- Zayed University has launched an MSc in Human Nutrition to equip graduates with practical skills, research experience, and professional certifications addressing UAE’s public health priorities.
- The program leverages partnerships with regional health authorities, hospitals, and international institutions, offering hands-on research, community interventions, and access to state-of-the-art labs.
- Designed to AfN standards and offering additional Highfield International certifications, the program enhances employability in clinical practice, regulatory agencies, and community nutrition programs, with applications open until December 8, 2025, for the Spring 2026 intake.
Zayed University (ZU) has launched its new MSc in Human Nutrition to address UAE's health priorities, through applied research, collaborations, and professional certifications. The program gives graduates practical skills and recognized qualifications to help address urgent public health concerns linked with unhealthy eating habits.
The UAE government has established well-defined goals and rolled out ambitious action plans to fight non-communicable diseases, providing a robust mandate for the growth in the nutrition workforce with professionals equipped in epidemiology, disease prevention, dietary assessment, cultural practices in the GCC, and optimal behaviour-change techniques. Students on the program are able to be involved in real-world research projects, community interventions, and collaborative publications aligned with UAE national health strategies.
The program takes advantage of Zayed University's well-established partnerships with organizations like the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health, Pure Health, and Imperial College London Diabetes Center. Participants will also be able to contribute to public health campaigns, and collaborative research projects bridging academic knowledge to societal needs.
The program takes advantage of Zayed University's well-placed campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with immediate proximity to regional health authorities, hospitals, NGOs, and international organizations, making it available to residents, professionals and future students. Students will gain access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including instrumentation for body composition and dietary assessment, preparing students for the technical skills needed for clinical application to tackle the UAE's changing health and nutrition issues.
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The MSc in Human Nutrition is being established to Association for Nutrition (AfN) standards, drawing upon the success of Zayed University's AfN-accredited Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Nutrition. This will ensure the master's course meets global standards, improving graduate recognition and facilitating future professional licensure.
To further enhance employability, students will also get the chance to gain internationally recognized certifications from Highfield International, a global leader in awarding vocational and professional skills - in food safety, and health promotion. These extra qualifications enhance graduates' employability competitive advantages in clinical practice, regulatory agencies, and community nutrition programs.
Speaking about the program, Dr. Lina Al Kury, Professor and Chair-Department of Health Sciences at Zayed University stated, "The MSc in Human Nutrition is evidence of the commitment of Zayed University to progress the UAE's health agendas, empowering graduates to convert science into real-world solutions for healthier communities". Conceived according to international standards and created in collaboration with top-notch health experts, the program prepares future nutrition professionals to provide effective change in clinical practice, public health, and sustainable food systems.
The UAE's emphasis on community wellness and sustainable food systems makes the demand for highly skilled nutritionists an immediate imperative. The introduction of this program underscores Zayed University's role as a leader in developing a future generation of leaders capable of providing innovative solutions to the region's most critical health challenges. Applications for the MSc in Human Nutrition are open, and the first cohort will start in Spring 2026. Applications can be made through the Zayed University. The closing date is 8 December 2025.
