布里斯托大學

Programme overview

Health promoters, city and service planners, and public health leaders all have a growing need for high-quality research that is timely and relevant. In this degree we focus on developing your skills in research, policy and practice in the combined fields of diet- and physical activity-related public health and wellbeing.

This work is vital in addressing real issues of concern to policymakers and practitioners. We are different to other MSc courses in public health because ours is one of the first to recognise the need for specialisation in the three intertwined disciplines of nutrition, physical activity and public health.

Our programme provides a unique insight into the fascinating interactions between activity, diet and health by helping you to critically examine key interactions at the interface of epidemiology, psychology and policy-relevant research. The programme will also help you develop important skills in designing and evaluating research and community interventions in these connected fields.

This MSc is designed for dieticians, physical activity, food and fitness specialists and other health professionals (such as nurses, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, physical trainers and occupational therapists) who wish to gain a deeper understanding about the evidence around the role of nutrition and physical activity in public health, the factors that influence people's physical activity and eating behaviours, and how to develop and evaluate nutrition and physical activity interventions.

If you are a graduate from another discipline who would like to work towards a career in this area, we will also welcome your application.

Careers

This programme is designed for students who want to pursue careers in nutrition and physical activity-related research, public health policy, public health consultancy, public health advocacy and legislation and in implementing programmes that promote health. Employers of our graduates include the public sector (e.g. local authorities, county health departments, Public Health England, National Health Service), Universities and academia, charities and non-profit organisations (e.g. Macmillan Cancer Support, public health agencies), and the private sector (e.g. the food industry, corporate wellness organisations).

A wide range of careers is offered by these employers. Our students go on to become: public health project officers; researchers; health promotion specialists; public health scientists; public health data analysts and evidence reviewers; lifestyle managers; nutrition, physical activity or fitness/exercise education coordinators in research- or community-based programmes; public health and policy consultants; community sports managers; health trainers; health improvement and wellness programme officers and practitioners; health services managers; public health science communicators (e.g. in government or journalism).

The programme also has a professional development focus and can enhance the practice and delivery of working professionals, such as dieticians, physiotherapists, nurses, kinesiologists, physical trainers or teachers. Some of our graduates continue their studies towards a PhD degree.