Faculty of Science
CODE
15058
SUBCODE
15058-MFT
ENTRY

Sept 2025 Entry

STUDY MODE
Mixed Mode
DURATION

1 year

CREDIT REQUIRED

31

FUND TYPE
Self-Financed
  • Only the full-time option will be offered for admission in 2025/26.

  • Early applications are strongly encouraged.

  • One-off entry scholarships will be awarded to applicants with excellent academic achievement. 

Application Deadline
Local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2025 Entry - Early Round Application Deadline: 2024-11-21; Main Round Application Deadline: 2025-04-30
Non-local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2025 Entry - Early Round Application Deadline: 2024-11-21; Main Round Application Deadline: 2025-04-30

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About Programme
How to Apply
Aims & Characteristics

This programme aims to provide a unique and professional training opportunity to Bachelor’s degree holders with relevant backgrounds, and to produce well-trained nutritionists capable of meeting the needs of the community, especially those of the elderly. The programme produces well-rounded and competitive graduates with excellent knowledge and skills. It includes a carefully designed curriculum, modern learning/teaching methodologies, multiple assessment tools, and work-based learning experiences, with the primary goal of contributing to the health and well-being of the ageing population.

 

Upon 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 older people;

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

(iii) understand the food chain and its impact on people’s food choices, as well as the role of nutrition and diet in healthy ageing;

(iv) analyse and apply research methods in various studies and settings related to nutrition and healthy ageing; and

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

Recognition & Prospects

Recognition

The curriculum design is based on the requirements of the British Association for Nutrition (AfN) for programme accreditation. Graduates have the opportunity to apply to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) to become Registered Associate Nutritionists (ANutr) via portfolio.

 

Prospects

Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects in public health and nutritional sciences, whether in health services, academia, or the food and nutrition industry.

Curriculum

Students must complete the following subjects:

  1. Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science
  2. Advanced Human Physiology and Anatomy
  3. Food Preparation and Menu Planning
  4. Mental Health and the Aged
  5. Nutrition and Health for Older Adults
  6. Nutrition Education and Counselling
  7. Nutritional Assessment
  8. Practicum I
  9. Capstone Project
  10. Public Health Nutrition
  11. Research Methods & Data Analysis
Credit Required for Graduation

31

Programme Leader(s)

Dr Christine Shi-ying Li
BSc, MSc, PhD, RNutr (UK)

Subject Area
Nutrition and Healthy Ageing
Entrance Requirements

A Bachelor's degree with honours in food, nutrition, biological science or health-related disciplines, or other relevant science disciplines.

If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details.

Enquiries

For further programme information, please contact us via email: msc.healthyageing@polyu.edu.hk

Other Information

Class Arrangement

Classes are normally scheduled in the evenings on weekdays and on Saturdays.

 

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

"FSN5023 Public Health Nutrition" (3 credits) offered in this programme has been included in the list of subjects reimbursable under the CEF [For course commencement after October 2022].

 

Related Programmes

Master of Science in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing (Nutrition in Practice)

Initial Registration Credits

6 for local students
12 for non-local students

Programme Leaflet

Please click here to download.

Tuition Fee

HK$6,340 per credit for local and non-local students. Tuition fees will not be charged for the 1-credit subject "Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science".

One-off entry scholarships will be awarded to students with excellent academic achievement. 

Student Message

This Master’s programme enriched my understanding of nutrition through practical courses on topics such as nutrition assessment, menu planning, and nutrition counselling. These courses provide the fundamental knowledge that students need to become nutritionists, even those new to the field. To train community nutritionists, the practicum component allows students to offer nutrition advice to real clients according to their individual needs.

 

During my study, I learnt about the work of community nutritionists. Despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, my learning process was facilitated by the excellent support provided by the professors and staff. Through various guest lectures given by nutrition professionals, I gained new insights into nutrition in both community and business contexts. Overall, I think that this Master’s programme provides invaluable practical experience for students who wish to become community nutritionists.

HO Wing Hei

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing is a well-designed programme and provides a rich learning experience. The programme covers not only nutrition-related theory but also mental health issues related to ageing and nutrition counselling skills, focusing on the needs of Hong Kong’s ageing society. In addition, the teaching staff are enthusiastic about helping students and sharing their experiences and research on nutrition-related topics. We engaged directly with the local community and older people via various placements. During these placements, we had the opportunity to organise several nutrition workshops for older people, such as sessions on healthy cooking, reading nutrition labels, and sarcopenia. This was an invaluable cross-generational learning experience. Working with and learning from students from diverse backgrounds made our projects and placements even more interesting. In summary, I very much enjoyed my studies in the MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing, and the knowledge and skills I gained will definitely support my career development in the field of nutrition. 

TONG Yat Kiu

Completing my Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing was a fruitful and rewarding experience. Not only did the programme enrich my nutrition knowledge, which is indispensable for my career in this field, but it also offered a wide range of practicum opportunities and hands-on projects, which greatly enhanced my learning experience. The practicums are one of the highlights of the programme, making it unique and professional. During the practicums, we had the opportunity to organise several nutrition activities for the elderly, such as cooking workshops, exercise sessions, and nutritional assessments, under the guidance of nutrition professionals and project supervisors. These activities allowed us to gain invaluable experience and practical skills in working with the community. In addition, this programme enabled us to participate in nutrition-related research through various projects and practices, equipping us to become well-rounded individuals capable of engaging in different areas and paths in the field of nutrition.
 

Beyond academic achievement, an invaluable aspect of this programme is the creation of lasting bonds among classmates. The combined efforts and support of teachers and staff also made my experience tremendously rewarding. My year here was truly enjoyable and unforgettable.

LEE Pui Kei

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme is highly practical. The course design includes a variety of nutrition-related lectures, guest talks, and field experiences to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and healthy ageing. In addition, this is the first Master's programme in nutrition in Hong Kong to offer a community practicum. Through hands-on practice in the community, we gained a better understanding of how to apply our knowledge in real-world settings. During the practicum, we received guidance from nutrition professionals and supervisors on how to organise and conduct activities related to nutrition promotion. We gained first-hand experience in public health nutrition research, promotion, and intervention. This allowed us to better understand the challenges and opportunities of nutrition work in the community, which contributed to my career development. In summary, studying in this programme was a memorable and meaningful experience and gave me a deeper understanding of and insights into the nutrition industry.

CHOI Yee Tung

This programme offers specialised courses in nutrition and psychology and provides professional training in nutrition counselling skills. In addition, the practicum helps students apply theory to practice. I hosted several community nutrition workshops during the practicum, which was an invaluable experience. Through these activities, I gained valuable practical expertise and learnt the importance of community nutritionists. I thank all of my teachers for their help when I encountered difficulties. I enjoyed this year of study. All the knowledge and skills I have acquired will be useful in my future career.

SONG Jiaxiang

I am an Emergency Medicine Physician working at the Hospital Authority. As the world's population continues to age, the concept of healthy ageing and the role of nutrition are gaining increasing attention and importance. Obtaining a Master's degree in nutrition provided me with in-depth expertise in areas such as nutrient metabolism, dietary assessment, nutrition counseling, and evidence-based interventions. I also gained valuable skills applicable in clinical and community settings, public health, and research areas through well-designed lectures, practicums, and projects.  The programme places great importance on geriatric nutrition, which meets the demands of society.

 

I enjoyed my year of study with people from diverse backgrounds such as nurses, physiotherapists, and neuroscientists. The learning process was enjoyable and constructive with enthusiastic students and supportive teaching staff. In conclusion, this programme allows students to develop in-depth and up-to-date knowledge in nutrition and practical experience.  

WONG Kwun Bun

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme has truly enriched my understanding of nutrition, providing a wealth of opportunities for both research and practical applications. Guided by researchers and Registered Dietitians actively involved in the field, we acquired the latest knowledge and techniques, insights that transcend the confines of traditional textbooks. The programme also gave us the invaluable experience of running our own nutrition programmes, games, and educational sessions with older adults and community centres. These real-world scenarios honed our skills, preparing us for a smooth transition into our future careers.


Beyond nutrition lectures, our professors endeavoured to immerse us in a broader universe. They invited guest speakers from around the globe, either in person or virtually, to enrich our learning experience. Additionally, our department organised numerous workshops, each contributing to diverse thoughts and discussions that profoundly shaped my perspective on nutrition and helped me chart the course of my future career.


Overall, this programme is ideal for anyone who is passionate about nutrition. It welcomes individuals from all walks of life, whether they are doctors, nurses, neurologists, speech therapists, chefs, forensic professionals, or, like me, those with a Bachelor's degree in nutrition. There is always something new to explore and learn. 

LI Weitian
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If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details. The TOEFL scores and IELTS results older than two years are normally NOT accepted.

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