Nutrition Communication (MHSc, PMDip)
Overview
This first-of-its-kind program in Canada focuses on advanced communication and knowledge translation skills for interpreting scientific evidence and tailoring nutrition education and counselling for diverse audiences. Whether creating communication campaigns, counselling patients or engaging with the media, dietitians are Canadians most credible source of nutrition information. The accredited practicum option prepares future dietitians for success in current and evolving careers, while the MRP option lets experienced dietitians become leaders in nutrition communication.
Degree awarded: MHSc. Diploma awarded: PMDip
Administered by: Faculty of Community Services
Curriculum
| Course code | Diploma Requirements: PMDip Dietetics | Credits |
|---|---|---|
NC8300 |
Population Health Promotion |
1 |
NC8401 |
Practicum Unit I |
1 |
NC8402 |
Practicum Unit II |
1 |
NC8403 |
Practicum Unit III |
1 |
| Course Code | Degree Requirements: Master of Health Science (First Offered Fall 2007) | Credits |
|---|---|---|
NC8101 |
Appraising Scientific Evidence |
1 |
NC8102 |
Individual Health Behaviour |
1 |
NC8103 |
Nutrition Communication Strategies |
1 |
NC8104 |
Dietetic Practice Seminar |
1 |
NC8201 |
Food and Nutrition Policy |
1 |
NC8209 |
Knowledge Translation |
1 |
AND one of the following options: |
||
MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER Option: |
||
| Major Research Paper/Project | (Milestone) |
|
| NC8205 | Directed Studies |
1 |
ACCREDITED PRACTICUM Option:
|
||
NC8300 |
Population Health Promotion |
1 |
NC8301 |
Practicum I |
3 |
NC8302 |
Practicum II |
3 |
| * This option requires enrollment in an additional term for the second practicum (NC8302) | ||
Major Research Paper/Project
The major research paper/project is an opportunity for students to independently investigate a particular issue or application in nutrition communication. It may be a development/testing of a nutrition communication technique or a multi-media product; an analytic project, such as a comprehensive literature review, policy or secondary data analysis. Students are required to develop a project plan for approval early in the Fall term and submit their final report at the end of the Spring/Summer term. This is a Milestone. Pass/Fail
Practicum I Placement 1
Students will undertake placement(s) in various dietetic practice areas to enable them to demonstrate professional competencies required for entry level practice as Registered Dietitians and apply theoretical knowledge in professional/practical settings. Students will be required to submit self-assessments during their placement(s). This is a Milestone and is Pass/Fail. Department consent is required to enroll. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all required MHSc courses NC8101, NC8102, NC8103, NC8104A/B, NC8201,NC8209, NC8300
Practicum I Placement 2
Students will undertake placement(s) in various dietetic practice areas to enable them to demonstrate professional competencies required for entry level practice as Registered Dietitians and apply theoretical knowledge in professional/practical settings. Students will be required to submit self-assessments during their placement(s). This is a Milestone and is Pass/Fail. Department consent is required to enroll. Prerequisite: Practicum 1 Placement 1
Practicum II Placement 1
Students will undertake placement(s) in various dietetic practice areas to enable them to demonstrate professional competencies required for entry level practice as Registered Dietitians and apply theoretical knowledge in professional/practical settings. Students will be required to submit self-assessments during their placement(s). This is a Milestone and is Pass/Fail. Department consent is required to enroll. Prerequisite: Practicum I Placement 2
Practicum II Placement 2
Students will undertake placement(s) in various dietetic practice areas to enable them to demonstrate professional competencies required for entry level practice as Registered Dietitians and apply theoretical knowledge in professional/practical settings. Students will be required to submit self-assessments during their placement(s). This is a Milestone and is Pass/Fail. Department consent is required to enroll. Prerequisite: Practicum II Placement 1
NC8101 Appraising Scientific Evidence
Emphasis will be placed on understanding how to evaluate and interpret research to make informed judgements regarding complex nutrition issues. Students will learn to interpret the tools used by scientists to measure the impact of interventions and scientific outcomes from a variety of research approaches and study designs. Students will learn how to synthesize knowledge and formulate an evidence-based position on a complex nutrition issue by conducting a systematic literature review. 1 Credit
NC8102 INDIVIDUAL HEALTH BEHAVIOUR
This course explores theories and constructs related to health behaviour, behavioural determinants, and behavioural change in individuals. Students will develop an understanding of biological and psychosocial processes that support or impede an individuals health and effective communication tools that promote health. Students will engage in workshops, discussions, activities, and simulations, designed to increase their readiness for dietetic competency attainment in their practicums. 1 Credit
NC8103 Nutrition Communication Strategies
Principles and strategies for adult education, online, and social media communication are examined and applied. Evidence and strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of online communication for health promotion are critiqued. A flexible learning approach enables students to apply communication best practices using varied channels and vehicles. Media training workshops enhance students skills and engage them in formulating key messages, simulations, and offering constructive peer feedback. 1 Credit
NC8104 Dietetic Practice Seminar
A flexible, application-focused approach engages students in self-reflection and self-development practices to support their growth as dietetic professionals. Students create and implement professional development plans and apply pathophysiology and nutrition knowledge to create evidence-based nutrition care plans in case studies and clinical simulations. Communication projects enhance inclusive, accessible communication skills and utilize principles of universal instructional design. 1 Credit
NC8201 Food and Nutrition Policy
This course provides an overview of contemporary food and nutrition policy issues and debates. The policy development process and roles and perspectives of multiple stakeholders are explored through examinations of current policy issues. Students will develop their ability to critically examine and communicate policy issues and debates to stakeholders as food and nutrition subject matter experts. 1 Credit
NC8205 Directed Studies
Students arrange to work with an individual faculty member on a course designed to pursue readings in a specific area that is relevant to nutrition communication. 1 Credit
NC8209 Knowledge Translation
This course aims to increase students understanding of the principles of knowledge translation. Emphasis will be placed on critical appraisal of studies including systematic literature reviews and clinical practice guidelines; and synthesis, interpretation, and communication of research results to the public and professional audiences. 1 Credit
NC8210 Directed Studies II
Students arrange to work with an individual faculty member on a course designed to pursue readings in a specific area that is relevant to dietetics. 1 Credit
NC8300 POPULATION HEALTH PROMOTION
This course provides students with opportunities to meet all population and public health competencies. Students will explore diverse dietetics roles and responsibilities in population health settings through guest speakers, assignments and an immersive community engagement capstone project. In groups, students will conduct a needs assessment, develop a nutrition focused plan, implement and evaluate their plan with the overarching goal of promoting the nutritional health of a group, community or population. 1 Credit
NC8301 Practicum Seminar I
The non-credit seminar supports students as they engage in full-time practicum placements. An orientation and additional workshops using case-based learning and online modules helps students to consolidate learning, identify strategies to resolve problems, and demonstrate a collegial approach to professional practice. The placements will be recorded and evaluated in two milestones and students are required to successfully complete both to pass the course. 1 Credit
NC8302 Practicum Seminar II
Building on Practicum Seminar 1, the non-credit seminar supports students as they engage in full-time practicum placements. Workshops using case-based learning and online modules helps students to consolidate learning, identify strategies to resolve problems, and demonstrate a collegial approach to professional practice. The placements will be recorded and evaluated in two milestones and students are required to successfully complete both to pass the course. Prerequisite: NC830
NC8401 Practicum Unit I
Based on the progressive model of competency attainment, this course provides students with structured experiences to build on their previous experiential learning by adding depth and breadth to their learning. Students will integrate knowledge and skills while demonstrating their competence as defined by the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice.Pass/Fail 1 Credit
NC8402 Practicum Unit II
Based on the progressive model of competency attainment, this course provides students with structured experiences to build on their previous experiential learning by adding depth and breadth to their learning. Students will integrate knowledge and skills while demonstrating their competence as defined by the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice. Pass/Fail 1 Credit
NC8403 Practicum Unit III
Based on the progressive model of competency attainment, this course provides students with structured experiences to build on their previous experiential learning by adding depth and breadth to their learning. Students will integrate knowledge and skills while demonstrating their competence as defined by the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice. Pass/Fail 1 Credit
Curriculum accurate for the 20252026 Academic Calendar. Page last revised: August 6, 2026.