Why should I study nutrition abroad?

Nutrition plays an essential role in human growth and development, and can greatly impact our physical and mental health. Many of the public health issues plaguing society today, specifically obesity, malnutrition, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, are directly related to our eating habits. As people around the world grow increasingly aware of the relationship between nutrition and health, the demand for guidance and support from qualified nutrition professionals continues to rise. If you dream of a rewarding career that's spent improving the health, happiness, and well-being of others, then studying for a degree in nutrition could be the right step for your future.

Keep reading to learn more about studying nutrition abroad, and find a nutrition degree program that’s suitable for you!

What will I learn in a nutrition program?

Nutrition programs are multi-disciplinary, and encompass the areas of dietetics, food science, food production, public health, and psychosocial aspects of dietary behavior. Most nutrition careers require a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) at minimum, and many nutrition professionals hold a Master’s degree or doctorate too. However, there are also shorter diploma/certificate programs in nutrition available, which range from 3 weeks to 6 months in length.

Studying nutrition involves learning subjects such as anatomy and physiology, macronutrients and micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, metabolism, diet and disease, as well as epidemiology, psychology, and public policy. Additionally, students will develop valuable skills in scientific research, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. Many programs also include fieldwork or an internship component, allowing students to gain practical experience for their future careers in nutrition.

Regardless of your study or career goals, there are plenty of options available if you’re interested in studying nutrition abroad:

• Diploma / Certificates in Nutrition
• Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutrition
• Master’s Degrees in Nutrition
• Doctorate / PhDs in Nutrition

What can I do with a degree in nutrition?

Earning a nutrition degree can lead to a variety of career paths in both public and private sectors, as well as nonprofit organizations, such as public health departments or international charities.

While some graduates work in the food industry as dietary cooks, research chefs, or food technologists, most graduates become health professionals, which primarily include dietitians and nutritionists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 15 percent by 2026, with the addition of 9,900 new jobs. Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals, and are licensed to evaluate, diagnose, and treat dietary problems, such as eating disorders. Although most registered dietitians work with patients in clinical settings, some will go into the research field or private consultancy. Nutritionists, on the other hand, are only qualified to offer general nutrition advice, and often work in schools, sports clubs, wellness centers, residential care facilities, or one-on-one with clients. 

You can take a look at some average salary statistics for jobs in nutrition below, obtained from PayScale:

Job Role & Average Salary

• Nutritionist - $44,858
• Clinical Dietitian - $50,342
• Registered Dietitian - $51,599
• Nutritional Educator - $37,360
• Dietary Cook - $29,087
• Food Technologist - $54,424