Foods and Nutrition

Brescia University College at Western University offers two streams in the MScFN program: a Course-Based (Internship) stream and a Thesis-Based stream. Both groups will participate in graduate-level university courses and enhance their leadership skills. Students will also expand their research competence through a major research project or completion of a thesis.

Times to Completion

• 5 Terms - Course-Based (Internship)
• 6 Terms - Thesis-Based

Curriculum Options

• Course-Based (Internship) - Students will complete an accredited internship program which qualifies graduates to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination to practice as Registered Dietitians (RDs). Students participate in advanced course work, and also work with a Faculty Advisor to complete a major research project.
• Thesis-Based – Provides graduates with a Master of Science degree but will not train them to be eligible to become a Registered Dietitian in Canada. Students strengthen research skills through advanced course work and Thesis development under the guidance of a Faculty Advisor.

Funding Details

• Western Financial Assistance
• Internal Awards

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships, where application deadlines and qualifications/eligibility allow:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
• Canadian Graduate Scholarship (CGSM)

Admission Requirements

MScFN Course-Based (Internship)

• Honours BSc in Foods and Nutrition from a Canadian undergraduate program accredited by Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice. For a complete list of accredited undergraduate Foods and Nutrition programs, please see the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice website. Must have graduated within the last three years.
• Undergraduate courses in each research methodology and statistics.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 78%.
• Relevant volunteer and work experience.
• A driver’s license and access to a vehicle for the internship portion of the program. Ability to drive unaccompanied, under varied conditions throughout the internship portion of the program is mandatory.
• Ability to attend an in person interview in February 2018, if invited.

MScFN Thesis-Based

• Honours BSc in Foods and Nutrition from a Canadian undergraduate program accredited by Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (or an equivalent four-year honours degree).
• Undergraduate courses in each research methodology and statistics.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 78%.
• Relevant dietetic industry work and volunteer experience.

Additional Requirements

MScFN Thesis-Based

• Applicants must meet selection criteria which evaluates their readiness for advanced practice, ability to plan and conduct research, and potential for leadership in their profession. Experience and performance in professional practice will be given weight. Communication skills, attitude and commitment to undertake master’s-level education will also be considered.
• Depending on the courses taken in their bachelor’s degree, international applicants may need to complete some undergraduate nutrition courses at Brescia prior to becoming eligible to apply to the MScFN Thesis Stream.

Test Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 625 for the paper and pencil version, or 107 for the internet version. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum acceptable score is 8 out of 9.

Application Deadline(s)

• MScFN Course-Based (Internship) NOW CLOSED - November 1, 2017 to January 19, 2018 with acceptance notification to successful candidates in March 2018.
• MScFN Thesis-Based - November 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018. Applications for Thesis Stream which are received beyond the January 31 deadline will continue to be accepted and reviewed; however, applicants may have less chance for success of program admission and funding opportunities. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.