MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course: Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Exam, Duration

Sakshi Chaudhary

Updated on - Oct 5, 2023

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics is a two-year postgraduate degree that aims at the study of three major aspects: nutritional science, nutritional assessment, and therapeutic diets. This course teaches students about the science of nutrition and how it can be used to promote health and prevent diseases.

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics eligibility requires candidates to clear their bachelor’s degree in BSc Nutrition and Dietetics or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks (45-50% marks for the reserved category). Apart from the merit score, the candidate also needs to qualify for the entrance exams such as LPUNEST, CUCET, CUET-PG, etc.

The syllabus of M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics covers basic and advanced topics like Fundamentals of Nutrition, Biochemistry, Community Nutrition, Food Science, Advanced Clinical Dietetics, Advanced Food Service Management, etc. The average MSc Nutrition and Dietetics fees is in the range of INR 20,000-2 LPA.

What is MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course?

M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics or Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics course falls under the umbrella of MSc courses, focusing on the values of nutrition, principles of diet, and the human diet. The course can be pursued from colleges like LPU, Martin Luther Christian University, Sharda University, etc.

The M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course curriculum equips students with an understanding of tools and techniques like nutritional analysis software, stadiometers, SPSS, food composition databases, etc., so they can efficiently work in job roles like clinical nutritionist, researcher, eating disorder specialist, etc.

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility for the M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course is based on factors like merit score, entrance exam cut-off, work experience, etc. Below listed are the standard MSc Nutrition and Dietetics eligibility requirements:

• The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in BSc Nutrition and Dietetics/BSc Dietetics/BPharma/BSc Microbiology, or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks (45-50% marks for the reserved category).
• The student also needs to clear entrance exams like LPUNEST, CUET-PG, CUCET, etc.
• There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.

Why Choose an M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Course?

The course is in high demand because it helps in the design and implementation of research in the field of human nutrition and dietetics. Below are a few important reasons why one should choose the MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics course:

• As per the Market Research Report, the demand for nutritionists and dietetics is projected to grow 14% between the year 2016-26.
• The expected growth of the global nutrition consulting services market is a CAGR of 3.7%, leading to a higher demand for nutritional consultants.
• The students can work in various range of job roles like clinical dietician, nutritional consultant, policy analyst, etc.

Also, Check: Nutrition Courses In India

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Admission 2023

The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics is done either on the basis of an entrance exam in colleges like LPU, Chandigarh University, or on the basis of merit scores in Sharda University, Parul University, etc. Below listed is the step-wise admission process for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course:

• Step 1: The candidate needs to take entrance exams as required by the college admission policy.
• Step 2: Further, the student needs to fill out the college application form available both online and offline.
• Step 3: After the candidate's application is assessed, they need to clear the GD and PI rounds as per the college requirement.
• Step 4: After the final merit list is published, the candidate needs to pay the fees and complete the document verification process.

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Entrance Exams

The entrance exams for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics are conducted at national, state, and institute levels such as LPUNEST, CUET-PG, CUCET, etc. Below listed are a few important MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics entrance exams with registration date and colleges accepting the entrance exam score:

Top MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics in India can be pursued at private and government colleges like Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, LPU, Periyar University, Chandigarh University, etc. Below listed are the top colleges offering M Sc Dietetics and Nutrition courses along with their average fees:

M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Fee Structure

The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics fees range between INR 20,000-2 LPA. The fees for private colleges is in the range of INR 50,000-2 LPA, whereas for government colleges in India, the fees range between INR 20,000-65,000 PA. Below is the fee breakdown for a few colleges offering M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course:

Types of M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Courses

 The M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course can be pursued in both full-time and distance mode. Below listed are MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course details:

Distance MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course

Below listed are a few important pointers regarding distance M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course:

• The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics distance learning course can be pursued from IMTS Institute, KSOU, etc.
• The average course fee is in the range of INR 20,000-35,000 PA.
• Students can also pursue a related course which is an MSc in Food Nutrition from IGNOU.
• The course duration can be extended to 4 years.

Integrated MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Course

The integrated M Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course focuses on theoretical coursework and practical training. Students learn about the science of nutrition, the role of various nutrients in the body, and the impact of diet on health and disease. Below listed are the course details:

• Students can pursue BSc+ MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics course can be pursued from colleges like UPES, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education, etc.
• The average course fees is in the range of INR 1.40-2 LPA.

Browse MSc Dietetics and Nutrition Colleges by City

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus and Subjects

The first-year MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics focuses on nutrition fundamentals, diet-disease planning, food safety and regulation, etc. The second-year syllabus delves deeper into advanced topics like specialized dietetics practice, global nutrition issues, public health nutrition policy and advocacy, etc.

Below listed are a few important M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics subjects in detail:

Read More: MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus and Subjects

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc Food Science and Nutrition

With a special emphasis on nutrition's function in illness prevention and treatment, the MSc Nutrition and Dietetics program focuses on the investigation of the connection between food and health. The MSc Food Science and Nutrition course places more of an emphasis on the scientific investigation of food, including its composition, processing, and preservation.

Below listed are the key differences between M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc in Food Science and Nutrition:

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics focuses on the broader aspects of nutrition and dietetics, including the study of food science, nutrition assessment, and counseling. The MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics course emphasizes the clinical application of nutrition in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics.

Below listed are the key differences between MSc Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics:

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Salary in India

The average entry-level salary for an M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course is INR 4.2 LPA, after having three-plus years of experience professionals can earn up to INR 10 LPA. (Source: Payscale and Ambition Box). Below listed are job roles for graduates along with their average entry-level salaries:

Courses After MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics

Following completion of the M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course, the aspirant has the option of furthering education in nutrition and food-related course. Below listed are a few courses that MSc Nutrition and Dietetics graduates can pursue:

• Ph.D. in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Certified Nutrition Specialist
• Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

Career Options After MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Course

The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics scope is vast as graduates can work in areas like telehealth, integrative medicine, eating disorder treatment centers, sports, and fitness, etc. Below listed are top job designations for M Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course, along with top hiring companies and their average salaries:

Read More: Career Options After MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

Top Recruiters for MSc Dietetics and Nutrition

The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics scope for graduates is ample as they get opportunities to work in clinical settings, community and public health, research, academia, consulting, etc. Below listed are a few top recruiters for Nutrition and Dietetics MSc graduates along with average entry-level salaries: 

[Sources: Payscale and Glassdoor]

M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships

Various private and government institutes and organizations offer merit-based, need-based, quota-based, etc., scholarships to students who want to pursue an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics in India. Below mentioned are a few scholarships along with eligibility criteria and the scholarship amount:

Skills to Excel as an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate

The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics graduate requires a combination of technical skills and practical and theoretical knowledge. Below listed are a few important skills that a graduate should excel in to be successful in their careers:

• Clinical Skills: In order to do the patient assessment, manage diet plans, understand medical terms, and work in clinical settings, clinical skills are required.
• Research and Analysis: To do research in the field and understand recent developments in nutrition and implement them in the field.
• Counseling Skills: The graduate must be able to do motivational interviewing to assist people in making long-lasting dietary adjustments.
• Digital Health Technology Knowledge: To adapt and understand the changing technologies in the field and how they can be helpful in monitoring and assessment of diet plans and nutritional charts.
• Data Analysis: The graduate must be proficient in tools like Excel, SPSS, etc., to evaluate dietary patterns or conduct research.

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