Dietetics (Advanced Practice) MSc

About the course

The MSc in Dietetics is designed to meet the CPD needs of dietitians from different areas of practice. It supports independent learning and reflection in practice, and enhances your specialist professional skills. It also explores the evidence for practice and recognises the place of research in the continued development of dietetics.

Applicants will normally have completed a relevant university degree and have a recognised qualification in dietetics. You will normally have at least one year's post-qualification experience (post internship) and evidence of appropriate continuing professional development.

Course structure

The MSc Dietetics course is modular in structure. If you wish to collect credits towards and award or a qualification see below the award and credit requirements:

• Postgraduate certificate - 60 credits
• Postgraduate diploma - 120 credits
• Masters degree - 180 credits

Download the MSc Dietetics (Advanced Practic) brochure

To complete a Masters degree award for this course you need to collect the following credits:

• Research modules - 60 credits
• Dietetics modules - minimum 30 credits
• Optional interprofessional modules - maximum 90 credits

Module Structure

Research modules

• Research Methods module (15 credits)
• Research Dissertation (45 credits)

Dietetics modules:

• Reflection in professional dietetic practice (30 credits)
• Dietetics independent professional study 1 and 2 (15/30credits)

Optional interprofessional modules

• Developing and managing people (15 credits)
• Facilitation of education in practice (15 credits)
• Imaging for trauma (15 credits)
• Imaging for non-trauma (15 credits)
• Independent reflection of professional study (15/30)
• Independent work-based skills 1 and 2 (15/15)
• Musculoskeletal injection therapy (15 credits)
• Redesigning services for the future (15 credits)
• Preparing for postgraduate success - distance learning (15 credits)

Why choose this course?

• Designed to meet the CPD needs of dietitians
• Enhances specialist professional skills
• Provides flexible study options through a modular structure
• Taught by experienced staff and visiting external specialists

Study routes

• Part Time, 6 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Teaching methods

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers from the University as well as external lecturers.

Delivery of modules incorporates blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you. Please contact the module lead for details.

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods for example essays, presentations, reports, posters and practical examinations.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

Optional

• Developing and Managing People in Healthcare

  Students will be supported in the achievement of the learning outcomes through the use of the application of theory and models to their own and peer's work environments. Participants will take part in online activities that will support their learning. Students will be required to analyse theoretical concepts, critically appraise the literature and examine the theory and the reality of practice. Students will be expected to access databases and the wider web based material, as well as written literature. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 1, 2, 4, 6 and to General 1, 6, 7.

• Facilitation of Education in Practice 1

  This module, by the use of tutor supported independent study and workshops, explores, reflects upon and develops the individual learning achieved through the support, mentorship and educational role associated with their professional practice eg the support of peers, more junior colleagues, unqualified staff including students, other members of the multidisciplinary team,clients and carers and members of external organisations. The module will be supported by blended learning initiatives which will enable the student to maximise their learning in the practice environment. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6 Information and Knowledge 2, 3 and General 1 and 6

• Facilitation of Education in practice 2

  This course, by the use of tutor supported independent study and workshops, explores, reflects upon and develops the individual learning achieved through the support and mentorship role associated with the support of learners in the practice setting. This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for KSF Core Dimensions 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6 Information and Knowledge 2, 3 and General 1 and 6.

• Gastroenterology - Nutritional and Dietetic Management

  This module delivery includes both traditional and blended learning activities including conference style presentations, face-to-face and online pre-recorded lectures, group and peer-led tutorials and workshops and directed learning in order to enhance the learning experience. A lab-based session will be held to provide students with the opportunity to engage in developmental dietary manipulation. Students will be expected to contribute to case-based discussions and will have the opportunity to utilise their own experiences and to consider the patient-perspective. Through these sessions, students will develop their critical evaluation skills in examining current practice in gastrointestinal disorders. Mapping to KSF: The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understandig for core dimensions 1,2,4,5 and HWB2,6 and 7.

• Independent Professional Study 1

  The module enables students to study areas of personal interest within their own professional context. The topic will inform and be of benefit to development of their practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study is developed with guidance from an academic tutor. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed in the NHS) The module contributes to the development and understanding for KSF Core dimensions 1,2,4,5. Additional dimensions will be identified by the student depending on their chosen topic and will be identified in the course guide.

• Independent Professional Study 2

  The module enables students to study areas of personal interest within their own professional context. The topic will inform and be of benefit to development of their practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study will be developed with guidance from an academic tutor. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed in the NHS) The module contributes to the development and understanding for KSF Core Dimensions 1,2,4,5. Additional dimensions will be identified by the student depending on their chosen topic and will be identified in the course guide.

• Independent reflection in professional practice 1

  An individually negotiated course that, by the use of a blend of profession specific tutor supported independent study and work based learning, facilitates the student to explore, reflect upon and develop the individual learning achieved through the day to day activities in their area of professional practice. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed by NHS): The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for KSF Core dimensions 1, 2, 4, and 5. Additional dimensions will depend upon the activities selected by the student.

• Independent reflection in professional practice 2

  An individually negotiated course that, by the use of a blend of profession specific tutor supported independent study and work based learning, facilitates the student to explore, reflect upon and develop the individual learning achieved through the day to day activities in their area of professional practice. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed by NHS): The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for KSF Core dimensions 1, 2, 4, and 5. Additional dimensions will depend upon the activities selected by the student.

• Independent work based skills 1

  This is an individually negotiated module that, by use of profession specific tutor supported independent study, explores, reflects upon and develops the learning and skills acquisition of the individual. The module enables students to develop skills in a particular area of practice as identified by the individual and supported by their line manager where relevant. The area of skills development will be of benefit to developing their chosen area of professional practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study is developed with guidance from a profession specific academic tutor. A clinical placement within the area appropriate to their practice and with agreement from their line manager (where relevant) is required in order to undertake the module.

• Independent work based skills 2

  This is an individually negotiated module that, by use of tutor supported independent study, explores, reflects upon and develops the learning and skills acquisition of the individual. The module enables students to develop skills in a particular area of practice as identified by the individual and supported by their line manager where relevant. The area of skills development will be of benefit to developing their own area of practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study is developed with guidance from a profession specific academic tutor. A clinical placement within the area appropriate to their practice and with agreement from their line manager (where relevant) is required in order to undertake the module.

• Preparing for Postgraduate Success

  The module content includes developing academic skills in preparation for post graduate study and assessment. Students will search and evaluate sources of evidence including: databases, journals, books, grey literature, media websites and publications. Evaluation of professional and government guidelines will be a key component of the module. Students will also be facilitated to develop their critical reflection skills and academic writing and communication. Additionally, the module will also include study skills such as time management and planning for assessments.

• Research Dissertation

  This module is primarily self-directed where students will undertake a self-directed independent research project typically under the direction of a project supervisor or supervisors. Any quantitative, qualitative or combined methodologies may be used as appropriate to the question under investigation. Library based projects and reviews may be considered but must address a clear research question and follow a rigorous, structured methodology. Students are required to undertake the project in an area relevant to their work practice. Research may form part of an ongoing programme of research in the School or the students' place of work, but must show evidence of originality. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding of Core Dimensions 1,2,4,5,General 2 and Information and Knowledge 2,3.

• Research Methods

  The module consists of both traditional and blended learning, including lectures, group and peer led tutorials, and directed learning tasks. Students will be expected to participate in discussions regarding the philosophical considerations and practical issues surrounding research within the healthcare or work setting. Students will be encouraged to draw on past experiences of research and evaluative processes (e.g. audit) and actively engage in critical evaluation of relevant published material within their specialist field in addition to generic research methodology literature. Through these processes, students will develop their understanding of the key issues underpinning research in practice and the place of research within evidence based healthcare or their work setting. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 2,4, Information and knowledge, 2,3 and General 1,2.

• Research Methods Distance Learning

• Weight Management

  This module delivery includes both traditional and blended learning activities including conference style presentations, face-to-face and online pre-recorded lectures, group and peer-led tutorials and workshops and directed learning in order to enhance the learning experience. Teaching will include case-based discussions where students will be encouraged to utilise work based experiences and to consider the patient-perspective. Through these sessions, students will develop their critical evaluation skills in examining current practice in the management of obesity. Participants will be expected to reflect on and evaluate their own practice, and to develop an action plan for service improvement in their area. Mapping to KSF: The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for core dimensions 1, 2, 4 and 5, HWB 2,6,7 and G2

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

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Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply