In this interview, we sit down with Dr Honglin Dong, Programme Director of our MSc in Applied Nutrition.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I hold a BSc in Medical Science and an MSc in Pathophysiology from China. My passion for human nutrition led me to the UK, where I pursued a second MSc in Nutrition, followed by a PhD in Nutrition, which I completed in 2011. Since then, I have been working in teaching and research in the fields of nutrition and health at UK universities. I am a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and currently serve as the Programme Director for the MSc Applied Nutrition. My research interests focus on the effects of various dietary interventions — such as dietary fibre, probiotics, and vitamin D supplementation — on immune function, appetite, weight management, and cardiometabolic risk factors in diverse ethnic populations.
What inspired you to specialise in your current field of study?
Nutrition is one of the cornerstones of health and a rapidly evolving discipline that explores the role of diet in maintaining a healthy body and preventing disease. I was inspired to pursue a career in nutrition because it is fundamental to human health and an integral part of everyone’s daily life. I am passionate about using my knowledge of nutrition to address diet-related health concerns — such as eating disorders and weight management — as well as to help prevent common global diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer through the promotion of healthy eating.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
What I enjoy most about teaching and mentoring is witnessing my students' growth in knowledge, skills, and their ability to address real-life nutrition challenges. It is especially rewarding to see their dissertations published in peer-reviewed journals, to hear they've accepted offers to pursue a PhD, or to learn they've secured meaningful jobs after graduation.
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
The programme places a strong emphasis on the application of nutrition knowledge and the development of transferable skills, setting it apart from other nutrition programmes in the UK. Students engage with real-life scenarios and are encouraged to apply their knowledge and analytical thinking to develop practical solutions. They also explore the ethical, professional, and performance standards expected in the field, and further refine their knowledge, skills, and competencies in preparation for their transition into professional practice —enhancing their employability.
We offer flexible entry points (September or January) and study modes (full-time or part-time, in-person or online) to accommodate the diverse needs of our applicants. The programme is delivered through hybrid teaching. Both the in-person and online delivery modes are accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) to allow our graduates to apply for the Registered Associate Nutritionist via direct entry.
What support is offered to help students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
We provide comprehensive support for all students enrolled in our programme. This includes a weekly academic surgery hour, personal academic tutorials, study groups, and support from our course officer. Additionally, the Student Hub offers a centralised source of information to ensure students have a smooth and rewarding experience throughout their studies with us.
Are there opportunities for networking with alumni or industry professionals during the course?
We offer students a range of opportunities to network with alumni, peers, and other professionals. This includes encouraging engagement through LinkedIn and membership with the Nutrition Society, organising bespoke career sessions with internal and external speakers including alumni and promoting participation in events such as the Nutrition Futures student conference hosted by the Nutrition Society. Additionally, the Student Hub provides access to a variety of volunteering opportunities to further enhance students' professional development and experience.
Career paths
What career paths have graduates from this programme typically followed?
Upon graduating from the programme, students are eligible to apply for the title of Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) via the direct entry route. The programme equips students with both subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills, opening up a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors.
Some examples of career paths include;
- Entrepreneurship and media: e.g., Freelance nutrition consultant, Health writer/blogger/influencer, Meal planning and diet coaching business
- Education and research: University lecturer, Nutrition researcher, PhD in nutrition, Nutritional epidemiologist, School teacher
- Food industry and corporate sector: Food product development specialist, Quality control/food safety officer, Corporate wellness consultant
- Non-profit and government work: Public health nutritionist, Policy advisor on nutrition, International aid worker, Community nutrition/health educator
- Clinical and healthcare settings: Clinical nutritionist, Health and wellbeing coach
Tips for offer holders
What advice would you give offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
- Familiarise yourself with the programme by reviewing the recommended reading list.
- Attend the induction week to gain important information and meet your peers and academic staff.
- Effectively manage your time between study and other commitments to stay on track.
- Reach out to the Programme Director if you have any questions or encounter any issues — we're here to support you.