Home Economics, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Master of Science

Course Details

Course Code	SG_SHOME_M09
Level	9
Duration	1/2 years
Credits	90
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	St Angelas
Mode of Delivery	Full Time, Part Time

How to Apply

Course Overview

The Master of Science in Home Economics, Nutrition and Health Promotion is a fully online programme which is unique in Ireland, and internationally, in combining the potential to study and research at Level 9 (NFQ) in the areas of Home Economics, Nutrition and Health Promotion. The MSc is an interdisciplinary, structured research programme which facilitates participants to understand and critically evaluate contemporary policy and practice across the three integrated programme areas, enabling graduates to apply the most recent knowledge, theory, and evidence-based research to their future professional practice. The programme is aimed at graduates/professionals who have an interest in advancing their knowledge across the three allied programme areas at postgraduate level. The Master of Science in Home Economics, Nutrition and Health Promotion is the only postgraduate qualification on the Island of Ireland, and internationally, which combines the identified three disciplinary areas.

This MSc Level 9 programme provides three theoretical modules: a module on Home Economics theory and practice; a nutrition module developing contemporary knowledge on the impact of nutrition and food consumption practices on human and planetary health; and a health promotion module exploring the potential to positively improve health outcomes and overall quality of life of individuals, families and communities. The merging of disciplinary knowledge is essential, as the phenomena and challenges of everyday living are not typically one dimensional. Alongside theoretical online lectures, a specialist supervisor will be appointed to guide and support students undertaking the Applied Research Practicum module to undertake a self-selected research study.

Recommended Study Hours per week

Students undertaking the M.Sc. programme are advised to allocate a minimum of 7 hours per week to complete each of the 3 x 10 ECT modules. This engagement will consist of a one-hour lecture (mix of live/asynchronous delivery) with an additional one hour per module allocated to engagement with a range of related resources, discussion forums, recommended reading, reflective exercises. Approximately five hours per week are recommended per 10 ECT module for independent study, additional reading, research and completion of module assignments.

Examination and Assessment

The M.Sc. programme is 100% coursework assessed and involves a range of assignments, projects, MCQs, reports and reflective diaries. There are no townhall examinations. Students will be fully informed at module level regarding the assessment strategy and the criteria that will be applied to the assessment of their performance to meet module/programme learning outcomes.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

There are no mandatory on-campus lectures /workshops for this programme.
Programme Induction will take place on-campus to enable the student group to meet each other, the programme team, and key professional services staff. It is also possible to join the Induction online.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Progression

Graduates have the potential to pursue a variety of further academic pathways as well as to undertake further study at PhD level across a range of disciplines.

Graduates / students choosing to apply for the opportunity to pursue further study at PhD level in the field may consider making an application under the Kappeler Bursary scheme as offered annually by the School of Home Economics, ATU St Angelas. The Kappeler Bursary award supports full payment of part-time PhD fees for the successful the applicant/s. More details HERE

There is potential for MSc programme candidates at a significant stage of completion of the MSc Applied Research Practicum module (Module RSCH09061) to apply for transfer to registration on the PhD Arts, Home Economics Programme at the School of Home Economics, ATU St Angelas.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold a cognate Level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent. To qualify for direct entry, a standard applicant must hold an Honours degree (Level 8), with evidence of a 2:2, or higher, in Home Economics or a cognate discipline. Direct feeder programmes in Home Economics within ATU have been identified in detail in Section 3.3.

Applicants with other Level 8 programmes in Home Economics (BEd, BA, BSc, etc.) are also eligible, as are applicants with an honours degree (Level 8) in appropriate aligned / cognate disciplines, e.g. Human Ecology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition, Health Promotion, etc. Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to pass a qualifying assignment at a H2.2 performance standard as established by the Programme Board for the programme in question and as approved by the Registrar.

Applicants with Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications in other areas with sufficient work experience, as assessed by ATU, may also be eligible for programme entry.

Holders of the Postgraduate Certificate in Home Economics, Nutrition and Health Promotion are eligible to progress onto the Level 9 MSc Programme.

English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements will be as determined by ATU and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression code. The current requirements are as follows:

Non-EU applicants who are not English speakers must have a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International
English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent. All results must have been achieved within 2 years of application to ATU.
EU applicants who are not English speakers are recommended to have a minimum score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning
In accordance with its policies, ATU is committed to the principles of transparency, equity and fairness in recognition of prior learning (RPL) and to the principle of valuing all learning regardless of the mode or place of its acquisition. Recognition of Prior Learning applications for aspects of this programme will be accepted and reviewed in line with the approved ATU RPL policy.

Application Process
Applications for this programme are made directly to the University.

Selection
Direct applicants will be reviewed and places will be offered to eligible candidates until all available programme places are exhausted following the initial application deadline.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €7,200

Further information on fees

Careers

Graduates of the Master of Science program in Home Economics, Nutrition, and Health Promotion will have a variety of progressive and promotional career pathways to explore after completing their studies.

For individuals employed as Home Economics teachers in post primary schools, this programme can serve to enhance current practice, provide advanced and up-to-date knowledge and skills for integration into classroom practice, promotion of healthy lifestyles amongst students and support performance in a range of management, middle management, and support roles e.g., Health promoting schools; wellbeing co-ordination; assistant principal roles.

For individuals employed in nutrition, community health, regulatory, communication and/or advocacy roles in public, community or family settings, this MSc will provide an excellent foundation for allowing them to further advance their careers and make a positive impact on public health and well-being.

Further Information

Who Should Apply?

The M.Sc. programme is designed to meet the personal and professional needs of Home Economics graduates, alongside allied discipline professionals and graduates.