Weight Management

MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate

This full-time or part-time programme commenced in Sept '06 and is run in association with the National Obesity Forum. It was the first of its type in the UK and is delivered by a team of experienced academics, GPs, hospital doctors, surgeons, dieticians, nutritionists, exercise specialists and psychologists.

Campus Chester
Course MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate
Length 1 year full-time (2 - 4 years Part-time)
Start date September 2012

For information on bursaries and scholarships for this programme click here

 

Whilst this multidisciplinary programme is focussed professional development programme aimed at healthcare professionals from worldwide, it is also suitable for newly qualified graduates aspiring to work in this high profile area.

The epidemic of overweight and obesity is part of a worldwide trend, and it is contributing to the increasing levels of non-communicable metabolic and mechanically-induced disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint problems, obstructive sleep apnoea and certain cancers.

This programme aims:

  • to encourage a critically and theoretically informed, reflective and multi-disciplinary approach to academic study and professional practice relevant to weight management
  • to build upon and extend previous knowledge and understanding of the research base for both theoretical and applied aspects of weight management
  • to increase awareness and insight into both inter and intra-professional and ethical issues relevant to the practice of weight management in the era of evidence-based practice.

This Masters Programme is delivered by an experienced team of academic staff from the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Health and Social Care, together with University-approved visiting lecturers and practitioners from clinical settings.

Fees 2011-12

UK and EU fees:

  • Module - £635
  • Postgraduate Certificate - £1,905
  • Postgraduate Diploma - £3,810
  • MSc: £5,715

International & Non-EU:

  • Module fee - £1,110
  • MSc - £9,990

Apply Online

You can Apply online for the Weight Management programme.

Downloads

Programme Leaflet

Download Taught Module Descriptions

Timetable and Fee Information 2012-13

 

Why study this course?

The need for professional development in weight management, particularly for the wide range of health professionals dealing with clients and patients for whom overweight and obesity are key contributors to illness and poor recovery rates, is now clearly evident.

Features:

 

This programme attracts students from a wide age range and diverse array of backgrounds.

Taught Modules are delivered as 3-day intensive courses to facilitate attendance from students nationwide and international.

There are no formal examinations.

Next: Modules

Taught Modular Programme

The MSc programme consists of six taught modules and a research dissertation.

  • Each taught module involves attendance at a 20-hour, three-day intensive course (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 5.00pm) followed by a period of home-based learning and the submission of a 4,000-word written assignment, or its equivalent
  • Taught modules are scheduled monthly
  • Following completion of six taught modules, students commence on theor personal research project.

Students select six from the following modules:

  • The Obesity Epidemic - Weight Management as a Public Health Issue (core module)
  • Causes and Assessment of Obesity
  • Dietary Approaches to Weight Management
  • Exercise and Weight Management
  • Behaviour Modification in Weight Management
  • Pharmacotherapy, Surgery, Supplements and Alternative Methods
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Research Methods and Data Analysis (core module for MSc students)

Each module is accredited by the RCP for 20 CPD points.

Next: Assessment

Each taught module is assessed by a 4,000 word written assignment or its equivalent - e.g. poster presentation. There are no formal examinations.

Research Project

Following the completion of six taught modules, MSc students are required to undertake a programme of personal research. Projects may be laboratory-based at the University, or work-based, and students are under the direction of an individually allocated supervisor.

Next: Careers

The course was designed : (i) to provide postgraduate education and training opportunities for health professionals; and (ii) to provide opportunities for those aspiring to work in this high profile field.

There is a wide range of career opportunities in this area which is high on the government agenda as one of the urgent areas of public health that needs to be tackled. Many of our students have successfully found jobs with primary care trusts and local authorities across the UK.

  • NHS Weight management programmes
  • Health and fitness industry
  • Food industry
  • Corporate health and wellbeing
Next: Entry requirements

The programme is open to candidates with a minimum of a lower second class honours degree in a related subject area, or equivalent professional qualifications. Consideration will also be given to applicants with relevant work experience, background knowledge and skills.

Applications are invited from professions such as:

  • Nursing
  • Medicine
  • Dietetics
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Food Industry
  • Health Promotion
  • Leisure Industry
  • Teaching/Lecturing
  • Emergency Services (police, fire, ambulance, military)
  • Sport
  • Coaching
  • Physical Education
  • Sports Science
Beginning: Overview

Who to contact