Therese Marie Murray

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Public Health Nutrition

Galway City – Dublin Road

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?

I am currently 19 years old and studying Public Health Nutrition at ATU Galway. As physical activity has always played a major role in my life, I developed a strong interest in nutrition from a young age. As I grew older, I began to understand that nutrition is not just about fuelling activity, but is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

I chose this course because it gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in a subject I am truly passionate about. I have always enjoyed learning about different diets, nutritional deficiencies, and diet-related diseases such as obesity and coeliac disease. I was particularly drawn to the idea of helping others improve their nutrition. My goal is to become a Public Health Nutritionist so I can educate and support people in leading healthier lives. I strongly believe that food is fuel and has the power to help us live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

What are your favourite modules on the course?

One of my favourite modules is Principles of Food and Nutritional Science. It focuses on food and how different nutrients impact our daily lives. In first year, we complete a Culinary Assessment, where we choose a specific diet and prepare, cook, and present a meal. This is a very enjoyable and practical experience.

The module is quite similar to Home Economics and provides great insight into energy, nutrients, and a variety of diets from around the world, making it both engaging and relevant.

Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?

This course offers a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, including labs, tutorials, lectures, and cookery assessments. It caters to different learning styles and helps students develop practical skills that are useful both academically and in the workplace.

The course also includes a work placement in third year, which is extremely valuable. It provides an opportunity to build your CV, meet new people, gain real-world experience, and step outside your comfort zone. It’s a great way to understand what a career in public health nutrition involves.

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?

One of the standout features of the course is the third-year work placement. It offers a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the role of a nutritionist in a real-world setting. At ATU, students also have the option to complete their placement abroad, with many travelling to places like Australia.

This provides a unique chance to experience different cultures and dietary practices while developing professionally. Placement opportunities can vary, including working with sports nutritionists or health organisations, allowing students to explore different career paths.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?

I would encourage them to embrace the practical elements of the course. Labs may seem daunting at first, but they are incredibly interesting and rewarding. These experiences help to build important scientific skills and also support your understanding of theory-based learning.

Tell us about any extracurricular activities you are involved in.

Sport plays a huge role in my life, particularly camogie. I have played on numerous teams over the years, winning various matches and finals. I had the honour of captaining the Galway camogie team to an All-Ireland semi-final and continued to compete at that level for several years. I also captained my club’s adult team to a county semi-final.

During secondary school, I was awarded Junior Camogie Player of the Year. I also enjoy running and have completed two half marathons, with plans to complete a full marathon in the near future.

In addition to sport, I enjoy volunteering. At ATU, I help run a weekly Breakfast Club, providing free food to students attending early lectures. I also assist with underage training in my local club. I find it very rewarding to give back and support others in my community.

What are your plans after ATU and your long-term goals?

After completing my degree, I hope to travel, as it has always been a dream of mine. I would love to complete a marathon abroad as part of this experience. Professionally, I aim to build a successful career as a nutritionist and make a positive impact on people’s lives by helping those who struggle with their diets.

I am also interested in completing a yoga and wellbeing course to further expand my knowledge of health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.