MSc in Food and Nutrition is a 2-year PG course focusing on food science and its impact on health. It provides specializations such as food processing, public health nutrition, and clinical nutrition.
A 50% grade in a BSc with a relevant biology major is the minimum requirement to pursue an MSc in Food and Nutrition. Some universities grant admission on the basis of entrance exam score.
Course fee ranges between INR 20,000 to 50,000 for public colleges and INR 1 to 4 LPA for private ones. Food science, nutrition, biochemistry, and public health are all combined in this course. Among the practical skills taught by an MSc in Food Nutrition are research, food analysis, nutrition counselling, and dietary planning. Jobs in the food and healthcare sectors with high compensation packages of up to INR 3–7 LPA are available after completing the course.
- MSc in Food and Nutrition: Course Highlights
- Why Pursue an MSc in Food and Nutrition?
- MSc in Food and Nutrition Eligibility
- MSc in Food and Nutrition Admission Process 2025
- MSc in Food and Nutrition Colleges in India
- MSc in Food and Nutrition IGNOU
- MSc in Food and Nutrition Syllabus
- MSc in Food and Nutrition Job Opportunities
- MSc in Food and Nutrition Vs. MSc Food Technology
- MSc in Food and Nutrition FAQs
MSc in Food and Nutrition: Course Highlights
MSc Food Nutrition is an interdisciplinary programme addressing the nutrition issues at a community level, dietary management of diseases, and food safety, quality, and processing techniques. The course is ideal for those wanting to be a fitness guide, nutritional expert, or food service manager.
Particulars | Details |
Programme name | Masters in Food and Nutrition |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility | BSc in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Technology, or other equivalent degree with 50% aggregate. |
Admission | BSc Merit-based or entrance exam-based
Exams: CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, CPGET, and AP PGCET. |
Average Course Fee | Public colleges: INR 20,000 to 50,000
Private colleges: INR 1 to 4 Lakhs |
Average Salary | INR 3 to 7 LPA |
Top recruiting companies | Minute Maid, Britannia, Cadbury, Nestle, etc. |
Top Job profiles | Diet and Nutritionist, Nutrition Manager, Marketing/ Sales Consultant, Quality Control Manager, etc |
Why Pursue an MSc in Food and Nutrition?
M Sc in Food and Nutrition opens the door for a diverse career path including healthcare, community health organizations, the food industry (research, development, quality control), public health, academia, and sports and fitness centers.
- With the increasing awareness of health and fitness, there is a growing demand for professionals who guide for improved health and quality of life.
- Public Health has become a matter of concern in the current era where work-life balance and food quality are degrading in many aspects.
- This collectively suggests a need for Nutritionists to better guide daily nutrition requirements and quality food.
MSc in Food and Nutrition Eligibility
M Sc in Food and Nutrition eligibility is 10+2+3 from UGC recognized universities with minimum 50% in aggregate. However, Specific eligibility criteria and required entrance exams may vary depending on the university or college.
The general eligibility criteria are as follows.
- Candidates must have studied a BSc or B.Tech with Biology Major such as Biotechnology, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Home Science, Dietetics & Nutrition, etc.
- Qualifying cut-off scores and personal interview or group discussion rounds.
MSc in Food and Nutrition Admission Process 2025
Admission to the MSc Food Nutrition programme may require passing entrance exams like CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, CPGET,University level exam, and AP PGCET.
Many universities grant admission directly based on BSc merit; hence, candidates are advised to go through the selection process for the chosen institute.
Step 1: Visit the official admission portal of the institute on its website.
Step 2: Register for the application.
Step 3: Fill out the application with the required information and documents.
Step 4: Appear in the exam and interview round, if applicable
Step 5: Wait for the university to release merit/cut-off scores
Step 6: Selected applicants will be called for the counselling and verification process.
Admission will be confirmed by paying the semester fees.
MSc in Food and Nutrition Colleges in India
There are several colleges providing MSc Food Nutrition programmes. The course can be pursued through both, online and offline mode. The table below represents some of the best institutes for MSc Food and Nutrition Colleges:
Name | Admission | NIRF Rank | Avg. Fees (INR) |
Banaras Hindu University | BSc + CUET-PG | 5 (University) | 12,524 |
Delhi University | BSc + CUET-PG | 6 (University) | 2,00,000 |
University of Calcutta | BSc + University entrance test | 18 (University | 12,000 |
Chandigarh University | BSc + CUCET | 20 (University) | 2,60,000 |
Saurashtra University | BSc Merit | 27 (University) | 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 |
Amity University (Noida) | BSc Merit | 32 (University) | 3,36,000 |
Jain University | BSc + JAIN Entrance Test (JET) | 65 (University) | 3,80,000 |
Maharaja Sayajirao University | BSc + University entrance test | 151-200 (University | 20,000 |
MSc in Food and Nutrition IGNOU
IGNOU is a renowned open university offering diverse programs, including MSc Nutrition and Dietetics with minimal course fee, INR 34,000 for 2 years. The platform is specifically designed to provide distance learning for working professionals who want to advance their career by pursuing higher studies along with ongoing jobs.
MSc in Food and Nutrition Syllabus
M Sc in Food and Nutrition course covers a wide range of subjects like Biochemistry, Food Processing, Nutritional Biochemistry, Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, and Dissertation project for final semester.
The table below shows the MSc Food Nutrition syllabus followed by the University.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Research Methods | Statistics and Computer Applications |
Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry and Techniques-I | Food Microbiology and Food Safety |
Principles of Food Science | Advanced Human Nutrition – I |
Human Physiology | Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry and Techniques –II |
- | Integrated Nutrition Practical |
Semester 3 |
Advanced Human Nutrition |
Clinical Nutrition |
Integrated practical |
Internship |
Technical Writing and Seminar |
Clinical Nutrition |
Public Health Aspects of Malnutrition |
Institutional Food Management |
Public Health Nutrition |
Public Health Nutrition |
Programme Planning in Public Health Nutrition |
Food Science and Processing |
Principles of Food Processing |
Food Processing Technology -I |
Semester 4 |
Dissertation |
Clinical Nutrition |
Advanced Clinical Nutrition |
Nutrition Communication and Diet Counselling |
Nutrition for Fitness and Sports |
Public Health Nutrition |
Problems, Policies and Programmes in Public Health Nutrition |
Nutritional Epidemiology |
Nutrition Communication for Health Promotion |
Food Science and Processing |
Food Processing Technology -II |
Advanced Food Science |
Applied Food Microbiology |
MSc in Food and Nutrition Job Opportunities
After completing an M Sc in Food and Nutrition, one can pursue a career in healthcare, industry, research, or academia. Here are some popular job opportunities and the responsibilities of each.
Healthcare and Clinical Settings | ||
Job Profile | Job Description | Avg Starting Salary (INR) |
Clinical Dietitian | They assess nutritional needs, develop and implement dietary plans for individuals with specific health conditions | 2 to 3 LPA |
Oncology Nutritionist | They provide nutritional support for cancer patients | 3 to 4 LPA |
Sports Nutritionist | They help athletes optimize their performance through nutrition | 3 to 5 LPA |
Pediatric Nutritionist | Their job is to check the nutritional needs of children and adolescents | 2 to 4 LPA |
Food Industry | ||
Job Profile | Job Description | Avg Salary (INR) |
Research Scientist | To research food and nutrition, contributing to advancements in the field. | 4 to 7 LPA |
Professor/Lecturer | To teach courses in food science and nutrition at universities or colleges. | 4 to 8 LPA |
Lab Assistant/Technician | To assist researchers in conducting experiments and analyzing data. | 2 to 3 LPA |
Government Positions | ||
Job Profile | Job Description | Avg Salary (INR) |
Project Coordinator/Program Officer | To manage and implement nutrition programs and projects. | 4 to 6 LPA |
Food Safety Officer | To ensure that food products meet safety standards and regulations. | 3 to 5 LPA |
Food Safety Auditor | To ensure that food businesses comply with food safety regulations | 5 to 7 LPA |
Quality Analyst | To analyze and ensure the quality of the food material, raw materials, packaged food, etc. | 3 to 5 LPA |
MSc in Food and Nutrition Vs. MSc Food Technology
Though both MSc Food Nutrition and MSc Food Technology are specializations in Food Processing techniques, the former focuses more on the Nutritional value of the food. Some major differences between these two are tabulated below.
Parameter | MSc in Food and Nutrition | MSc Food Technology |
Focus | Focused on the impact of food and nutrients on human health. | Focused on the science and engineering behind food, including production, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution. |
Skills | Knowledge of human physiology, biochemistry, nutrition science, and dietary counseling. | Knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, engineering principles, and food safety regulations. |
Career Paths | Dietitian, nutritionist, public health nutritionist, food and nutrition manager, health educator. | Food technologist, quality control officer, research scientist, product development specialist, food safety inspector. |
Specializations | Human nutrition, dietetics, public health nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, food policy. | Food processing, food packaging, food safety, food microbiology, food engineering. |
Average starting salary | INR 2-4 LPA | INR 3-5 LPA |
MSc in Food and Nutrition FAQs
Which university is best for an M Sc in Food and Nutrition?
Some of the best colleges for the MSc Nutrition/M Sc in Food and Nutrition course are BHU, DU, VIT Vellore, Calcutta University, CU, and Amity University Noida.
Which degree is best for nutrition?
To study Nutrition, one should opt for a BSc Nutrition or other relevant degree programme like BSc Dietetics. One can also pursue a Certification in Nutrition Coach or ISSA Certified Nutritionist.
Is food nutrition a good course?
Yes, with increasing awareness of Health and quality of life, there is always a need for an expert in Nutrition and a Balanced Diet. Professionals find jobs in Hospitals, Gyms, Sports academies, or even establish their own fitness center or diet consultancy.
Are MSc Food Nutrition and MSc Food and Nutrition the same?
Both courses provide similar knowledge and specialization. Some institutes use these terms interchangeably. However, the curriculum might have a slight difference in M Sc in Food and Nutrition and MSc Food and Nutrition, depending on the parent institute and governing body.
