Dietetics BSc Hons

School of Health and Emergency Professions

Institution Code H36

UCAS Code

B410

Course Code HHDIET

Start date

September

How to apply

Open days

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Programme Specification

Schools of study

Contact us

01707 284800

More about the course

Dietetics is the interpretation and communication of the science of nutrition to enable people to make informed and practical choices about food and lifestyle in both health and disease. Dietitians promote good health through appropriate nutrition. They work with individuals with special dietary needs, inform the general public about nutrition, evaluate and improve treatments and educate patients, doctors, nurses and other health professionals. The role of the dietitian is changing rapidly with increasing emphasis on working in the community as well as in hospitals. Dietitians also have a role in research, education, industry and the media where there is an increasing demand for good quality nutrition and dietetic education. Dietetic practice is based on a range of academic disciplines which are required to ensure that graduate dietitians have the level of skill required to deliver excellent nutritional advice and care.

Work placement

Through undertaking seven practice placements, you will get the opportunity to develop the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to be ready to qualify as a registered dietitian. Placements are in a variety of stimulating NHS settings such as Acute, Mental Health and Primary Care Trusts, where trained practice educators will support and help you to develop your learning, providing experiences ranging from acute clinical practice in hospitals to GP clinics, visiting clients in their own homes and health promotion activities.

Placements will be in the following eastern counties:

  • Bedfordshire
  • Cambridge
  • Essex
  • Hertfordshire
  • Norfolk
  • Suffolk

Careers

Dietitians are employed in the NHS in both hospital and community settings. In addition, dietitians work in sports nutrition, food industry, charities, education and research or on a freelance basis. This degree gives you the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience to meet those expectations.

The degree has been developed in partnership with NHS Hospital Trusts and Primary Care Trusts, so you can be confident that your knowledge and skills will be a thorough preparation for your future work and give you the opportunity to advance your career into senior roles within the service.

Teaching methods

Teaching at the University is delivered over 3-5 days with 12-25 contact hours a week. Placements are full time and approximately 37 hours per week.

A variety of teaching will be used, supported by practical laboratory sessions, small group workshops, tutorials, seminars and discussions, plus up to 20 additional hours a week of self-directed study.

Assessment methods include lab reports, assignments, poster presentations, case studies, essays, group projects, exams and practice placement assessment.

Teaching is by academics from the Schools of Health and Emergency Professions, Life Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery plus experts on contemporary topics, including dietitians with wide-ranging experience. In addition, practice-based education will be delivered by dietitians working in the NHS.

Course structure

Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.