What will I learn?

This newly established masters programme provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. There is a growing awareness of the need to provide effective treatments and prevention strategies. Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic.Consolidate your understanding of the causes, complications and treatment of obesity with a flexibly structured course that will suit those based anywhere in Ireland.Study with other students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds in medicine, nursing, sports science, dietetics as well as health policy, economics, marketing and philosophy.The research project offers an excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration and for peer-reviewed publication of your scientific work.Career OpportunitiesFor doctors this programme will be an adjunct to specialist training (rather than an alternative to it). The appeal will be broad and include general practice, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, public health and occupational health as well as surgery. Similarly, psychology, dietetic, occupational therapy and physiotherapy graduates who will ultimately contribute to obesity multidisciplinary care will need advanced training in obesity. Managers within the health service, hospital groups, policy makers and industry stakeholders are also likely to enhance their career prospects through completion of this programme. While this course is open to nurses, there is a dedicated MHSc in Obesity at University of Galway, delivered through the School of Nursing, which integrates different core modules that are more relevant to advanced nursing theory and practice.

Which department am I in?

College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees

€18,500.00 (16,72,846) per year

Booking Deposit - €250

Start date

September 2026

Venue

University of Galway

University Road,

Galway,

H91 TK33, Connacht, Republic of Ireland

Entry requirements

For international students

Successful applicants will possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 degree in an appropriate clinical or life science degree programme. However, for those who do not hold a primary degree at the required level, a special case can be made if they have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through at least three years of high quality work experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background). Candidates coming to Ireland from abroad or who do not have a degree from Ireland or the UK, will be asked to provide evidence of an acceptable result in one of the recognised English language proficiency tests, e.g., IELTS total score of 6.5. All prospective candidates will be interviewed either by telephone or by Skype.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

For those who do not hold a primary degree at the required level, a special case can be made if they have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through at least three years of high-quality work experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background).

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.