Specific admission requirements
For admission to the Master of Therapeutic Nutrition degree programme, a candidate shall hold a relevant bachelor's degree with an NQF exit level of 8 (or international equivalent) and at least Therapeutic Nutrition (at an advanced level), as well as Physiology, Biochemistry and Research Methodology, or shall otherwise have attained a standard of competence deemed adequate for such purpose by Senate.
For the research stream experience in the planning and implementation of a research project at undergraduate and professional level is a requirement.
Only a limited number of students is 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 both 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)
Duration of programme
The programme extends over a minimum of two years.
Programme description
This is a structured programme which comprises three 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.
Programme content
(50% theoretical modules; 50% research project)
Module name | Compulsory / optional | Year |
Nutritional Epidemiology | Compulsory | 1 |
Basic nutritional principles of gastrointestinal disorders | Compulsory | 1 |
Therapeutic Nutrition (overarching module name with options as listed below - students choose 3 of the options according to a grid)
| Compulsory | 2 |
Elective modules (select 3) (depending on availability) | Oncology Nutrition | Optional | 2 |
Paediatric Nutrition | Optional | 2 |
Renal Nutrition | Optional | 2 |
Nutrition Therapy (Enteral and Parenteral) | Optional | 2 |
Diabetes Mellitus | Optional | 2 |
Advanced Gastrointestinal Diseases | Optional | 2 |
Research Project in Therapeutic Nutrition (50% of total credits) | Compulsory | 1 & 2 |
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 of two years.
Programme description
The programme comprises a research project (100% of credits) with no theoretical modules. If the academic year extends over 45 weeks, you must use 20 hours per week to complete the programme over a two-year period.
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 Therapeutic Nutrition (100% of total credits) | Compulsory
|