. They must complete the required documentation, including a full list of all previous addresses, in order for clearance checks to be made. Currently, Irish addresses are vetted by the Garda Vetting Bureau at no cost to the student.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.
View Sample Timetable
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Nutritionist
- Nutrition Researcher
- Lab Analyst
- Regulatory Affairs – QC-QA
Semester 1
- Introduction to Professional Practice, Communications and Behavioural Science [Mandatory]
- Infection and Immunity [Mandatory]
- Food Studies [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Histology, Anatomy and Physiology [Mandatory]
- Cellular Dynamics - Biochemical Processes [Mandatory]
- Nutrition Through The Lifecycle [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Chemistry for Nutrition [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Research Methodology and Statistics [Mandatory]
Semester 2
- Introduction to Professional Practice, Communications and Behavioural Science [Mandatory]
- Infection and Immunity [Mandatory]
- Food Studies [Mandatory]
- Organ System Physiology [Mandatory]
- Cellular Dynamics - Molecular Genetics [Mandatory]
- Nutrition Science 1 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Research Methodology and Statistics [Mandatory]
Semester 1
- Professional Practice and Communication for Public Health Nutrition [Mandatory]
- Cell and Molecular Biology [Mandatory]
- Biochemistry of Metabolism [Mandatory]
- Microbial Diagnostics [Mandatory]
- Nutrition Science 2 [Mandatory]
- Control and Integrative Physiology [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Semester 1
- Professional Development for the Public Health Nutrition Placement [Mandatory]
- Molecular Nutrition [Mandatory]
- Food Safety, Food Policy and Regulatory Affairs [Mandatory]
- Food Security and Food Sustainability [Mandatory]
- Applied Nutrition [Mandatory]
- Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Advanced Entry was not offered to this course in 2024. We are currently closed for Advanced Entry Applications. The courses that will be open for advanced entry will be listed on the CAO website in January 2025. For information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub.
This course is perfect for anyone interested in diet and health. The great lecturers provided continuous support. There’s a good balance of theory and practical learning, with lots of interesting subjects. It gave me the opportunity to pursue a Dietetics MSc.
On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.