OVERVIEW

• Graduate with registered dietitian status (unique in East England)

• The only UK Dietetics degree to offer a study abroad option

• 8th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide, 2024)

• The first UK university to award academic credit for dietetic practice placements.

• Opportunities for practice placements in the NHS (acute and community) and non-NHS settings (subject to availability).

• Offers undergraduate route to qualify as a dietitian in 3 years rather than 4 years.

• We welcome graduates who are changing direction and want to qualify as a dietitian.

• New science labs and dedicated diet laboratory

• Active student-led Nutrition and Dietetics Society (NADS).

• Encouragement to participate in extracurricular volunteering.

• Excellent record of graduates presenting at British Dietetic Association Research Symposia.

• Active research community

• 90% overall satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS)

What's the course about?

With an increased scrutiny on eating and obesity, along with demand from both government and the public for nutritional and dietetic education, the role of dietitians has never been more important. Dietetics is the interpretation and communication of the science of nutrition, which enables people to make informed choices about food and lifestyle. Dietitians 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. This course covers the broad range of sciences that informs dietetics and is the first of its kind in the UK to award academic credit for practice placements.

What will I study?

At the beginning of the programme you will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your course. Whilst on placement you will be supported by Practice Educators who will supervise and assess you.

You will be taught by a wide range of experienced experts from both within the University and from practice. These include Biochemists, Physiologists and Dietitians.

Teaching is delivered over 3-5 days with 12-25 contact hours a week. In addition up to twenty additional hours a week of self directed study is required.

A variety of teaching approaches are used, including:

• practical laboratory sessions
• small group workshops
• tutorials
• seminars and discussion

Assessment methods include:

• practice placement
• written course work
• lab reports
• poster presentations
• vivas (verbal examinations)
• case studies
• essays
• group projects
• exams

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.

Because this course has been developed in partnership with the NHS, you’ll be fully equipped to work as a dietitian in a range of environments, from hospitals and community settings, to the food industry, charities, education and research. You’ll also have a firm foundation to advance your career into senior roles.

On graduation you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a dietitian.