As approved recently by Qatar University’s Board of Regents, the Master of Science (MSc) in Human Nutrition programme will be offered by the College of Health Sciences (CHS).
The MSc in Human Nutrition is the sixth graduate degree offered by the CHS, in line with its mission to provide high quality education in the health professions and to meet the workforce needs of the healthcare sector in Qatar, according to a statement yesterday.
At present, the Department of Human Nutrition provides the only B.Sc. degree in Nutrition in Qatar, with a 4.5-year programme, fully accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (AND) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) in the US.
QU-CHS dean Dr Hanan Abdul Rahim commented on this important milestone and stated, “Building on the strength of the Bachelor programme, the newly approved graduate programme will extend training for advanced research and clinical work in this important area. This is a very valuable addition to the college’s portfolio of graduate programs, which aim to support the national health sector as well as research and academia.”
The programme will be a two year (4 semester), 36-credit hour programme divided into 18 credit hour for each year, and it will begin admitting students in Fall 2021. The curriculum was benchmarked against leading regional and international programs for knowledge and professional competencies, while taking into consideration the needs and specificities of the context in Qatar.
The Master programme in Human Nutrition will also seek accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The rising epidemic of diseases related to malnutrition regionally and globally, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, has taken a toll on health and quality of life and poses a significant burden on health services. Effective prevention and control efforts require highly trained professionals, with specialised skills in nutrition and dietetics to serve in this critical area in Qatar and in the Middle Eastern region generally. Students enrolled in this programme will undertake advanced course work in the biochemical, clinical, community, and behavioral aspects of nutrition. The Master programme will graduate dietitians and nutritionists with dietetic and research skills which will support the development and the implementation of high quality nutrition and dietetic services in Qatar.
Applications for graduate programme at QU are now open, and interested students are encouraged to visit the university website or to contact the college for more information.