Master of Science in Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (MSc NLM)
Empowering Leaders to Tackle Global Health Challenges through Preventive Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine
Overview
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (MSc NLM) at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is a postgraduate programme available full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). It equips graduates with the skills needed to address the growing challenges of an ageing population and rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Asia. With the region facing an unprecedented increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity, this programme focuses on preventive medicine, emphasising lifestyle and nutrition to combat NCDs.
By training professionals in evidence-based interventions, the MSc NLM aims to enhance healthy ageing, lower healthcare costs, and support sustainable wellbeing. Graduates will emerge as leaders ready to implement transformative health solutions, ensuring improved individual and community health outcomes across diverse settings.
- International Collaborations: Engage in impactful Capstone Projects with world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and the Culinary Institute of America, blending academic theories with practical applications under top global experts.
- Flexible Learning Paths: Choose full-time or part-time study to align your academic progress with personal and professional commitments. The programme offers interactive online discussions with global leaders and flexible digital learning options to fit your schedule.
- Interdisciplinary Approach and Cultural Insights: Focused on Asia’s unique healthcare challenges, the programme covers nutrition, lifestyle, longevity, and public health, equipping graduates to develop culturally relevant interventions.
- Customised Education Experience: Personalise your learning by cross-registering for electives with NUS’s Food Science and Technology and Public Health departments to specialise according to your career aspirations.
- Global Networking and Perspectives: Benefit from extensive global networking opportunities, connecting with professionals and experts worldwide to enhance your ability to address international health challenges with culturally sensitive solutions.
- Enhanced Career Prospects and Earning Potential: Gain specialised skills and interdisciplinary training for high-impact roles in preventive healthcare and wellness management. The programme prepares you to drive meaningful change in individual and community health while enhancing your career growth and earning potential.
Intake: August 2026
1 Year (Full-time)
2 Years (Part-time)
1 January 2026
31 March 2026
May 2026
Ideal candidates for the programme
Healthcare Professionals, Researchers and Academics, Health Coaches and Wellness Practitioners, Public Health Advocates, Corporate Wellness Managers, Policymakers and Advisors, Consultants and Advisors, Educators and Trainers, Career Changers and Enthusiasts
Graduates can pursue careers in roles such as:
- Consultant
- Corporate Wellness Manager
- Educator
- Health Coach
- Policymaker
- Public Health Advisor
- Researcher
- Specialised Clinician
Programme Faculty
Cuilin Zhang
Programme Director
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Walter C. Willett
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Frank B. Hu
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Greg Drescher
The Culinary Institute of America
Jeya Henry
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Sherri Cuffe
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Cuilin Zhang
Programme Director
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Walter C. Willett
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Frank B. Hu
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Greg Drescher
The Culinary Institute of America
Jeya Henry
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Sherri Cuffe
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
The MSc NLM is available as a 1-year (full-time) or a 2-year (part-time) degree programme.
Graduation Requirements
Total Units Required: 40 Units
To graduate, students have to:
Complete 3 Compuslory Core Courses and a Capstone Project
- Compulsory Core Courses (4 units each, 12 units in total)
- Capstone Project (2 semesters, 4 units each, 8 units in total)
+ Choose and complete 5 elective courses from a list of 13 courses (4 units each, 20 units in total)
- At least 3 electives must be selected from the NLM elective courses
- You may cross-register up to 2 electives from School of Public Health or Department of Food Science and Technology
Proposed Study Plan
Please refer HERE for the proposed study plan for full-time and part-time students.
- Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 12 – 24 months. The maximum candidature is 24 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
- Part-time students are expected to complete the programme within 24 – 36 months. The maximum candidature is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
Important:
- Download and read the Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System (GDA)
- Review the Checklist for Applicants. Please upload the relevant supporting documents according to the checklist when submitting your online application.
To be eligible for enrolment, applicants must meet the following requirements. However, please note that selection of candidates is based on a competitive basis and candidates with relevant industry experience will be considered favourably. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the programme.
Minimum Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- All candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the programme committee. Candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to research, medicine, health sciences, physical education, the food industry, and public policy, are welcomed. Individuals passionate about preventive medicine and lifestyle interventions, seeking to expand their knowledge and enrich their personal growth, are encouraged to apply.
- International applicants from non-English speaking universities must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 85 (Internet-based) or a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0. Scores must be valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at the time of application. Expired scores will not be considered.
Tuition Fees:
Total Tuition Fees (for students enrolled in the Academic Year 2025/2026 only): S$65,400 (inclusive of Goods & Services Tax (GST))
The payment schedule is as follows (inclusive of 9% GST):
Full-Time Students
Part-Time Students
S$29,975.00
S$29,975.00
S$14,987.50
S$14,987.50
Year 2 Semester 2
–
S$14,987.50
Acceptance Fee (Including GST):
S$5,450
For more information, please visit the Office of the University Registrar website.
- Application fee for successful submission is S$50 (including GST)
- All Singaporeans and Singapore PRs will receive a 40% tuition fee rebate.
- All NUS alumni will receive a 20% tuition fee rebate.
- Upon acceptance of offer, an acceptance fee of S$5,450.00 (including GST) will be charged on the Graduate Admission System (GDA). Acceptance fees is non-refundable, non-transferable and will be credited towards the tuition fee once the programme starts.
The MSc NLM is available as a 1-year (full-time) or a 2-year (part-time) degree programme.
Graduation Requirements
Total Units Required: 40 Units
To graduate, students have to:
Complete 3 Compulsory Core Courses and a Capstone Project
- Compulsory Core Courses (4 units each, 12 units in total)
- Capstone Project (2 semesters, 4 units each, 8 units in total)
+ Choose and complete 5 elective courses from a list of 13 courses (4 units each, 20 units in total)
- At least 3 electives must be selected from the NLM elective courses
- You may cross-register up to 2 electives from School of Public Health or Department of Food Science and Technology
Proposed Study Plan
Please refer HERE for the proposed study plan for full-time and part-time students.
- Full-time students are expected to complete the programme within 12 – 24 months. The maximum candidature is 24 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
- Part-time students are expected to complete the programme within 24 – 36 months. The maximum candidature is 36 months; excluding Leave of Absence (LOA).
Important:
The University does not engage external agencies for student recruitment. Candidates should apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Applications submitted through agents will not receive any added advantage and the University reserves the right to reject such application without explanation.
Only online applications are accepted.
Before submitting your application:
- Download and read the Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System (GDA)
- Review the Checklist for Applicants. Please upload the relevant supporting documents according to the checklist when submitting your online application.
To be eligible for enrolment, applicants must meet the following requirements. However, please note that selection of candidates is based on a competitive basis and candidates with relevant industry experience will be considered favourably. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the programme.
Minimum Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- All candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the programme committee. Candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to research, medicine, health sciences, physical education, the food industry, and public policy, are welcomed. Individuals passionate about preventive medicine and lifestyle interventions, seeking to expand their knowledge and enrich their personal growth, are encouraged to apply.
- International applicants from non-English speaking universities must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 85 (Internet-based) or a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0. Scores must be valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at the time of application. Expired scores will not be considered.
Tuition Fees:
Total Tuition Fees (for students enrolled in the Academic Year 2025/2026 only): S$65,400 (inclusive of Goods & Services Tax (GST))
The payment schedule is as follows (inclusive of 9% GST):
Year 1 Semester 1
Full-Time Students
S$29,975.00
Part-Time Students
S$14,987.50
Year 1 Semester 2
Full-Time Students
S$29,975.00
Part-Time Students
S$14,987.50
Year 2 Semester 1
Full-Time Students
–
Part-Time Students
S$14,987.50
Year 2 Semester 2
Full-Time Students
Part Time Students
S$14,987.50
Acceptance Fee (Including GST):
S$5,450
Additional Fee:
Miscellaneous student fees help meet costs incurred by the University in providing services to the student community that are either not covered or only partially covered by the tuition fees. These services include healthcare for students; facilitating student cultural, social and recreational programmes; and maintaining the shuttle bus service, IT network and other essential campus infrastructure and services.
For more information, please visit the Office of the University Registrar website.
- Application fee for successful submission is S$50 (including GST).
- All Singaporeans and Singapore PRs will receive a 40% tuition fee rebate. For more information, please visit the following website here.
- All NUS alumni will receive a 20% tuition fee rebate.
- Tuition fees are subjected to annual review and inflation.
- Upon acceptance of offer, an acceptance fee of S$5,450.00 (including GST) will be charged on the Graduate Admission System (GDA). Acceptance fees is non-refundable, non-transferable and will be credited towards the tuition fee once the programme starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for the MSc in Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Relevant work experience in healthcare, nutrition, or wellness is advantageous but not mandatory.
Can I study the programme part-time?
Yes, the programme offers both full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) options to accommodate different schedules and commitments, allowing for flexible learning that fits your lifestyle.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there is no age limit. The programme encourages applications from recent graduates as well as mid-career professionals looking to advance their expertise in lifestyle medicine.
Can I apply if I am in my final year of undergraduate studies?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students can apply. You must submit your current transcript with your application and provide the final transcript and degree upon completion.
What are the English language requirements for non-native speakers?
Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English proficiency, with a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 85 (Internet-based) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.0.
What does the curriculum cover?
The curriculum includes courses on nutrition science, lifestyle medicine, behavioural change, public health, and clinical practice. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications through seminars, capstone projects, and research.
For an overview of the courses and what each one covers, you may view it here.
Are there opportunities to cross-register for courses with other departments?
Yes, students have the exciting opportunity to cross-register for courses with the School of Public Health and the Department of Food Science and Technology, broadening their knowledge and expertise across related disciplines.
What kind of networking opportunities does the programme offer?
The programme offers global networking and exchange opportunities, connecting students with a vibrant community of professionals, experts, and alumni worldwide. This network supports international collaborations and provides a dynamic, supportive ecosystem.
Can I personalise my learning path in the programme?
Absolutely! The flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their educational journey to align with their career aspirations, whether aiming to become a health coach, public health policymaker, lifestyle medicine clinician, or consultant. Personalised guidance and mentorship are provided.
What are the benefits of completing this programme in terms of career and salary?
Graduates can expect to earn significantly more compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree, with potential salary increases of 20-30%. The programme prepares students for high-impact roles, equipping them with specialised skills that open doors to diverse career opportunities in preventive healthcare and wellness management.
Voices That Inspire
I offer my strong and enthusiastic support for the Master's programme in Medical Pharmacology at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The development of totally new types of courses in pharmacology – interdisciplinary in nature – that explain the entire cycle of development of these new biotherapeutics, ranging from laboratory discoveries through the multiple pre-clinical and clinical development stages…(these) courses are essential to training the new generation of pharmacological scientists who will work in both the industry and academic sectors… should be very attractive to talented students throughout Asia and beyond…"
Harvey F. Lodish
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
…I find the concept, the content and the focus of this new course very useful and suitable for the students aiming at a career in the pharmaceutical industry or in a CRO working in respective areas.….”
Prof Dr Jörg Kreuzer
