Mathematics & Science
Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Science*
*Subject to formal approval
Programme Aims & Features
This programme is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge in nutrition and food science and prepares them for further studies or careers in the competitive healthcare, food, nutrition, and catering industries.
The curriculum covers a broad range of scientific disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, nutritional sciences, health and disease, food safety, food analysis and food quality assurance including nutritional requirements of individuals at different stages of life, science and technology of food, and effective food safety management practices.
Students are taught by university academics, industry professionals, dietitians, and nutritionists who provide students with practical and up-to-date knowledge in the field.
The program offers two themes, namely, Food and Nutritional Sciences and Food Science and Safety, each with its own unique feature. The Food and Nutrition Sciences theme focuses on the science of food and the nutritional aspects of metabolism and diseases, while the Food Science and Safety theme explores the chemistry of food and the scientific principles underlying food safety and quality issues.
Additionally, the program emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students receive hands-on practical experience through well-equipped laboratory sessions, which are supported by practicum opportunities and site visits to local and overseas institutions, nutrition and health care centers, and food companies. This real-world exposure benefits students by providing industry insights, developing professional networks and understanding the practical applications of their knowledge.
Opportunities for Further Studies
Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes in Food and Nutritional Science, Food Safety and Technology, Nursing or health-related disciplines at both local and overseas universities.
Below are some examples*:
BSc (Major in Food and Nutritional Science)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
BNurs
BSc
BSc Biochemistry
BSc Community Health Practice
BSc Natural Science
BSc Public Health
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
BSc Biotechnology
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology
BSc (Hons) Analytical Sciences for Testing and Certification
BSc (Hons) Food Safety and Technology
*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.
Overseas Universities
Ulster University (UK)
Full-time, final-year, BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition
Full time, final year, BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition
Part time, final year BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition (at HKUSPACE)
Sheffield Hallam University (UK)
Full-time, final-year, BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition
Full-time, final-year, BSc (Hons) Nutrition, Diet and Wellbeing
Full time, BSc (Hons) Food Marketing and Product Development
Coventry University (UK)
Full time, Final year BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Health
Full time, BSc (Hons) Dietetics
Plymouth University (UK)
Full time BSc (Hons) Dietetics
Oxford Brookes University (UK)
Full time BSc (Hons) Nutrition Science
Queensland University of Technology (Australia)
Full time BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics
Newcastle University (Australia)
Full time BSc (Hons) Dietetics
The University of Sydney (Australia)
Full time BSc Medical Science
HKU SPACE International College
Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to various degree programmes offered by the HKU SPACE International College, including Bachelor of Science (Honours) Food and Nutrition .
Career Prospects
Upon graduation, students have various options available to them. They can choose to enter the food or nutrition industries or pursue further studies at local or overseas universites.
Potential career paths include roles such as nutrition assistants working in the health promotion field, food quality officers, and food safety management.
Special Entrance Requirements
In addition to the minimum entrance requirements, applicants are also required to have obtained Level 2 or above in one of the following HKDSE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Integrated Science or Technology and Living (Food Science and Technology), or equivalent.
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GENERIC SKILLS |
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SPECIALISM |
Year 1
Year 2
Theme : Food and Nutritional Sciences
Theme : Food Science and Safety
Experiential Learning Course
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Courses offered in each semester are subject to student enrolment, timetabling and resources available.
- Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management
As a fourth-year PhD student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I am pursuing my studies in the field of medical laboratory science within the Department of Health Technology and Informatics. My academic journey began upon my graduation from HDNFM in 2016. Building upon this foundation, I pursued a top-up bachelor’s degree in human nutrition at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. Following this, I won a vice-chancellor's scholarship to pursue a PhD at Ulster University. However, due to personal reasons, I made the decision to relocate back to Hong Kong and start a new doctoral study at HK PolyU. As I approach the culmination of my research, I reflect on the significance of my time at HDHFM. Not only did it provide me with a solid educational grounding, but it also presented invaluable opportunities and scholarships for personal growth and the pursuit of ambitious goals. Joining the HDHFM program has proven to be a pivotal turning point in my academic journey, and I have no regrets about my decision to be a part of it.
- Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management
Currently, I hold the position of a full-time research assistant while also pursuing a part-time Master's in Philosophy (MPhil) degree at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK Poly U). As an applicant who was not under the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (non-JUPAS), I received valuable support and information from my teachers during my time studying the HD Nutrition and Food Management programme, which helped me secure offers from local UGC universities, namely, CUHK and HK PolyU. Ultimately, I chose to pursue my studies in the BSc Food Safety and Nutrition programme at HK PolyU, where I was able to transfer certain courses taken in the HD NFM, such as Physiology and Biochemistry. The HD NFM programme provided a solid foundation in nutritional sciences and prepared me for the challenges of university education. Additionally, the skills learnt during the programme, such as conducting diet record interviews and anthropometric measurements, have proved useful in my current job centered around nutrition research.
- Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management
I am now working as a community dietitian. After finishing my Higher Diploma in Food and Nutrition Management, I had the opportunity to further my studies at the University of Newcastle in Australia, where I enrolled in their Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics programme and became a registered dietitian.
One great advantage of the HD programme was its transition into university-level studies. The solid foundation in nutrition provided by the programme made it much easier for me to catch up with university courses. Another fantastic aspect of the HD programme was the support and guidance provided by our dedicated lecturers. Not only were they highly knowledgeable in the academic aspects of nutrition, but they also offered valuable advice regarding career paths and development opportunities. Their guidance helped me navigate my way in the nutrition field successfully.
- Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management
The Higher Diploma in Nutrition and Food Management programme has dedicated teaching staff and a well-structured academic curriculum which prepared me with a solid foundation in nutrition. This has enabled me to join the third year of the BSc in Food and Nutritional science at the University of Hong Kong. After graduation I had the opportunity to further pursue my study in the Post graduate Diploma in Dietetics (Ulster University) at HKUSPACE and finally realized my dream to be a registered dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), UK.