MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course: Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Exam, Duration
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics is a two-year postgraduate degree that aims at the study of three major aspects: nutritional science, nutritional assessment, and therapeutic diets. This course teaches students about the science of nutrition and how it can be used to promote health and prevent diseases.
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics eligibility requires candidates to clear their bachelor’s degree in BSc Nutrition and Dietetics or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks (45-50% marks for the reserved category). Apart from the merit score, the candidate also needs to qualify for the entrance exams such as LPUNEST, CUCET, CUET-PG, etc.
The syllabus of M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics covers basic and advanced topics like Fundamentals of Nutrition, Biochemistry, Community Nutrition, Food Science, Advanced Clinical Dietetics, Advanced Food Service Management, etc. The average MSc Nutrition and Dietetics fees is in the range of INR 20,000-2 LPA.
Table of Contents
- What is MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course?
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria
- Why Choose an M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Course?
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Admission 2023
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Entrance Exams
- Top MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India
- M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Fee Structure
- Types of M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Courses
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus and Subjects
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc Food Science and Nutrition
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Salary in India
- Courses After MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Career Options After MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Course
- M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships
- Skills to Excel as an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course Details
| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course. |
| Entrance Exam | LPUNEST, CUCET, CUET-PG, etc. |
| Minimum Percentage | 50-60% aggregate in Bachelor’s degree for unreserved category students and 45-50% for reserved category students. |
| Average Fees | ₹20K - 4 LPA |
| Similar Options of Study | MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Average Salary | INR 3.78-10 LPA (Source: Payscale) |
| Employment Roles | Nutrition Researcher, Telehealth Dietician, Food Service Associate, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Hexagon Nutrition, HCL Healthcare, UNICEF, HealthifyMe, etc. |
What is MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course?
M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics or Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics course falls under the umbrella of MSc courses, focusing on the values of nutrition, principles of diet, and the human diet. The course can be pursued from colleges like LPU, Martin Luther Christian University, Sharda University, etc.
The M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course curriculum equips students with an understanding of tools and techniques like nutritional analysis software, stadiometers, SPSS, food composition databases, etc., so they can efficiently work in job roles like clinical nutritionist, researcher, eating disorder specialist, etc.
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for the M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course is based on factors like merit score, entrance exam cut-off, work experience, etc. Below listed are the standard MSc Nutrition and Dietetics eligibility requirements:
- The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in BSc Nutrition and Dietetics/BSc Dietetics/BPharma/BSc Microbiology, or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks (45-50% marks for the reserved category).
- The student also needs to clear entrance exams like LPUNEST, CUET-PG, CUCET, etc.
- There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.
Why Choose an M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Course?
The course is in high demand because it helps in the design and implementation of research in the field of human nutrition and dietetics. Below are a few important reasons why one should choose the MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics course:
- As per the Market Research Report, the demand for nutritionists and dietetics is projected to grow 14% between the year 2016-26.
- The expected growth of the global nutrition consulting services market is a CAGR of 3.7%, leading to a higher demand for nutritional consultants.
- The students can work in various range of job roles like clinical dietician, nutritional consultant, policy analyst, etc.
Also, Check: Nutrition Courses In India
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Admission 2023
The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics is done either on the basis of an entrance exam in colleges like LPU, Chandigarh University, or on the basis of merit scores in Sharda University, Parul University, etc. Below listed is the step-wise admission process for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course:
- Step 1: The candidate needs to take entrance exams as required by the college admission policy.
- Step 2: Further, the student needs to fill out the college application form available both online and offline.
- Step 3: After the candidate's application is assessed, they need to clear the GD and PI rounds as per the college requirement.
- Step 4: After the final merit list is published, the candidate needs to pay the fees and complete the document verification process.
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics are conducted at national, state, and institute levels such as LPUNEST, CUET-PG, CUCET, etc. Below listed are a few important MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics entrance exams with registration date and colleges accepting the entrance exam score:
|
MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Entrance Exams |
Registration Date |
Accepting Colleges |
|
April 2024 (Tentative) |
Manav Rachna University |
|
|
Sep 20, 2023-Jan 15, 2024 |
Lovely Professional University |
|
|
February 2024 (Tentative) |
LPU, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, etc. |
|
|
November 2023 (Tentative) |
Chandigarh University |
Top MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India
The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics in India can be pursued at private and government colleges like Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, LPU, Periyar University, Chandigarh University, etc. Below listed are the top colleges offering M Sc Dietetics and Nutrition courses along with their average fees:
|
NIRF Ranking 2023 |
Colleges |
Average Fees |
|
27 |
INR 1.06 LPA |
|
|
32 |
INR 1.10 LPA |
|
|
46 |
INR 1.60 LPA |
|
|
52 |
INR 1.94 LPA |
|
|
53 |
INR 74,000 PA |
|
|
57 |
INR 1.18 LPA |
|
|
87 |
INR 1.44 LPA |
|
|
- |
INR 1.82 LPA |
|
|
- |
INR 60,000 PA |
|
|
- |
- |
|
|
- |
- |
|
|
- |
INR 24,500 PA |
|
|
- |
- |
|
|
- |
Manav Rachna Educational Institute |
INR 1.59 LPA |
M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Fee Structure
The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics fees range between INR 20,000-2 LPA. The fees for private colleges is in the range of INR 50,000-2 LPA, whereas for government colleges in India, the fees range between INR 20,000-65,000 PA. Below is the fee breakdown for a few colleges offering M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course:
|
College Name |
Tuition Fees |
Admission Fees |
Miscellaneous Fees |
|
INR 53,000 PA |
INR 4,200 |
INR 22,000 PA |
|
|
INR 72,250 PA |
INR 10,000 |
- |
|
|
INR 80,000 PA |
INR 5,000 |
- |
|
|
INR 43,550 PA |
- |
INR 96,000-1 LPA |
|
|
Vanita Vishram Women’s University |
INR 58,500 PA |
INR 3,200 |
- |
Types of M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Courses
The M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course can be pursued in both full-time and distance mode. Below listed are MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course details:
|
Types |
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility |
Duration |
|
Full-Time |
Candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks + Entrance Exam Score+ PI score |
2 Years |
|
Distance Education |
Candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% marks |
2-4 Years |
|
Integrated |
Candidates should have completed 10+2 (high school degree) in Science or related stream with a minimum of 50% marks for general category and 45% marks for reserved category marks. |
5 Years |
Distance MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Course
Below listed are a few important pointers regarding distance M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course:
- The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics distance learning course can be pursued from IMTS Institute, KSOU, etc.
- The average course fee is in the range of INR 20,000-35,000 PA.
- Students can also pursue a related course which is an MSc in Food Nutrition from IGNOU.
- The course duration can be extended to 4 years.
Integrated MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Course
The integrated M Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course focuses on theoretical coursework and practical training. Students learn about the science of nutrition, the role of various nutrients in the body, and the impact of diet on health and disease. Below listed are the course details:
- Students can pursue BSc+ MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics course can be pursued from colleges like UPES, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education, etc.
- The average course fees is in the range of INR 1.40-2 LPA.
Browse MSc Dietetics and Nutrition Colleges by City
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus and Subjects
The first-year MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics focuses on nutrition fundamentals, diet-disease planning, food safety and regulation, etc. The second-year syllabus delves deeper into advanced topics like specialized dietetics practice, global nutrition issues, public health nutrition policy and advocacy, etc.
Below listed are a few important M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics subjects in detail:
|
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Subjects |
Topics Covered |
|
Advanced Nutrition |
Micronutrient Metabolism, Nutritional Physiology, Nutritional Immunology, Nutrition and Chronic Disease, etc. |
|
Nutritional Biochemistry |
Clinical Applications, Nutrient Bioavailability, Enzyme Catalysis, Research and Laboratory Techniques, etc. |
|
Community Nutrition |
Community Nutrition Assessment, Global Nutrition Issues, Community Based Nutrition Programs, Food Insecurity and Hunger, etc. |
|
Medical Nutrition Therapy |
Principle of MNT, Nutrition Support System, Diabetes Management, Nutrition in Critical Care, Importance of Disease Management, etc. |
Read More: MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus and Subjects
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc Food Science and Nutrition
With a special emphasis on nutrition's function in illness prevention and treatment, the MSc Nutrition and Dietetics program focuses on the investigation of the connection between food and health. The MSc Food Science and Nutrition course places more of an emphasis on the scientific investigation of food, including its composition, processing, and preservation.
Below listed are the key differences between M.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc in Food Science and Nutrition:
|
Course |
MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics |
MSc in Food Science and Nutrition |
|
Full Form |
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics |
Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition |
|
Course Overview |
The course focuses on the study of nutritional assessment, clinical dietetics, cultural and global nutrition, etc. |
The course curriculum focuses on food chemistry, sensory evaluation, food analysis, and instrumentation, food laws and regulations, etc. |
|
Duration |
2 Years |
2 Years |
|
Eligibility |
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, BPharma, or any related degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks. |
Candidates should have a degree in BSc Foods and Nutrition, Food Science and Quality Control, or any related degree with a minimum of 50% marks. |
|
Entrance Exams |
LPUNEST, CUCET, CET, etc. |
GATE, AUCET, CFTRI, etc |
|
Top Colleges |
LPU, Sharda University, Symbiosis Institute of Health Science, etc. |
SNDT Women's University, St. Teresa College, University of Mysore, etc. |
|
Fees |
INR 20,000-2 LPA |
INR 20,000-2.5 LPA |
|
Average Salary |
INR 3.78-10 LPA (Source: Payscale) |
INR 2.4-13.45 LPA (Source: Ambition Box & Glassdoor) |
|
Job Role |
Nutrition Consultant, Clinical Dietician, Product Development Specialist, etc. |
Quality Assurance Manager, Food Safety Specialist, Food Scientist, etc. |
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics focuses on the broader aspects of nutrition and dietetics, including the study of food science, nutrition assessment, and counseling. The MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics course emphasizes the clinical application of nutrition in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics.
Below listed are the key differences between MSc Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics:
|
Course |
MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics |
MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics |
|
Full Form |
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics |
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics |
|
Course Overview |
The course focuses on the study of core nutritional principles, community nutrition, cultural and global nutrition, etc. |
The course deals with the study of clinical research, Critical Care Nutrition, advanced Pharmacology, etc. |
|
Duration |
2 Years |
2 Years |
|
Eligibility |
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, BPharma, or any related degree with a minimum of 50-60% marks. |
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in BSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics or any related degree with a minimum of 50% marks. |
|
Entrance Exams |
LPUNEST, CUCET, CET, etc. |
CUET-PG, LPUNEST, SET, etc. |
|
Top Colleges |
LPU, Sharda University, Symbiosis Institute of Health Science, etc. |
Jaipur National University, SNDT College of Home Science, Galgotias University, etc. |
|
Fees |
INR 20,000-2 LPA |
INR 15,000-2.5 LPA |
|
Average Salary |
INR 3.78-10 LPA (Source: Payscale) |
INR 2.5-13.65 LPA (Source: Glassdoor) |
|
Job Role |
Nutrition Consultant, Researcher, Product Development Specialist, etc. |
Clinical Dietitian, Renal Dietitian, Nutritional Informatics Specialist |
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Salary in India
The average entry-level salary for an M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course is INR 4.2 LPA, after having three-plus years of experience professionals can earn up to INR 10 LPA. (Source: Payscale and Ambition Box). Below listed are job roles for graduates along with their average entry-level salaries:
|
MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Jobs |
Entry Level Average Salary |
Salary After 3 Years of Experience |
|
Food Service Associate |
INR 4-5 LPA |
INR 8.78 LPA |
|
Telehealth Dietician |
INR 3.6-4 LPA |
INR 7-8 LPA |
|
Research Scientist |
INR 4-6.4 LPA |
INR 7-10.5 LPA |
|
Sports Nutritionist |
INR 4-5.20 LPA |
INR 8.65 LPA |
Courses After MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics
Following completion of the M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course, the aspirant has the option of furthering education in nutrition and food-related course. Below listed are a few courses that MSc Nutrition and Dietetics graduates can pursue:
- Ph.D. in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Certified Nutrition Specialist
- Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
Career Options After MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Course
The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics scope is vast as graduates can work in areas like telehealth, integrative medicine, eating disorder treatment centers, sports, and fitness, etc. Below listed are top job designations for M Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics course, along with top hiring companies and their average salaries:
|
Job Designations |
Job Descriptions |
Hiring Companies |
Average Salary |
|
Clinical Nutrition Manager |
Their job involves doing patient assessment, budgeting, planning, and focusing on quality improvement of nutritional care. |
Apollo Hospitals, Maxim Healthcare Services, IKS Health, etc. |
INR 9.48 LPA |
|
Nutrition Consultant |
The job role involves assessing nutritional needs, monitoring progress, designing balanced meal plans, etc. |
HealthifyMe, HCL Healthcare, UNICEF, etc. |
INR 4.04 LPA |
|
Corporate Wellness Program Manager |
They create thorough wellness initiatives that are suited to the demands and objectives of the business and employees. |
Concentrix, Loop Health, Wells Fargo, etc. |
INR 8.52 LPA |
|
Government Health Policy Analyst |
Their job role involves analyzing healthcare policies, promoting health equity, and educating the public regarding policy changes and updates. |
Piramal Foundation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, etc. |
INR 4.35 LPA |
Read More: Career Options After MSc Nutrition and Dietetics
Top Recruiters for MSc Dietetics and Nutrition
The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics scope for graduates is ample as they get opportunities to work in clinical settings, community and public health, research, academia, consulting, etc. Below listed are a few top recruiters for Nutrition and Dietetics MSc graduates along with average entry-level salaries:
|
Top Recruiter |
Average Entry-Level Salary |
|
Hexagon Nutrition |
INR 7.5 LPA |
|
HealthifyMe |
INR 5.52 LPA |
|
HCL Healthcare |
INR 5 LPA |
|
UNICEF |
INR 8 LPA |
|
Nestle |
INR 5.75 LPA |
[Sources: Payscale and Glassdoor]
M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships
Various private and government institutes and organizations offer merit-based, need-based, quota-based, etc., scholarships to students who want to pursue an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics in India. Below mentioned are a few scholarships along with eligibility criteria and the scholarship amount:
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount |
|
INSPIRE Program Scholarship |
|
INR 80,000 PA |
|
LPUNEST Scholarship |
Entrance Exam to be taken by students. |
Upto 40% of the course fees, depending on the category cut-off released by the college. |
|
Chandigarh University Scholarship |
Based on the CUCET entrance exam taken by students. |
Upto 25% of the course fees are based on CUCET score and merit score. |
Skills to Excel as an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate
The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics graduate requires a combination of technical skills and practical and theoretical knowledge. Below listed are a few important skills that a graduate should excel in to be successful in their careers:
- Clinical Skills: In order to do the patient assessment, manage diet plans, understand medical terms, and work in clinical settings, clinical skills are required.
- Research and Analysis: To do research in the field and understand recent developments in nutrition and implement them in the field.
- Counseling Skills: The graduate must be able to do motivational interviewing to assist people in making long-lasting dietary adjustments.
- Digital Health Technology Knowledge: To adapt and understand the changing technologies in the field and how they can be helpful in monitoring and assessment of diet plans and nutritional charts.
- Data Analysis: The graduate must be proficient in tools like Excel, SPSS, etc., to evaluate dietary patterns or conduct research.
Top Science Entrance Exams
Result Date: Mar 22, 2024
FAQs on MSc Nutrition and Dietetics
Q: Can I do MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics after BSc in Nursing?
A: Yes, students who have completed BSc Nursing can pursue an MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course with a minimum of 50% marks.
Q: What topics are covered in MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course?
A: Topics like nutritional biochemistry, eating disorders and behavior nutrition, role of nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases, etc., are covered in the course.
Q: Do I need to register in order to become a Dietitian after completion of the MSc in Dietetics and Nutrition in India?
A: Yes, after MSc in Dietetics and Nutrition, registration with the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is required to practice as a registered dietitian in India.
Q: Is there any specialization available in MSc Nutrition and Dietetics course?
A: Yes, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, and public health nutrition are among the popular specializations.
Q: Can I pursue MSc Nutrition and Dietetics online?
A: Yes, students can pursue the course from LPU online, Madurai Kamraj University, etc.
Q: Is KSOU MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics course good?
A: Yes, KSOU is a renowned institution for distance and online education, students get comprehensive education and the opportunity to become experts in Food Science, Nutrition Science, and Community Nutrition.
Q: Is any healthcare experience required to pursue MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics course?
A: Not necessarily, students can pursue MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics course without work experience, but few colleges may have a requirement of a minimum of 1-2 years of related experience.
Q: Which are the best government colleges for M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics course?
A: Some of the best MSc Nutrition and Dietetics govt colleges in India are Periyar University, Kurukshetra University, Mahatma Gandhi University, etc.
Q: What is the average salary of a dietitian in India?
A: The average entry-level salary of a dietitian in India is between INR 3.10 LPA to INR 6 LPA.
