MSc Obesity is a blended programme that offers a suite of modules that are delivered online but also includes optional modules delivered on campus.  

Please note this programme is ineligible for student study visa, but international students may undertake this programme remotely. 

The MSc Obesity provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. There is a growing awareness of the need to provide effective treatments and prevention strategies. Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic. 

This “two-pronged” approach is a strong theme throughout the programme, reflected in the two distinct obesity modules that form part of the core learning. Our students will develop in-depth knowledge of the various therapeutic strategies available to patients and will understand the factors underlying variations in the obesity phenotype. Students will also appreciate the potential benefits and disadvantages of various population level strategies that can be formulated to address the obesity crisis, and the societal, political and legislative challenges faced in deploying these. 

University of Galway is uniquely well placed to deliver this course, which forms part of an integrated suite of masters programmes including cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes and clinical research. It will be delivered by clinical academic staff attached to the regional bariatric service, providing multidisciplinary medical, nursing, surgical, dietetic and psychological care to patients with severe and complicated obesity. 

Who is this course for?  

For doctors this programme will be an adjunct to specialist training (rather than an alternative to it). The appeal will be broad and include general practice, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, public health and occupational health as well as surgery. Similarly, psychology, dietetic, occupational therapy, nursing and physiotherapy graduates who will ultimately contribute to obesity multidisciplinary care will need advanced training in obesity. Managers within the health service, hospital groups, policy makers and industry stakeholders are also likely to enhance their career prospects through completion of this programme.

What will I study?  

The MSc (Obesity) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme of academic study in the discipline of medicine.   

The range of modules on offer makes the programme uniquely versatile and well placed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals, scientists, policy makers and those working in industry seeking to develop and in-depth understanding of the causes of and solutions to the obesity crisis. 

The full-time yearlong Master’s is delivered over three semesters. Learners are required to complete 2 x 10 ECTs core modules in semester 1; choose 40ects of optional taught modules and complete a 30ects core thesis module which is 90ects overall. 

*Modules are taught in person on campus, there is no online delivery option available for these optional modules.  

Curriculum Information

• Collaborative Community: Study with other students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds in medicine, nursing, sports science, dietetics as well as health policy, economics, marketing and philosophy.
• Master Core Concepts: Consolidate your understanding of the causes, complications and treatment of obesity with a flexibly structured course that will suit those based anywhere in Ireland or internationally.
• Advanced Research Training: Provides training in research methods including advanced statistical data analysis, qualitative research, evidence synthesis and patient and public involvement.   
• Scientific Publications: The research project offers an excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration and for peer-reviewed publication of your scientific work. 

For doctors, this programme will be an adjunct to specialist training (rather than an alternative to it). The appeal will be broad and include general practice, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, public health and occupational health as well as surgery. Similarly, psychology, dietetic, occupational therapy and physiotherapy graduates who will ultimately contribute to obesity multidisciplinary care will need advanced training in obesity. Managers within the health service, hospital groups, policy makers and industry stakeholders are also likely to enhance their career prospects through completion of this programme.

In addition to the faculty of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), the Programme Board for the Masters of Science in Obesity play an active role in teaching on this course including: 

• Prof Francis Finucane (Programme Director)
• Jenni Jones NIPC, University of Galway 
• Carel le Roux Clinical Academic Expert 
• Sonja Kahn Module Lead  
• Laura Keaver Academic Expert 
• Norah Campbell Academic Expert 
• Susie Birney Patient Representative 
• External Examiner Dimitris Papamargaritis University of Leicester 

Obesity Module Faculty members: 

• Francis Finucane Consultant Endocrinologist UHG/ University of Galway 
• Norah Campbell Associate Professor of Marketing TCD 
• Katriona Kilkelly Clinical Specialist Dietitian University Hospital Galway 
• Caitriona Lynch Clinical Nurse Specialist University Hospital Galway
• Alby Baby Clinical Nurse Specialist University Hospital Galway 
• Paul Cromwell Consultant Surgeon UHG/ University of Galway 
• Chris Collins Consultant Surgeon UHG/ University of Galway 
• Michael Crotty GP HSE 
• Paddy Gillespie Health Economist University of Galway 
• Síle Ní Mhaile Clinical Specialist OT University Hospital Galway 
• Grace O’Shea Senior Clinical Psychologist University Hospital Galway 
• Eoin Connolly Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist University Hospital Galway 
• Carel leRoux Professor of Pathology UCD 
• Helen Heneghan Professor of Surgery SVUH/ UCD 
• Enda Murphy Research Associate CÚRAM 
• Nicole Burns Lecturer, Exercise Physiology University of Galway 
• Paul O’Connor Consultant Anaesthetist Letterkenny University Hosp. 
• Mary Hynes Clinical Specialist Psychologist University Hospital Galway 

How will I learn? 

The MSc Obesity is delivered using a blended learning format, combining on-line learning and optional modules delivered on campus. Use of innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning ensures a comprehensive educational experience. The small class size ensures that students have opportunities for one-to-one communication with faculty.  

Real-world case studies and projects will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.  

Collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.   

Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources to support your learning and professional growth.  

How Will I Be Assessed? 

The course assessments use a combination of continuous assessment through examining the students’ online “e-tivities”, traditional essays, formal module exams and assigned project activities. Semester One exams take place in December; Semester Two exams take place in April/May. The research thesis is submitted in August. 

Course queries: 
francis.finucane@universityofgalway.ie  

 Programme Director(s):  

Professor Francis Finucane,
Consultant Endocrinologist UHG HSE,  
Professor of Medicine, College Medicine Nursing Health Sciences,
Clinical Science Institute, University of Galway. 
E: francis.finucane@universityofgalway.ie 
www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research/people/francisfinucane/ 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

For those who do not hold a primary degree at the required level, a special case can be made if they have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through at least three years of high-quality work experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background). 

Students may apply for exemption(s) from some programme courses/modules based on equivalent courses already completed. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website 

• Appreciate the impact of obesity as a risk factor for other diseases, and the factors influencing that relationship.
• Appreciate the role of structured lifestyle modification strategies to treat overweight and obesity and prevent their complications.
• Explore the core principles of nutritional science as they pertain to excess energy accumulation within humans.
• Distinguish between population-level and patient-level interventions to mitigate the harms caused by obesity.
• Understand the epidemiology of obesity and the factors driving its rising prevalence.
• Understand the mechanistic basis for pharmacological and surgical therapy for obesity and related disorders, including efficacy, indications and complications of treatment.
• Understand ethical and moral issues in obesity as they pertain to public discourse, policy implementation, stigma and bias against people with obesity.
• Recognise the importance of exercise, aerobic fitness and physical activity as related, but distinct entities influencing obesity and cardiometabolic risk.

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Successful applicants will possess at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 degree in an appropriate clinical or life science degree programme. However, for those who do not hold a primary degree at the required level, a special case can be made if they have demonstrated aptitude for the course material through at least three years of high quality work experience in an obesity-related field (relevant to their background). Candidates coming to Ireland from abroad or who do not have a degree from Ireland or the UK, will be asked to provide evidence of an acceptable result in one of the recognised English language proficiency tests, e.g., IELTS total score of 6.5. All prospective candidates will be interviewed either by telephone or by Skype. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in any one component) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.