Admission Requirements
The Master of Science in Foods & Nutrition (MScFN), practicum-based program is a full-time, five-term graduate program (includes three terms of practicum) and is accredited by the Accreditation Canada.
MScFN (practicum-based) Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the MScFN practicum-based program must meet the admissions criteria of Western University’s, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Brescia School of Food & Nutritional Sciences program requirements, as follows:
- A four-year Bachelor of Science degree from a dietetic education program accredited under Accreditation Canada (or ACEND in the U.S.A.) within the past 3 years (2022 or later).
- You must submit confirmation of completion of a Accreditation Canada accredited program. This form should be supplied to you and signed by the head of the academic department overseeing your accredited undergraduate program.
- Undergraduate courses in each of Research Methodology and Statistics.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 78 per cent on the last 10 Full Course Equivalent credits.
- Relevant work and volunteer experience.
- Demonstrated English language proficiency if English is not your first language. Acceptable tests are:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum score of 620 (paper-based), 105 (internet-based), 260 (computer-based). [Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984].
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum score of 7.5, with no individual score less than 6.5.
- The Duolingo English Test. Minimum acceptable score is 140.
You are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement if you submit proof you have been enrolled for 2 or more years of full-time undergraduate or graduate study in an English-speaking school in a country where English is the principal language.
Those who completed an undergraduate program accredited by PDEP or Accreditation Canada more than three years ago, need to demonstrate their knowledge is current to be eligible to apply to either of our dietetic practicum programs (DDEPT or MScFN Practicum-based programs).To do this, applicants must achieve a Level 1 Result on the College of Dietitians of Ontario’s Knowledge and Competence Assessment Tool (KCAT) and the results must be submitted with their application when applying to Western University’s dietetic practicum programs (MScFN Practicum-based program or the DDEPT program).
If you achieve a Level 2 Result, you can self-study to rewrite the KCAT, or enroll as a special student in Western University’s Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate program to upgrade your knowledge before retaking the KCAT. Those wanting to enrol as a special student at Western should email fnsgrad@uwo.ca with your KCAT Level 2 assessment result for more details. Note, upgrading at Western to retake the KCAT does not ensure a Level 1 KCAT will be achieved.
Practicum Student Additional Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, if you are accepted to this program you must have access to reliable transportation to get to placements, including places where public transit may not be available.
If enrolled, you are required to have several health and non-health requirements in preparation for the practicum portion of their program, including (but not limited to) immunizations, police checks, professional membership, insurances and learning.
Please refer to our practicum page that outlines the additional responsibilities and requirements that must be met before you begin the practicum portion of the program.
International Applicants
- 1. Complete a Four-Year Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (or equivalent) degree from a program which is accredited by Accreditation Canada or by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States. To inquire about completing the Honours Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited degree at Western University, view the program details here and contact one of Western University’s Undergraduate Admission Officers for more information.
Or - 2. Complete the College of Dietitians of Ontario Knowledge and Competence Assessment Tool (KCAT) as part of the Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) process and achieve a KCAT Level I Result. If a Level II result is achieved:
- a) retake the KCAT after additional self-study to achieve a Level 1 result, orundefined
- b) contact us about enrolling at Western University to complete the accredited Honors Specialization in Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate degree (see details in Option #1)
*Note: all other Admission Requirements noted on the DDEPT and MScFN Practicum-based program websites (view here) also apply.
Potential Canadian/American-Educated Applicants
If you graduated from a Canadian Accreditation Canada accredited Foods and Nutrition/Dietetics program more than three years ago you have two options to demonstrate that your knowledge is current to become eligible to apply:
- Achieve a Level 1 Result on the College of Dietitians of Ontario’s Knowledge and Competence Assessment Tool.
- Upgrade core upper year courses. Contact us for more information.
If you graduated from a US Academy ACEND accredited Foods and Nutrition/Dietetics program:
Please note the College of Dietitians of Ontario have confirmed that completion of an American program that is ACEND-accredited could be considered equivalent to a Canadian program accredited by PDEP.
Proof of the program being ACEND-accredited is a requirement and should be submitted with your application.
You will still need to meet all other program admission requirements as stated on the Brescia School of Foods & Nutrition website, and the admission committee will further review transcripts for eligibility.
Note: all other items noted under Admission Requirements also apply.