Dietetics (Pre-Registration)
MSc

Course overview

Registered dietitians are qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and public health level.

All new and continuing students on this course will receive a £5,000 maintenance grant each year if they’re eligible, and will not need to pay it back.

As a graduate you are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Dietetic Association, to practice as a dietitian within the UK. This course provides experiences to ensure you are safe and confident to assess dietary and nutritional needs and able to deliver dietary interventions which meet the needs of individuals, groups and populations. Placements are integral to the course – you undertake a minimum of 1,000 hours of dietetic practice in a variety of settings including NHS, public health, research, social care and the third sector.

This course runs for 21 months, delivered across five semesters. In the first semester you gain the underpinning knowledge and skills to be able to assess and treat individuals, groups and populations with a number of health conditions which impact on their diet and nutrition. You also undertake 75 hours of practice. In the second semester you undertake 13 weeks of practice placement supervised by qualified dietitians. In the third semester you further develop your dietetic assessment and management, and explore the role of dietitians in promoting health with a focus on public health interventions. You also study research and innovation in dietetic practice, preparing you for your major project in the final semester. In semester four you undertake a further 13 weeks of practice placement. And finally in semester five you undertake your major project.

Supporting information for applicants

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Course details

Entry requirements

You apply direct to the University. Our minimum academic requirement is a 2.1 honours degree (or above) in a subject with significant elements of biochemistry and human physiology. If English isn’t your first language, we require evidence of IELTS Level 7 (or equivalent). No element should be below 6.5.

Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview at the University. An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain modules or placements which involve working with children and/or adults at risk. Where an enhanced DBS check is required, applicants will cover the cost of these checks which can only be processed through the University.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

Employability

Work placement

You complete 28 weeks of practice placement within your course primarily in NHS trusts across the North East of England. You are allocated a practice educator who, along with dietitians in the trust, provides opportunities for you to develop your ability to assess and treat individuals in the practice setting. You also work alongside members of the multidisciplinary team, developing an understanding of each role. We cannot guarantee that practice placements are local to you. You are expected to travel and pay for associated travel costs.

Career opportunities

Dietitians work in a number of different settings – these include the NHS, private practice, industry, sport and education. Whilst your practice placements are primarily within the NHS, we explore the role of the dietitian in different environments and provide careers guidance and support towards the latter stages of the course.

Information for international applicants