Master of Science in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Applications for September 2023 are now closed. If you would like to register your interest in a course, please do so here

NEW SENR-accredited 18 month full-time Masters conversion programme specialising in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Includes hands-on laboratory practicals and work placement. Suitable for international students. Next intake September 2024.

Within the past decade, there has been a marked growth in the career opportunities available for sport and exercise nutritionists as well as an enhanced interest in nutrition to complement other job roles in the sport and exercise science field.

This Masters programme is designed to provide students with a sound grounding in the scientific method in the context of sport and exercise nutrition. Key areas of study include physiology, nutrition and metabolism with a focus on practical application of sport and exercise nutrition.

All students will complete laboratory practical sessions to develop applied skills, a sport and exercise nutrition work placement, and an independent, hypothesis driven research project.

Employment opportunities exist at a local, regional, national, and international level.

The course is suitable for students that have previously completed a Bachelor of Science or other health-related honours degree. It therefore gives students the opportunity to specialise in Sport and Exercise Nutrition.

Flexible Learning

The blended nature of the delivery of the programme means that the programme is suitable for students both nationally and internationally. Live lectures are delivered daily online, while labs are on-site at ATU Galway at the end of each month.

What is a Sports and Exercise Nutritionist?

Sport and Exercise Nutrition is the application of scientific and nutritional principles in order to understand and enhance sport and exercise performance and health and well-being.

A Registered Sport and Exercise Nutritionist is a qualified and experienced individual who has the competency to work autonomously with performance oriented athletes, as well as those participating in physical activity, sport and exercise for health.

They may also work for and in the sports nutrition industry e.g. producing products for athletes of all ability levels, or may work in education, be academics or researchers.

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This Masters programme has been designed to prepare students with the requisite level of understanding, knowledge, and skills to work within sport and exercise nutrition contexts. This Masters programme is accredited with the Sport & Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR) of the British Dietetic Association allowing students automatic registration following graduation. SENR is a nationally recognised quality mark for your work in sports and exercise nutrition. Any student successfully graduating from this MSc will be automatically eligible to join the SENR Graduate Register (upon submission of registration form / fee and character reference form).

 What does ‘blended learning’ mean?

• Online live lectures with an opportunity to chat using a chat box and speak using your computer’s microphone.
• Self-directed activities.
• Face-to-face labs.

This course runs over 1.5 years, how does that work?

This programme runs over 3 semesters, with a Summer break in the middle. 

Semester 1 – September to December: 30 Credits – PgCert

Semester 2 – January to May: 30 Credits – PgDip

Summer break: June to August

Semester 3 – September to December: 30 Credits - MSc

Example schedule programme schedule for semester 1:

How many contact days are there where I have to be in ATU GALWAY?

The number of contact days on this programme vary in each semester. Semester 1 has 7 contact days, Semester 2 has 6 contact days, and the requirement for contact days at ATU Galway in semester 3 will vary depending on your independent research project. Labs are not optional, and students must ensure that they attend the full day of labs (9-5pm) as per the schedule. 

What kind of labs does this course involve?

Examples of labs delivered on the course include:

• Sweat rate testing
• Hydration testing
• Sweat sodium analysis
• Body composition analysis
• Dietary intake analysis
• VO2 max testing
• Strength testing
• Fitness testing
• Gas analysis
• Dietary manipulation
• Sensory analysis
• Gut fermentation assessment
• Biochemistry assessment

What’s the workload like? Could I do this course while working full time?

This is a full-time MSc programme. There are 10 hours of online lectures per week in first semester as well as lab days, and a lot of self-directed activity such as reading and coursework. This is a full time MSc so the independent learning workload is heavy. There are assignments due or assessments taking place approximately every 2 weeks. If you have good time management skills, then this course would be ideal to complete alongside a part-time job. 

What kind of assessments will I have to complete?

Assessments include, but are not limited to:

• Practical lab exams
• Reflective activities
• Essays and literature reviews
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Placement
• Lab reports
• An independent research project

At what stage of the course and for how long is the work placement?

The placement is a 10-credit module in second semester of the course which will run from January-May. It is a 12-week placement which will be in a sports club in your local area. You will be tasked with completing the following outcomes (see list below) in a structured way, supervised by your college tutor, and this will be assessed by a portfolio of evidence.

• Hydration testing.
• Body composition testing.
• Sports nutrition workshops.
• Supplement safety programme.
• One-to-one intervention with one athlete
• Budgeting.
• Menu planning.

I play inter-county GAA, are there any scholarships available to me?

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) in association with Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (ATU Galway) have jointly funded two scholarships. These scholarships cover the fees for a taught master’s programme and there are two scholarships available each year. Students must meet the entry criteria for the chosen programme.

For more information or to apply of the scholarships contact Noel Connors at the GPA, noel@gaelicplayers.com or Gemma Begley, gemma@wgpa.ie . Students should also apply to their chosen programme at ATU GALWAY through the normal application process. A CV and cover letter will be required by the GPW/WGPA, and applications and entry criteria will be assessed by ATU Galway.

Once I finish the course, will I be registered with the SENR?

This programme has been designed to achieve the competencies required for graduate SENR registration and is accredited with the SENR. Upon graduation, students can submit their transcript online to register as a Graduate Registrant.

When are classes scheduled?

Class schedules change from year-to-year but to give you an example of the spread and workload, here is an example of the semester one schedule as it ran in 2023:

Job Opportunities

The career opportunities available to Sport and Exercise Nutritionists in Europe are expanding all the time and this expansion appears likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

Most sports now recognise nutritional science as an integral part of their sport’s development and success and most athletes consider the application of sport and exercise nutrition as an important part of everyday preparation for training and competition.

Careers from MSc Applied Sport & Exercise Nutrition include:

• Sports Performance Nutritionist
• Health and Exercise Nutritionist
• Health Promotion Specialist
• Lecturer in Higher Education
• Researcher
• New product development technologist
• Self-employment (as a consultant, contractor or entrepreneur)

Typical employers include:

• Professional and amateur sports teams such as Irish Rugby Football Union, Intercounty GAA teams, University scholarship teams etc.
• Sport Ireland Institute and Other National Governing Bodies for sport e.g. FAI, Swim Ireland, Jockeys Association etc.
• The health sector, including the HSE
• Charity Organisations with health promotion roles e.g. Simon Community, Food Cloud etc.
• Food Safety Authority
• Private health and fitness clubs, spas and public sports and recreation facilities
• Schools, further education institutions and universities
• Government agencies
• Local authorities
• National disease prevention initiatives
• National research groups and health promotion initiatives

Similar job opportunities are available throughout the UK, Europe and the US.

Applications NOW OPEN - Apply here

Note: Non-EU applicants cannot apply for this programme.

Applicants will require the following:

• A personal statement
• Evidence of relevant work experience
• Entry Requirements: Honours Degree (H2.2) in any science or related health discipline
   

Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) Accreditation

The Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) has been established and developed a competency framework for graduates and practitioners in the field. The SENr has been designed by both registered dietitians and nutritionists to recognise the required standard for both groups to work in the field.

While both dietitians and nutritionists require registration with their respective professional bodies, to recognise the unique skill set required for Sport and Exercise Nutrition, the SENr was established.

This MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition has been developed to fulfil requirements for SENr accreditation. Postgraduate education is the minimum level of education required to register with the SENr.

Please Note

• Work Placement is included
• All students will require Garda Vetting
• Some overnight stays in Galway will be necessary for the practical sessions

Contact Us

Head of Department

Damian Costello
Email: Damian.costello@atu.ie  
Tel: +353 (0)91 742893

Programme Co-ordinators:

Nóra Ní Fhlannagáin
Email: nora.nifhlannagain@atu.ie

Dr Karen Keane

Email: karen.keane@atu.ie