The Master’s Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour (HNFB) focuses on human nutrition and food-related behaviour and consumption from the perspectives of public health nutrition, nutritional physiology and the social sciences.

The programme is built around human nutrition, food-related behaviour and consumership, as well as related research methods. Themes based on Sustainable Development Goals - such as good health and wellbeing, zero hunger, equality, ecological and cultural sustainability– are embedded throughout the programme.

Why Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour?

Why do we eat the way we do? What happens to food in our body? How does nutrition maintain our health? How do we study the way people use food? How does culture influence our food choices? How is food discussed in the media? How can we change food-related behaviour?

The goal of the Master’s programme is to enable you to:

• Understand the significance of nutrition to human physiology and health
• Learn to analyse the physiological, psychological, social and cultural aspects that are linked to food choices of individuals and communities
• Recognise the diversity of food and nutritional issues and ways to influence them

Upon graduation, you are qualified to work in expert, teaching, research and managerial positions in the public sector, NGOs and companies, and as an independent entrepreneur. The education provides you with profound field-specific competence and skills in knowledge work, as well as a solid professional identity.

Structure and content:

With a scope of 120 credits (ECTS), the Master’s Programme in Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour can be completed in two academic years. The programme includes two study lines – human nutrition and food-related behaviour – one of which you choose during the application process. More information about applicable studies for each study track is shown here. 

The degree comprises:

• 75 credits of advanced studies, including the Master’s thesis (30 credits)
• 45 credits of other studies, which can include studies from your own degree programme or other degree programmes, a practical training period or international studies
• Career orientation and career planning
• A personal study plan

The programme focuses on:

• The role of nutrition and other lifestyle factors in promoting health and preventing illness
• The mechanisms through which food impacts our body at the molecular biology level
• Food choices and consumption behaviour, and means of influencing them through policies, interventions and communication
• Food services and their management
• Food culture and social movements
• Theories and research methods in the fields of nutrition and food-related behaviour

The multidisciplinary nature of the Master’s Programme provides numerous options for other studies. You can also choose studies at other Finnish or international universities.