Explore UM

Human Nutritional Sciences (PhD)

The Human Nutritional Sciences PhD program integrates concepts in metabolism, food and community nutrition. Areas of study include metabolic and molecular nutrition, applied human nutrition and food quality and acceptability.

Apply now
A human nutritional scientist stands at a kitchen counter with various food items spread out in front of her.
  • icon house

    Faculty

    • Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies

  • icon award

    Degree

    • Doctor of Philosophy

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 4 years

  • A pair of gloved hands work with lab equipment and food samples.

  • The Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences is one of the largest in Canada and the University of Manitoba is the only university in the province to offer graduate programs leading to the MSc and PhD degrees in human nutritional sciences. The PhD program consists of coursework and a substantial research component.

    Some topics of research include:

    • Experimental nutrition: Exploring the role of nutrients and food components in basic biological processes, from the whole organism to the molecular level.
    • Community and clinical nutrition: Focusing on policy development, food choice behaviour and novel approaches to disease management.
    • Nutrition and immunity: Studying the effect of nutrients on body defence and immune systems including those involved in cell damage and repair and detoxification of environmental pollutants.

Program details

The Human Nutritional Sciences PhD is a four-year thesis-based program consisting of coursework and a substantial research component.

Human Nutritional Sciences (PhD)

Expected duration: 4 years

Tuition and fees: Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees.)

Thesis: Students must demonstrate competence in completing thesis research and pass an oral examination relating to their thesis subject.

Coursework: In addition to the minimum program requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, students must complete a minimum of six credit hours of coursework at the 7000 level.

Of these 6 credit hours, 3 will consist of HNSC 7200: Seminar in Food and Nutrition Research.

Sample Course Offerings:

  • HNSC 7070: Advanced Problems in Foods
  • HNSC 7110: Advanced Problems in Nutrition
  • HNSC 7440: Protein Nutrition and Metabolism
  • HNSC 7480: Mineral and Trace Element Nutrition and Metabolism
  • HNSC 7510: Flavour Chemistry and Sensory Properties of Foods
  • HNSC 7520: Nutraceuticals in Human Health
  • HNSC 7530: Nutrition in Public Policy
  • HNSC 7540: Nutritional Epidemiology

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Admission requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Human Nutritional Science PhD program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To be considered for admission into the Human Nutritional Sciences PhD program, you must have a minimum of:

  • A research-thesis-based Master of Science degree or equivalent in food or human nutritional sciences from a recognized university.
  • A minimum University of Manitoba equivalent GPA of 3.5 in Master's coursework.
  • A secured thesis advisor.

Students with a Master of Science in a different scientific discipline will be considered for admission by the Food and Human Nutritional Sciences Graduate Studies Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Students with an honours degree from the University of Manitoba or equivalent may be accepted directly into the PhD program.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

How to apply

The Human Nutritional Sciences PhD program has three application deadlines per year. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts
  • Curriculum vitae/resume
  • Statement of intent
  • Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency if required

Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.

Please note: Students must enter the name of their preferred advisor at time of application.

Application deadlines

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Canadian and US applicants
Term Annual application deadlines
Fall (September) June 1
Winter (January) October 1
Summer (May) February 1

International applicants
Term Annual application deadlines
Fall (September) February 1
Winter (January) June 1
Summer (May) October 1

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Learn more

Keep exploring

Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences
Room 209 Human Ecology Building
35 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

fhns.gradprogram@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-6411
Fax: 204-474-7593