Faculty of Science
CODE
15058
SUBCODE
15058-MFT
ENTRY

Sept 2027 Entry

STUDY MODE
Mixed Mode
DURATION

1 year

CREDIT REQUIRED

31

FUND TYPE
Self-Financed
  • Only the full-time option will be offered for admission in 2027/28.

  • Early applications are strongly encouraged.

  • One-off entry scholarship will be awarded to applicants with excellent academic achievement. 

Application Deadline
Local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2027 Entry
Early Round: 2026-10-20
Main Round: 2027-02-25
Non-local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2027 Entry
Early Round: 2026-10-20
Main Round: 2027-02-25

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About Programme
How to Apply
Aims & Characteristics

This programme aims to provide a unique and professional training opportunity to Bachelor’s degree holders with relevant backgrounds, and to produce well-trained nutritionists capable of meeting the needs of the community, especially those of the elderly. The programme produces well-rounded and competitive graduates with excellent knowledge and skills. It includes a carefully designed curriculum, modern learning/teaching methodologies, multiple assessment tools, and work-based learning experiences, with the primary goal of contributing to the health and well-being of the ageing population.

 

Upon successful completion of the programme, students should be able to

(i)  use their professional skills and knowledge to provide nutrition services and assess the nutritional status of individuals, especially elderly;

(ii) provide nutrition advice and education to individuals, groups, and communities to optimise their health and well-being, with an emphasis on healthy ageing, by applying specific nutrition principles and communication strategies;

(iii) understand the food chain and its impact on people’s food choices, as well as the role of nutrition and diet in healthy ageing;

(iv) analyse and apply research methods in various nutrition and healthy ageing studies and settings; and

(v) demonstrate the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills required to identify and solve problems related to nutrition and healthy ageing.

Recognition & Prospects

Prospects

Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects in public health and nutritional sciences, whether in health services, academia, or the food and nutrition industry.

Curriculum

Students must complete the following subjects:

  1. Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science
  2. Advanced Human Physiology and Anatomy
  3. Food Preparation and Menu Planning
  4. Mental Health and the Aged
  5. Nutrition and Health for Older Adults
  6. Nutrition Education and Counselling
  7. Nutritional Assessment
  8. Practicum I
  9. Capstone Project
  10. Public Health Nutrition
  11. Research Methods & Data Analysis
Credit Required for Graduation

31

Programme Leader(s)

Dr Christine Li Shi-ying
BSc, MSc, PhD, SFHEA, RNutr (UK)

Subject Area
Nutrition and Healthy Ageing
Entrance Requirements
  • A Bachelor's degree with honours in food, nutrition, biological science or health-related disciplines, or other relevant science disciplines.

If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purposes. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details.

Enquiries

For further programme information, please contact us via email: msc.healthyageing@polyu.edu.hk

Other Information

Class Arrangement

Classes are normally scheduled in the evenings on weekdays and on Saturdays.

 

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

"FSN5023 Public Health Nutrition" (3 credits) has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund [For course commencement after October 2022].

 

Related Programmes

Master of Science in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing (Nutrition in Practice)

Programme Leaflet

Please click here to download.

Tuition Fee

HK$8,900 per credit for local and non-local students. Tuition fees will not be charged for the 1-credit subject "Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science".

One-off entry scholarship will be awarded to students with excellent academic achievement. 

Student Message

Completing my Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing was a fruitful and rewarding experience. Not only did the programme enrich my nutrition knowledge, which is indispensable for my career in this field, but it also offered a wide range of practicum opportunities and hands-on projects, which greatly enhanced my learning experience. The practicums are one of the highlights of the programme, making it unique and professional. During the practicums, we had the opportunity to organise several nutrition activities for the elderly, such as cooking workshops, exercise sessions, and nutritional assessments, under the guidance of nutrition professionals and project supervisors. These activities allowed us to gain invaluable experience and practical skills in working with the community. In addition, this programme enabled us to participate in nutrition-related research through various projects and practices, equipping us to become well-rounded individuals capable of engaging in different areas and paths in the field of nutrition.
 

Beyond academic achievement, an invaluable aspect of this programme is the creation of lasting bonds among classmates. The combined efforts and support of teachers and staff also made my experience tremendously rewarding. My year here was truly enjoyable and unforgettable.

LEE Pui Kei

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme is highly practical. The course design includes a variety of nutrition-related lectures, guest talks, and field experiences to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and healthy ageing. In addition, this is the first Master's degree programme in nutrition in Hong Kong to offer a community practicum. Through hands-on practice in the community, we gained a better understanding of how to apply our knowledge in real-world settings. During the practicum, we received guidance from nutrition professionals and supervisors on how to organise and conduct activities related to nutrition promotion. We gained first-hand experience in public health nutrition research, promotion, and intervention. This allowed us to better understand the challenges and opportunities of nutrition work in the community, which contributed to my career development. In summary, studying in this programme was a memorable and meaningful experience and gave me a deeper understanding of and insights into the nutrition industry.

CHOI Yee Tung

This programme offers specialised courses in nutrition and psychology and provides professional training in nutrition counselling skills. In addition, the practicum helps students apply theory to practice. I hosted several community nutrition workshops during the practicum, which was an invaluable experience. Through these activities, I gained valuable practical expertise and learnt the importance of community nutritionists. I thank all of my teachers for their help when I encountered difficulties. I enjoyed this year of study. All the knowledge and skills I have acquired will be useful in my future career.

SONG Jiaxiang

I am an Emergency Medicine Physician working at the Hospital Authority. As the world's population continues to age, the concept of healthy ageing and the role of nutrition are gaining increasing attention and importance. Obtaining a Master's degree in nutrition provided me with in-depth expertise in areas such as nutrient metabolism, dietary assessment, nutrition counseling, and evidence-based interventions. I also gained valuable skills applicable in clinical and community settings, public health, and research areas through well-designed lectures, practicums, and projects.  The programme places great importance on geriatric nutrition, which meets the demands of society.

 

I enjoyed my year of study with people from diverse backgrounds such as nurses, physiotherapists, and neuroscientists. The learning process was enjoyable and constructive with enthusiastic students and supportive teaching staff. In conclusion, this programme allows students to develop in-depth and up-to-date knowledge in nutrition and practical experience.  

WONG Kwun Bun

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme has truly enriched my understanding of nutrition, providing a wealth of opportunities for both research and practical applications. Guided by researchers and Registered Dietitians actively involved in the field, we acquired the latest knowledge and techniques, insights that transcend the confines of traditional textbooks. The programme also gave us the invaluable experience of running our own nutrition programmes, games, and educational sessions with older adults and community centres. These real-world scenarios honed our skills, preparing us for a smooth transition into our future careers.


Beyond nutrition lectures, our professors endeavoured to immerse us in a broader universe. They invited guest speakers from around the globe, either in person or virtually, to enrich our learning experience. Additionally, our department organised numerous workshops, each contributing to diverse thoughts and discussions that profoundly shaped my perspective on nutrition and helped me chart the course of my future career.


Overall, this programme is ideal for anyone who is passionate about nutrition. It welcomes individuals from all walks of life, whether they are doctors, nurses, neurologists, speech therapists, chefs, forensic professionals, or, like me, those with a Bachelor's degree in nutrition. There is always something new to explore and learn. 

LI Weitian

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme was a most valuable experience. The comprehensive curriculum covers various aspects of nutrition, gerontology, and public health, with a focus on the relationship between nutrition, ageing, and overall health. The programme included the latest knowledge and research, enriched by contributions from various healthcare professionals, broadening our learning experience and scope.


One of the most rewarding aspects was the practicum in a community setting, where we applied our knowledge and practical skills to real-world situations. These experiences highlighted the importance of nutrition education and public health, particularly its impact on ageing populations. Learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds was also a significant part of my experience. The interactions between professors and classmates fostered a supportive and positive environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and perspectives.


In summary, I really enjoyed my studies in this programme. It equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the field of nutrition and positively impact the lives of older adults.

KWOK Yim Ping

My time at PolyU has been a rewarding academic journey that exceeded my initial expectations. The curriculum balances theoretical rigour with practical skill-building: coursework demands time management, while group projects and workshops foster leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and clear communication. Individual assignments refine analytical reading and scholarly writing, preparing students for evidence-based practice and research.
 

The programme’s strength lies in its faculty members who are both experts and mentors. The instructors respect students’ voices and excel at distilling complex concepts into accessible frameworks, making advanced topics engaging. They bring their insights of nutrition science and chronic diseases, to supplement current research and real-world applications.
 

Beyond the classroom, PolyU held many research seminars and events featuring eminent scholars from Hong Kong and international institutions. These opportunities facilitate intellectual exchanges and help broaden networks – useful references and even career or academic opportunities arise from these events.
 

If you’re passionate about nutrition and ready to grow in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, PolyU is where your goals become reality. Embrace the opportunity to learn, connect, and make an impact—PolyU’s nutrition programme is ready to support your academic and professional aspirations.

LIU Yuxiang

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme provided an opportunity to explore older adults' nutrition issues. I was most inspired by the mental health concerns and nutritional epidemiology covered in this programme. This programme provided an opportunity to gain practical experience by applying the knowledge and skills acquired; cooking demonstrations and menu planning, for example, gave me a better understanding of how these could be performed in reality. 

 

The programme invited registered dietitians and nutritionists as guest speakers to share their practical experiences, enabling me to learn from their expertise and have a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities in different community settings for older adults. 

 

In addition to practical experience, participating and assisting in work in both individualised and group-based contexts, the programme also delivers research knowledge, which is beneficial for students who are interested in the research field. These experiences and insights were most helpful for me to explore my career pathway.

WONG Tsz Ching

The MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing was an enriching experience for me. The programme encompasses multiple levels within the field of nutrition as it relates to the ageing population: ranging from scientific knowledge to nutritional practices such as assessment and counselling, and from individual-level nutritional and mental care to policy-level understanding. Moreover, we gained valuable insights from the practical experiences shared by registered dietitians, nutritionists, and practitioners from other fields, who joined as guest lecturers. In addition, we had the chance to engage in community practice and interact with real clients.

 

Beyond the curriculum, thanks to the department's strong network, we enjoyed many opportunities to participate in community projects, field trips, and direct communication with experts in the field. These experiences allowed us to learn through practice. The teaching staff were dedicated to helping students in both their studies and career development.

 

I enjoyed my year of study on the MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing, which has been beneficial for my future life and career.

LI Xuejin

As a biological science student, I learned a lot about nutrition from this Master's programme. While I was concerned about the academic challenges and course content at the outset, given my limited background in nutrition, my worries were unnecessary. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed to progress from foundational concepts to more advanced knowledge, making sure students could follow the pace with confidence. Our first-semester courses built a solid knowledge base for the more demanding courses in the second semester, including the Capstone project and Research Methods. This step-by-step approach enabled us to apply what we had learned and conduct our own projects and research.

 

Beyond academics, the programme also placed genuine emphasis on students’ lives. The faculty carefully organised a range of hands-on and experiential activities, including dessert-making workshops and alumni interview sessions. My supervisor offered me a great deal of support that extended well beyond the classroom. When she learned of my intention to pursue a PhD, she warmly encouraged me and provided many valuable suggestions for my research proposal.

 

In summary, I deeply treasure my time on the Master of Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme at PolyU. This experience has not only equipped me with robust knowledge and research skills, it has also profoundly shaped who I am as a student and as a future researcher. It has sharpened my sense of purpose and reaffirmed my determination to continue on a doctoral path, where I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the field of healthy ageing. I will always be grateful for the nurturing environment, the inspiring mentorship, and the lasting confidence this programme has given me.

ZHANG Ruoqi
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