Eating disorders are among the most serious mental health conditions, with significant physical, psychological and social consequences. Demand for specialist services, research and skilled professionals in this field continues to grow. This MSc provides an in-depth understanding of eating disorders and clinical nutrition, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to evidence-based treatment, service development and research.
This course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN). It combines specialist knowledge in nutrition with a comprehensive understanding of eating disorders and their treatment. You will explore the classification, aetiology, epidemiology and risk factors associated with eating disorders, alongside their physical and psychiatric assessment and treatment across different ages, genders and cultural groups. You will also examine the principles of service development, leadership and management within eating disorder services.
Teaching combines academic study with practical application through seminars, tutorials, clinical observation opportunities, research methods training and input from leading clinicians, researchers and experts by experience. This integrated approach enables you to develop both specialist knowledge and critical evaluation skills.
Graduates develop advanced knowledge of eating disorders and clinical nutrition, including assessment, treatment, service development and research. You will gain skills in critical appraisal, evidence‑based practice, research design, data analysis and interpreting complex clinical and scientific information.
Through coursework, seminars and the independent research project, you will strengthen your academic writing, presentation, communication and project‑management skills. You will also learn to evaluate emerging evidence, apply research findings to practice and support innovation in healthcare and research settings.
This course prepares you for careers in clinical services, research, academia, policy and service development, as well as further professional and doctoral training. You will also benefit from access to UCL Careers, specialist departmental careers support, and opportunities to engage with leading clinicians, researchers and experts by experience in the field.
Graduates of this course progress into a wide range of careers across healthcare, research, academia, policy and service development. The specialist knowledge and skills gained are particularly valuable for roles within eating disorder services, clinical nutrition, mental health services and health-related research.