Human Nutrition
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

​​Division of Human Nutrition

​Education - Postgraduate

Master of Public Health Nutrition​

The programme provides interdisciplinary training in public health nutrition, food and nutritional sciences to prepare the graduates for careers as scientists, researchers, public health nutritionists and managers in public health practice, government agencies, academic institutions, health care systems and the private sector.

​Specific admission requirements

For admission into the structure​d stream a NQF level 8 qualification (or international equivalent) in Health Science or Agricultural Sciences is required, as well as proof that you have completed nutrition modules at an undergraduate level. 

For admission into the research stream the candidate must have the above plus knowledge of  Research Methodology and experience in planning and implementing of a research project (at undergraduate level and professionally) or shall otherwise have attained a standard of competence deemed adequate for such purpose by Senate. 

Only a limited number of student are selected annually. ​

Please note: One contact session (at the Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg campus) of one week's duration in the first year is compulsory for the structured and research streams. 

Please note: Preference will be given to candidates that will not be undertaking their community service year (if relevant) during their first year of study (SA residents). Candidates can apply during their community service year for the following year, should they be interested. All other candidates apply as per usual.


Structured stream

Application procedure and closing date
Apply online at www.maties.com by 30 September (local students)/ 31 August (International students) of the previous year. ​

Duration of programme
The programme extends over a minimum period of two years.

Programme description
This is a structured programme which comprises various theoretical modules and a research project (50% of the total credits). If the academic year extends over 45 weeks, the expectation is that you will use 20 hours per week to complete the programme over a two-year period. 

Programme content
(50% theoretical modules; 50% research project)

Module name Compulsory / Optional Year
Nutritional Epidemiolo​gy ​Compulsory1
​Public Health Nutrition Policies & Programming​
Compulsory
​1
Public Health Nutrition (​students choose 3 of the options according to a grid) ​Compulsory 1

​​​​​Electives (select 3)

(depending on availability)



​ ​

Nutrition, Health & the Environment Optional1
Food Security Optional1
Advanced Nutrition Analysis Optional1
Food, Nutrition & Livelihood in Humanitarian Emergencies Optional1
Nutrition & Economic, Human & Social Development Optional1
Nutrition in Health & Disease Prevention Optional1
Research Thesis in Public Health Nutrition (50% of total credits)​ ​Compulsory2

Research Stream

Application procedure and closing date
Apply online at www.maties.com by 30 September of the previous year. Applications for prospective international students close on 31 August.

Duration of programme
The programme extends over a minimum period of two years.

Programme description

The programme comprises a research project (100% of the total credits) with no theoretical modules. If the academic year extends over 45 weeks, you must use 20 hours per week to complete the programme.

You must plan and implement a research project and submit a thesis or preferably two articles for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, in the format specified in the study guide. ​

Programme content
(100% research project)​

Module name Compulsory / optional
Research Thesis in Public Health Nutrition (100% of total credits)Compulsory