Food, Nutrition and Health University of Padua
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | On-Campus | Full-time | 2 years | October | find out | €2739 per year |
Our tuition fees will not exceed 3000 euros per year. Scholarship and fee waivers are available for international students, for more information visit https://www.unipd.it/en/tuition-fees
Course overview
This innovative joint Master’s degree is offered by 5 Universities (Padua, Lyon-1, Granada, Krakow, and University of British Columbia).
It enables students to acquire interdisciplinary skills in the fields of food, nutrition and human health by teaching them how to address the multiple and complex relationships underlying food production and quality, their connection with human nutrition and health. Rigorous theoretical coursework, complemented by a dedicated internship semester in industries and research laboratories, allows students to understand how multiple factors — including dietary behaviours — interact and influence human health.
Programme structure
1st Year at Unipd
1st semester:
Food science and safety (elective subject)
Nutrition and metabolic pathways: from cells to organs (elective subject)
Research methods in economics: understanding decision making and consumer behavior to promote healthy choices
Methodology for the hazard analysis in food-related jobs (elective subject)
Genomics of nutrition
Human Nutrition: sustainability and multidisciplinary perspective
Nutrition related diseases (elective subject)
2nd semester:
Ecology of foodborne pathogens, food toxicology and antimicrobial resistance
Mechanisms of tissues diseases and how environmental clues alter organ function
Sustainable resource-efficient food production and processing
Metab-Contam-AI laboratory
International regulations for food safety, certification and trading
2nd Year – 3rd semester:
Path 1 – Food and Neurosciences – Lyon 1
Neural basis of cognition
Project Management
Psychophysiology of perception
Sensory Analysis and consumer studies
Business Applications
Data
Path 2 – Food and dietetics – UAK
Clinical pathophysiology
Education and nutrition consulting
Immunodietetics
Methodology of assessment of food and nutrition pattern
Methodology of experiments 1
Nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and infants’ nutrition
Seminar
Planning and organisation of dietary nutrition – nutritional, technological and hygienic aspects (elective subject)
Natural and synthetic sweeteners (elective subject)
Gluten-free products and their role in human nutrition and diet therapy (elective subject)
Allergens in food (elective subject)
Functional properties of bee products (elective subject)
Cereals and pseudocereals in dietetics (elective subject)
Nutrigenetics (elective subject)
Path 3 – Food and Nutrition – UGR
Students will select 10 out of the 14 listed optional courses:
Introduction to experimental nutrition
Nutritional epidemiology
Endocrine disruptors
Nutritional and physiological aspects of physical activity and sports
Functional foods
Nutrition and digestive system 1. Digestion
Nutrition and digestive system 2. Absorption
Oxidative stress and ageing
Nutrition in the development, evolution and prevention of prevalent chronic pathologies
Mediterranean diet and health
Nutritional therapy: allergies, intolerances and other eating disorders. diets adapted to special situations
Methodologies for the assessment of nutritional status
Relevance and use of cell cultures in nutrition research
Micronutrients and human health: scientific advances related to their preventive and therapeutic effects
4TH SEMESTER
INTERNSHIP + THESIS
UBC – Food science or
INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP + THESIS
Lyon1 – Microbiology
Career opportunities
Graduates work in: Health and Nutrition, Public Health and Policy, Agri-Food Services, Food Safety and Regulation, Institutional and NGOs, Research and Academia, Public and Private Sector Leadership, Industry advising, Product development, Neurosciences for food, Consumer Behaviour and Market Analysis, Education and Outreach, Healthcare and Prevention.
Entry requirements
Contact University of Padua to find course entry requirements.
Why study at University of Padua
- A broad and multidisciplinary academic offer – University of Padua offers a comprehensive portfolio of degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines. The strong connections between different academic fields create a dynamic, innovative, and stimulating learning environment.
- Excellence in education – Ranked among the world’s top universities, the University of Padua is widely recognized for the quality of its teaching and academic excellence. Students benefit from rigorous training, an interdisciplinary approach, and a strong academic foundation that prepares graduates for successful international careers.
- A leading research university – The University is internationally renowned for the quality and impact of its research. Faculty and researchers contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and innovative projects addressing major global challenges, while advancing knowledge, science, and society.
- High-quality student experience – The University is strongly committed to student wellbeing and academic support, offering high-quality services, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus experience that consistently receives high levels of student satisfaction.
- One of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities – Founded in 1222, the University of Padua has played a central role in the development of academic freedom and scientific progress for over eight centuries. Its students, scholars, and alumni have made lasting contributions to culture, research, and society worldwide.
- A truly international community – Thousands of international students, researchers, and academics contribute to the University’s global outlook. International partnerships, exchange programmes, English-taught degrees, and worldwide research collaborations provide students with a highly international academic experience.
- Scholarships and financial support – The University offers competitive tuition fees compared with other leading international institutions and provides a wide range of merit-based and income-based scholarships for international students.
- A student-centered city – Padua is a vibrant university city where students represent a significant part of the local population. University buildings, departments, and research centers are integrated throughout the city, creating a unique and engaging student atmosphere.
- An exceptional Italian setting – Padua combines rich history, art, and culture with innovation, entrepreneurship, and a high quality of life. The city offers an authentic Italian lifestyle within a safe, welcoming, and internationally connected environment.
- A strategic location in Europe – Padua benefits from excellent rail, road, and air connections, allowing easy access to major Italian and European destinations, including Venice, Milan, and Bologna.