ObjectivesThe MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics provides advanced studies in the subject area and is designed to allow Honours graduates with a relevant science background to become eligible for Registration as a Dietitian. The course provides a sound scientific base in all those subjects necessary for a full understanding of the issues and concepts related to human nutrition and helps you become an effective learner and practitioner in all fields of dietetic practice. The course also gives you the opportunity to develop advanced skills in the design and implementation of research in the field of human nutrition and dietetics.
Entry requirementsThe minimum academic standard for entry is an Upper Second (2.1) UK first degree in human nutrition or a related degree such as biochemistry or physiology. Applicants with other science degrees will be assessed on an individual basis, but must have studied nutrition at degree level. Places will be offered on the basis of an interview by academic staff. The course is ONLY available to UK/EU students. Proficiency in the English Language is essential. If English is not your first language you will require one of the following qualifications: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 580, CBT TOEFL 237 or equivalent.
Academic titleMSc/Postgraduate Diploma Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Course descriptionCourse structure
The course provides both a professional and a postgraduate qualification and includes three statutory practical placements within approved NHS hospitals. The Postgraduate Diploma, which provides eligibility for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC), is taught full-time over two years commencing in February. The MSc can be obtained by completing an additional semester, or part-time up to seven years after starting the course. This will allow you to complete your MSc while in employment as a dietitian.
As a full-time student studying for the postgraduate diploma, you take seven taught core modules, one optional taught module and four professional modules. For the MSc award, you will take an additional core module as listed above.
Core modules
-Diet Therapy I
-Advanced Diet Therapy
-Nutritional Medicine
-Assessment of Nutritional Status
-Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health I
-Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health II
-Advances Nutritional Physiology
-Research Project (core for MSC only)
Professional modules
-Postgraduate Professional Studies
-Learning and Teaching
-Practitioner Skills
-Healthcare: Systems and Management Structures
Optional modules
-Nutrition Politics and Policy
-Sports and Exercise Nutrition
-Read more details about the modules
To qualify for the MSc you carry out a Research Project, then submit a 15,000 - 20,000-word dissertation, after completing all the elements necessary for Registration as a Dietitian.
There are three practical placements, one of four weeks and two of 12 weeks duration. The first takes place at the end of the first semester. The two 12-week placements take place at the end of the third semester and during the fourth semester.
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examination.
Career opportunities
Employment rates for dietitians are extremely good. Graduates can take up employment in the National Health Service, the food industry, the media or research institutions.
Attendance & duration
Full-time (MSc): two-and-a-half years