Aims & Characteristics

This programme aims to provide a unique and profession-oriented education opportunity for Bachelor degree holders with relevant backgrounds, and to produce well-trained nutritionists capable of meeting the needs of the community, especially the elderly. The programme nurtures well-rounded and competitive graduates with excellent knowledge and skills through a carefully designed curriculum, modern learning/teaching methodologies, multiple assessment tools, workplace learning experiences, etc., with the primary goal of contributing to the health and well-being of the ageing population.

Upon their successful completion of the programme, students should be able to

(i) use their professional skills and knowledge to provide nutrition services and assess the nutritional status of individuals, especially the elderly;

(ii) provide nutrition counselling and education for individuals, groups and communities to optimise health and well-being with an emphasis on healthy ageing by applying specific principles of nutrition and communication strategies;

(iii) understand the food chain and its impact on humans' food choice, and the role of nutrition and diet in healthy ageing;

(iv) analyse and apply research methods in a variety of nutrition and healthy ageing studies and settings; and

(v) demonstrate the critical thinking, communication and analytical skills required to identify and solve problems related to nutrition and healthy ageing.

Recognition & Prospects

Recognition

The curriculum design of this programme is based on the requirements of the UK Association for Nutrition (AfN) for programme accreditation. Students completing an accredited degree programme have the right to apply for direct entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) as Registered Associate Nutritionists (ANutrs). Graduates of this programme are also expected to have the opportunity to apply to AfN to become ANutrs.

Prospects

Excellent job prospects are available for graduates. They can work in public health and nutritional science in the health service, in academia or in the food and nutrition industry.

Curriculum

Students studying in this programme would need to complete the following subjects:

• Advanced Human Physiology and Anatomy
• Food Preparation and Menu Planning
• Mental Health and the Aged
• Nutrition and Health for Older Adults
• Nutrition Education and Counselling
• Nutritional Assessment
• Practicum I
• Practicum II/Capstone Project
• Public Health Nutrition
• Research Methods & Data Analysis

Class Arrangement

Classes are normally scheduled on weekday evenings and Saturdays within an academic year.