Studying nutrition abroad

What is nutrition?

Nutrition is the study of how food and nutrients impact the body’s health, growth, and overall function.

If you would like to study nutrition at university, you will explore how the body digests, absorbs and uses nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to sustain life and prevent disease.

A nutrition degree will also examine the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Beyond individual health, a degree in nutrition will also consider topics such as public health strategies, food systems, and cultural and sociological influences on eating habits.

By understanding nutrition, you will be able to help individuals and communities make informed choices to improve wellbeing and address global health and sustainability challenges.

Why study nutrition abroad?

Studying nutrition abroad offers you access to diverse perspectives on global health challenges and dietary practices. Depending on where you choose to study, you might be able to use cutting-edge facilities, an experienced faculty, and exposure to multicultural dietary patterns.

Choosing to become a registered dietitian once you have graduated can enhance your global career prospects.

As an international student, you can benefit from internships, research opportunities, and connections to various international health organisations.

Additionally, studying abroad encourages cultural exchange, language skills, and a broader understanding of nutrition’s role in different societies, equipping you with the knowledge to address nutrition and health challenges worldwide.

What you will study

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition provides foundational knowledge in food science, human biology, and dietetics. You will typically study:

• Human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry
• Nutritional science and metabolism
• Food safety, production, and policy
• Community and public health nutrition
• Diet planning and nutritional assessment techniques

At the master’s level, you will delve deeper into advanced and specialised topics, such as:

• Clinical nutrition and medical diet therapy
• Advanced biostatistics and research methods
• Nutrigenomics and personalised nutrition
• Public health policy and program management
• Global nutrition challenges and sustainable food systems

Master’s programs in nutrition may also include research projects, internships, or thesis work, preparing you for leadership roles in clinical, public health, or academic settings. Both levels emphasise practical skills, critical thinking, and application of nutritional science to health and well-being.

If you are looking for a degree related to nutrition, consider these options:

• Dietetics
• Food Science and Technology
• Biochemistry
• Sustainable Food Systems

Accreditation

Nutrition degrees are awarded as bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree worldwide. At undergraduate level you will be awarded a BSc or BA in Nutrition. At postgraduate level you might be awarded an MSc or MPH with a focus on nutrition.

Professional accreditation is important if you want to practise as a nutritionist or dietitian after you have graduated. Accreditation bodies are different in each country, here are a few examples:

• US – Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• UK – Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Nutritionist (RNutr)
• Australia – Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA)
• New Zealand – NSNZ Register of Nutritionists
• France – Association Francaise des Diététiciens Nutritionnistes (AFDN)
• International – International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA)

As well as these certifications, you could also consider others, such as Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Sports Dietitian (CSSD), which validate specialised skills.

Careers in nutrition

As a graduate of a nutrition degree, you can pursue a range of careers across healthcare, food industries, research, and public health.

If you have a bachelor’s degree you can work as a nutritionist, wellness coach, or a food service manager in hospitals, schools, or corporate sectors.

You could also work as a community health educator or a consultant in the fitness and sports field, or look for a role in food quality assurance and marketing for food and supplement companies.

If you have a master’s degree, your opportunities expand to include more specialised roles like registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), clinical dietitian, or public health nutritionist.

Advanced degrees also open doors to research positions in academia or the food industry, policymaking roles in government agencies, and leadership positions in healthcare organisations.

You can also work in a private practice, offering tailored nutrition counselling to your clients. Both degrees provide you with a pathway into science driven careers promoting health and wellbeing across populations.