Nutrition and Health

Nutrition and Health is a comprehensive international master's programme offered by Wageningen University and Research, designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex issues related to diet, nutrition, and public health. The programme focuses on understanding how food and nutrition influence health and well-being across different populations and at various levels, from individual to societal. Students will explore the biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors that determine nutritional status and health outcomes, gaining insights into the mechanisms of nutrient metabolism, health promotion, disease prevention, and the development of effective dietary interventions.

The curriculum combines core courses in nutrition science, epidemiology, public health, and behavioural sciences with specialized electives, enabling students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, the programme encourages critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills to develop sustainable solutions for nutrition-related health challenges. Practical experience is integrated throughout the programme, including internships, laboratory work, and project-based learning, providing students with real-world skills essential for their future careers.

The programme prepares graduates for diverse career paths in research, policy-making, healthcare, consultancy, and the food industry. They will be capable of designing and evaluating nutrition interventions, conducting research studies, and contributing to evidence-based policies that promote healthier populations worldwide. Wageningen University and Research's strong links with international organizations, government agencies, and industry partners enhance students' networking opportunities and global exposure.

Admission requirements include a relevant academic background in life sciences, health sciences, or related fields, along with proficiency in English. The programme is conducted in English and attracts students from all over the world, fostering a vibrant international academic community. Graduates of Nutrition and Health will be well-positioned to play a key role in improving nutrition and health outcomes on both national and global levels, making a meaningful impact on public health and the food systems of the future.

The Master's degree programme in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University and Research offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationships between nutrition, health, and disease prevention. Throughout this programme, students develop a comprehensive understanding of how various nutrients affect the human body, the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of diseases, and the socio-cultural aspects of food habits and dietary choices. The course combines advanced scientific knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the fields of public health, nutrition research, policy development, and the food industry.

Students begin their journey by studying the basic and applied sciences underpinning human nutrition, including biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology. Building on this foundation, the program delves into specialized topics such as nutritional epidemiology, functional foods, nutrigenomics, food safety, and innovation in food development. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches and cutting-edge research techniques, enabling students to critically analyze scientific data and translate findings into actionable strategies for improving health outcomes.

A key component of the programme is the focus on health promotion and disease prevention strategies, considering individual and population-level interventions. Courses explore the impact of dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and socio-economic determinants on health, equipping students with the expertise to design and implement effective nutrition policies and programmes. Moreover, the programme encourages an international perspective, addressing global nutritional challenges such as malnutrition, obesity, and hidden hunger.

Practical experience is integrated throughout the curriculum via internships, laboratory work, and collaborative projects with industry partners and healthcare organizations. These opportunities enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, enhance their research skills, and gain insights into professional practices. The programme also emphasizes sustainable and responsible food systems, recognizing their importance in achieving global health and nutrition goals.

Graduates of the Nutrition and Health Master's programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, including food companies and consultancy firms. They possess the scientific expertise, analytical skills, and ethical awareness necessary to address complex nutritional issues at local, national, and international levels, contributing to the development of healthier societies and sustainable food environments.

Admission requirements

BSc degree or equivalent degree in Animal Science or related fields with a number of prerequisites (e.g. knowledge of Statistics and Genetics).

Other requirements

1. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) BSc degree or equivalent degree in Animal Science or related fields with a number of prerequisites (e.g. knowledge of Statistics and Genetics).

Tuition fees for the Nutrition and Health Master's programme at Wageningen University & Research vary depending on the student’s nationality and residency status. For international students from outside the European Union (non-EU/EEA), the annual tuition fee is approximately €18,000. For students from EU/EEA countries, the fees are significantly lower, around €2,209 per year. These fees cover instruction, access to university facilities, and academic support services.

Wageningen University offers several funding options to help students finance their studies. Scholarships are available for both international and Dutch students, such as the Wageningen University Scholarship (WUR Scholarship), which provides partial tuition fee waivers based on academic merit and potential. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government scholarships, international organisations, and private foundations, which often provide grants for students pursuing international master's degrees in health and nutrition.

Many students finance their studies through a combination of personal savings, family support, and loans. The Dutch government offers student loan schemes for Dutch and some EU/EEA students, which can be used to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Students from outside the EU/EEA may need a private loan or sponsorship arrangements, as government loans generally do not apply.

Wageningen University also provides financial guidance and advice through its Student Service Centre. They assist students in exploring suitable funding options and understanding the application processes. The university encourages early application for scholarships to maximize the chances of financial support.

In addition to scholarships and loans, students can seek part-time employment during their studies in Wageningen and nearby cities, subject to visa regulations for international students. The university’s location offers opportunities for internships and part-time roles within the food, health, and nutrition sectors, which can contribute to living expenses and professional experience.

Overall, financing a Master's in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University requires planning, seeking scholarship opportunities, and potentially securing loans or part-time work. The university’s extensive support services aim to make the financial aspects manageable, enabling students to focus on their academic and professional development.

The Master's programme in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University and Research is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills related to the complex relationship between nutrition and health. This programme emphasizes the importance of designing effective nutritional strategies to improve public health and addresses current challenges such as malnutrition, obesity, and food security. Students explore various aspects of human nutrition, including the impact of dietary components on health, the microbiome, and the development of personalised nutrition interventions. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical assignments, allowing students to apply scientific methods to real-world issues.

Throughout the programme, students will engage with advanced topics such as nutritional epidemiology, food innovation, and health promotion strategies. The programme encourages a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from biology, medicine, and social sciences. Students can specialize in areas such as public health nutrition, clinical nutrition, or food innovation, depending on their interests and career goals. The programme prepares graduates for careers in research, public health organizations, the food industry, and policy development.

Wageningen University’s strong connections with industry partners and research institutes ensure that students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and real-world projects. The teaching staff comprises internationally recognized experts, providing students with high-quality instruction and mentorship. Graduates from this programme are equipped to contribute to solving global nutrition challenges and to develop innovative solutions that promote healthier populations worldwide.

The programme is fully taught in English and caters to international students from diverse backgrounds. It typically has a duration of two years, with a mix of lectures, practicals, seminars, and internships. Admission requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree, proficiency in English, and motivation for working in the field of nutrition and health. After completing the programme, graduates will have gained a thorough understanding of nutrition science, research skills, and the ability to critically evaluate nutritional interventions and policies. They will also be prepared to pursue further research, or to take active roles in the development and implementation of health promotion programs.