Course summary
Both the PgD and MSc Dietetics degrees are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are also accredited by the British Dietetic Association. During the programme students are educated to be responsive practitioners, able to adapt to the changing needs of society. The course is designed to produce critically thinking and reflective professionals who have comprehensive theoretical knowledge, along with a spirit of enquiry and an analytical and creative approach to problem solving. Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics: This contains the taught academic element, which is closely aligned to the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme and three periods of practical training on placements within the NHS. On completion students can graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics, which leads to eligibility to apply to the HCPC to register as a Dietitian. The taught academic part of the course contains six modules at Level 7 (Masters). In addition, students study professional body modules (level 5) in order to fulfil the requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Dietetic Association curriculum guidelines. These include Psychology and Sociology. Please note: Students must apply for and complete the two-year PgD before applying for the MSc. Masters in Dietetics: The MSc Dietetics course is self-directed research with contact points with the tutor throughout the year. Many students complete the Masters degree while working within the NHS so flexibility with contact is required. Eligibility for the course is a PG Diploma in Dietetics qualification and also current registration with the HCPC.
Modules
Modules include: Year One: Term One (September - December); Principles of Dietetics for PGs; Applied Research Methods and Design; Professional Studies; Public Health; Professional Body Module. Health Sociology. Term Two (January - March): Specialist Dietetics for PGs; Applied Research Methods and Design; Professional Studies; Clinical Science for PGs; Professional Body Module: Health Psychology. Term 3 (May-July): Placement 1 (6 weeks May/June); Clinical Science for PGs; Specialist Dietetics for PGs; Year Two: Placement 2 – September/October 8 Weeks; Clinical Practice - 4 weeks November; Placement 3: December to March 14 weeks. Clinical Practice - 2 weeks May; Exit with Postgraduate Diploma or continue to obtain MSc Dietetics.
Assessment method
Assessment is based on examination and/or assignment; all the modules are externally assessed; the clinical training placements have to be successfully completed to proceed and graduate. Including a dissertation.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Health and Care Professions Council
- British Dietetic Association
Entry requirements
Applicants should have an honours degree (1st class or 2:1) in human nutrition, or a degree that includes nutrition in the awards title, with sufficient emphasis on physiology and biochemistry (50 credits in total required, with at least 20 credits in human physiology and 20 credits in human biochemistry). It is also preferable for candidates to have 10 credits in sociology and 10 credits in psychology, however this can be taken alongside other modules on the programme if successful. Students should have completed their degree not more than five years before their proposed entry to this PG Diploma. Applicants who have a first or upper second-class honours degree in nutrition, which does not contain either sufficient biochemistry or physiology (but not both), can undertake further relevant modules at undergraduate level, prior to applying for the programme. Applicants who do not have a degree award in nutrition (1st or 2:1) but meet the requirements for biochemistry and physiology, will need to undertake a further relevant taught course of study to at least to postgraduate diploma level prior to applying for the course. Applicants who speak English as a second language must have adequate command of English, with an IELTS score of 7, with at least 6.5 in all elements. Gaining experience within a relevant setting is strongly advised due to the high calibre and volume of applications submitted each year. To enhance your application we recommend gaining as much experience as possible, for example, working as a Dietetic Support Worker, volunteering/working within a dietetic department, volunteering for related charities, or working as a Healthcare Assistant.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7880 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7880 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7880 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7880 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £7880 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB