Course summary
This course is for graduates from a relevant degree who want to extend their studies into the professional field of dietetics. Dietetics is the management of diseases that are amenable to dietary intervention, and the prevention of nutrition-related disorders. A dietitian influences food selection and eating behaviour of an individual based on specific nutritional or food requirements. As a dietitian, you will translate scientific information about nutrition into practical advice to help people make health-conscious decisions about food. You will assess, diagnose and treat diet-related problems and aim to raise awareness of the link between food, health and disease to prevent future problems and treat existing nutrition-related problems. Dietitians are a key part of the healthcare team and are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated. The course takes you through a clinically and practically focused study of disease, health, food and nutrition. With a clinical and health promotion focus, the course includes three practice-based placements that allow students to apply and consolidate their theoretical learning.
Modules
Introduction to Dietetic Practice (Placement A) (20 credits) (includes 150 hours of practice based learning split between practice, third sector and university settings). : This module will introduce and begin to develop students’ knowledge and awareness of the Dietitians role within health and social care settings. Essentials of the Dietetic Management (20 credits): This module will provide students with a broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of the dietetic management of disease and to further develop the relevant professional skills and techniques required to effectively and sustainably manage individuals, groups and populations within the context of inter-professional working Nutrition Through the Life Course (20 credits): This module will allow students to apply and critically evaluate the scientific principles and nutritional needs of individuals throughout the life course and in different sub-groups of the population in the community. Disease Aetiology and Management (20 credits): This module will promote an integrated knowledge of the common disorders and treatments of the gastrointestinal tract, of renal and cardio-respiratory systems and an understanding of the metabolism and endocrinology of key metabolic disorders. Dietetic Management of Long-Term Conditions (20 credits): This module will provide students with a critical and integrated knowledge and understanding of the dietetic management of long term conditions children, young people and adults. It will also further develop the relevant professional skills and techniques required to effectively and sustainably manage those living with long term conditions within a multi-professional health and social care landscape. Epidemiology in Public Health (20 credits): Students will gain a critical and applied understanding of how epidemiological research is used in the field of public health and will be able to analyse and interpret a real-life public health dataset and make recommendations for public health practice/health promotion based on findings. Developing Dietetic Practice (Placement B) (60 credits) (Includes 12 weeks practice-based learning): This module will enable students to apply their broad and integrated theoretical knowledge and further develop the range of skills needed to work as a Dietitian with a range of client groups and within a range of care settings. Innovative and Emerging Practice (40 credits): This module will provide students with an applied and critical knowledge and understanding of innovative and emerging dietetic practice. Consolidating Dietetic Practice (Placement C) (60 credits) (Includes 12 weeks practice-based learning): This module will enable students to become competent in translating theory into practice to demonstrate competency in the range of skills required to work as a graduate Dietitian. Applying Skills of Critical Enquiry (40 credits): The module aims to enable learners to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce a small scale study which demands a professional approach, academic rigour, independence and self-direction. NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2023) however the course will be revalidated in Spring 2024 and it will likely result in some changes. Please check back here for updates.
Assessment method
A variety of assessment methods are used across the course. A small cohort ensures that individuals receive excellent support and benefit from sharing their experiences with classmates.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Health and Care Professions Council
- British Dietetic Association
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
A good honours degree (normally an upper second class or above) that includes significant emphasis on human physiology and biochemistry. An application should illustrate what has been done by the applicant to research, and understand more about the role of a dietitian. In particular, evidence of understanding the skills, attributes and values required to work as a dietitian should be evident in the application. We appreciate that it can be difficult to get shadowing experience, so relevant experience that demonstrates transferable skills to those required by dietitians would be beneficial. International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 and no individual component score below 6.5. Criminal Records Check: A satisfactory criminal records check will be required.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11710 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11710 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11710 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11710 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11710 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £11710 | Year 1 |
| International | £22970 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh
Edinburgh
EH21 6UU