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MSc (Obesity)

College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Medicine

Course Code: MSC-OBS

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Course Overview

This newly established masters programme provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. There is a growing awareness of the need to provide effective treatments and prevention strategies. Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic.

This “two-pronged” approach is a strong theme throughout the programme, reflected in the two distinct obesity modules that form part of the core learning. Our students will develop in-depth knowledge of the various therapeutic strategies available to patients and will understand the factors underlying variations in the obesity phenotype. Students will also appreciate the potential benefits and disadvantages of various population level strategies that can be formulated to address the obesity crisis, and the societal, political and legislative challenges faced in deploying these.

University of Galway is uniquely well placed to deliver this course, which forms part of an integrated suite of masters programmes including cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes and clinical research. It will be delivered by clinical academic staff attached to the regional bariatric service, providing multidisciplinary medical, nursing, surgical, dietetic and psychological care to patients with severe and complicated obesity.

What Makes This Course Unique...

  • Consolidate your understanding of the causes, complications and treatment of obesity with a flexibly structured course that will suit those based anywhere in Ireland.
  • Study with other students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds in medicine, nursing, sports science, dietetics as well as health policy, economics, marketing and philosophy.
  • The research project offers an excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration and for peer-reviewed publication of your scientific work.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online here.

All prospective candidates will be interviewed, usually by telephone or Skype. Selection will be made by the programme director on the basis of the applicant’s written application and interview. To meet the admission criteria for the programme, applicants will possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 degree in an appropriate clinical or life science degree programme. However, for those who do not hold a primary degree at the required level, a special case can be made if they have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through at least three years of high quality work experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background). Applicants will be evaluated on:

  • Their academic record and
  • Their level of motivation and suitability based on his/her Personal Statement (submitted as part of the application).

 

Who Teaches this Course

In addition to the faculty of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), the Programme Board for the Masters of Science in Obesity plays an active role in teaching on this course including: In addition to the faculty of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), the Programme Board for the Masters of Science in Obesity play an active role in teaching on this course including:

  • Dr Colin Davenport, Consultant Endocrinologist, GUH/ Saolta Group.
  • Professor Carel le Roux, Professor of Experimental Pathology, University College Dublin.
  • Katriona Kilkelly, Senior Bariatric Dietitian, HSE and University of Galway.
  • Dr Mary Hynes, Senior Bariatric Clinical Psychologist, GUH/ Saolta Group.
  • Dr Michelle Queally, Lecturer in Health Economics, Dept. of Economics, University of Galway.
  • Siobhan Foy, Bariatric Nurse Specialist, GUH/ Saolta Group.
  • Tara Kelly, Honorary Clinical Research Fellow (Dietitian), University of Galway.
researcher
Prof Francis Finucane
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researcher
Dr Jennifer Jones
B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD
Senior Lecturer
E: Jennifer.jones@nuigalway.ie
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researcher
Sonja Khan
B.Sc.,M.Sc, PhD
Lecturer Above The Bar
School of Medicine
NUI Galway
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Requirements and Assessment

The programme is delivered using a blended learning format, combining on-line learning and face-to-face workshops. The course assessments therefore reflect this approach by using a combination of continuous assessment through examining the students’ online “e-tivities”, traditional essays, formal module exams and assigned project activities. Semester One exams take place in December; Semester Two exams take place in April/May. The research thesis is submitted in August.

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Other programmes also offered within this suite of courses in Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Health include:

MSc Diabetes (Medicine)

MSc Preventive Cardiology

MSc (Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation)

PgCert (Cardiac Rehabilitation)

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Programme endorsements

Susie

Susie Birney |   Secretary, Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity

We the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO) are delighted to see this Masters course on Obesity being available at NUI Galway. This is a very promising indication that effective clinical solutions for those affected by this chronic disease are beginning to be addressed, by providing advanced education for those who will be involved in treating people who live with this disease.
Kate

Kate O'Flaherty |   Head, Health & Wellbeing, Dept of Health

The MSc Obesity is an interesting and welcome development, given the growing recogition of the scale of the problem of obesity in Ireland and internationally, of the associated health, economic and social consequences and burdens, and of the extent to which it is a risk factor of many other chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and mental ill-health.—Kate O'Flaherty, BSc (Pharm), MSc, MA, Head of Health and Wellbeing, An Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health.
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Professor Donal

Professor Donal O'Shea |   Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for Obesity

Postgraduate learning and education in the area of obesity is crucial for the delivery of appropriate prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. The curriculum for this masters course will ensure better prepared health professional are equipped to deliver just that.
Tony

Tony Cox |   Medical Director, Irish College of General Practitioners

The new MSc in Obesity at NUI Galway promises to be a very interesting course for general practitioners and the fact that it is delivered as a blended learning opportunity with most of the content online is welcome, especially in the situation we now find ourselves with COVID. The modules that are planned make absolute sense.
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What Our Graduates Say

Margaret

Margaret Steele |   Postdoctoral Researcher

I am so happy that I chose to do the MSc in Obesity at University of Galway. Coming from a humanities background, it gave me a very comprehensive overview of the science of obesity at both individual and population levels, and I connected with a wide range of colleagues in different fields of research and practice. While studying for the masters, I developed a particular interest in public health food policy, and I am now about to begin my second post doc researching this area at the School of Public Health in UCC.
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