Master of Science (Nutrition) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed to train students in advanced research within the field of nutrition. This program focuses on understanding the role of nutrition in human health, diseases, and overall well-being. Students will conduct original research in various areas related to nutrition and its impact on health, with a particular emphasis on disease prevention, public health, and clinical nutrition.

The program covers a wide range of research topics, including:

• Clinical Nutrition: Investigating the role of nutrition in the prevention, treatment, and management of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Public Health Nutrition: Studying the relationship between nutrition and public health, including nutrition interventions, food security, and the impact of nutrition policies on population health.
• Nutritional Biochemistry: Exploring the molecular mechanisms of how nutrients affect cellular functions, gene expression, and metabolic pathways.
• Nutritional Epidemiology: Researching the dietary patterns and health outcomes in populations, and identifying risk factors associated with diet-related diseases.
• Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Investigating foods and bioactive compounds that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as probiotics, antioxidants, and functional foods for chronic disease prevention.
• Child and Adolescent Nutrition: Examining the nutritional needs and dietary habits of children and adolescents, with a focus on growth, development, and prevention of childhood obesity.
• Sports Nutrition: Researching the dietary needs of athletes, including energy metabolism, nutrient timing, and the role of supplements in improving athletic performance.
• Nutritional Interventions: Studying the effectiveness of nutrition programs and interventions for disease prevention, weight management, and improving overall health in different populations.
• Food Safety and Toxicology: Investigating the safety of foods, foodborne illnesses, food additives, contaminants, and their effects on human health.

Expertise available in the following School:

School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

Applicants should possess the following:

A MBBS/MD or equivalent degree, BSc in Medical Sciences/Biotechnology/Biology/ Chemistry/Physics or other related fields from a recognised university.

A) CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or
B) CGPA of 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 with; or

• Research experience – 1 year; or
• Professional experience in related field- 1 year; or
• One(1) academic publication in related field; or
• Grade B for major/ elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

C) CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (Honours degree) with; or

• Research experience - 5 years; or
• Professional experience in related field - 5 years, AND
• One (1) academic publications  in related field; or
• Grade B for major/elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption CAN BE CONSIDERED to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
• Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change