Dietetics

This is a 4 year Masters in Dietetics in the UK, where you’ll cover a range of topics from theory through to practice. Learn more about the modules on offer.

Year 1

CertHE Life Sciences: Your personal and professional development PPD commences from the outset of the course within an interprofessional learning (IPL) module, which is this then contextualised to Dietetic practice. You’ll study theory that underpins nutrition and the practice of dietetics, and develop professional skills, attitudes and ethics within the context of a variety of learning experiences.

Year 2

DipHE Nutrition and Health Studies: You’ll assume greater responsibility for your own learning; facilitated by greater use of student-led seminars and workshops. Shared IPL learning outcomes support the provision of opportunities for formative shared student learning experiences. Teaching emphasises application of theory, development of evidenced-based practice and reasoning skills in relation to professional practice and contemporary settings.

Year 3

BSc Nutrition and Health Studies: You’ll continue to assume responsibility for your learning with greater emphasis on self-directed learning and teamwork. There is increasing focus on the development of self-management, clinical reasoning, teamwork, entrepreneurship, critical reading and the development of research skills in Dietetics. You’ll apply cognitive and evaluative skills to the appraisal of current practice within your IPL-facilitated placement.

Year 4

Master of Dietetics:You’ll focus on the development of enhanced professional and transferable knowledge and skills to support future professional practice and employability. You’ll work with IPL opportunities to develop interdisciplinary team-working, communication skills, leadership, service improvement, project management and research skills applicable to evidenced based professional practice.

Graduate Story

Learning Methods

On average, you will have 16 hours of taught classes each week, consisting of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practical sessions and workshops. Our state-of-the-art Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre facilities will provide you with numerous opportunities to practice consultations with volunteer patients, providing excellent preparation for practice placements.

Assessment is through a combination of methods, including end of module examinations, laboratory reports, oral presentations, skills tests and objective structured practical examinations (OSPEs). In one of the OSPE exams, you will have to assess and treat volunteer patients who have a variety of medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes mellitus or nutritional deficiencies.

Activity Summary

Teaching is delivered in groups of 25 students:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Webinar
• Tutorial
• Project Supervision
• Demonstration
• Practical class or workshop
• Supervised time in studio / workshop
• External Visits
• Placement / Work Based Learning

How long is an MDiet Dietetics course?

A Dietetics degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

You will be expected to demonstrate self-direction in your studies becoming a proactive independent learner. You will spend approximately 30 hours per week undertaking self-directed learning.

Staff Delivering on this Course

Lecturers on this course, including Both Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists have extensive experience across a range of subject areas relevant to the theory and practice of dietetics, and including research activity, both of which serve as critical underpinning for the course. This allows transfer of theory to practice that ensures a smooth transition from academic to clinical settings. Some of our lecturers also continue to practise Dietetics through honorary positions in the NHS.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed eachyear:

Year 1

• 5 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 1 report
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment
• 2 practical skills assessments

Year 2

• 3 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 report
• 2 oral assessments
• 2 practical skills assessments
• 1 placement

Year 3

• 1 written exam, typically for 3 hours
• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 1 dissertation
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment
• 1 placement

Year 4

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 dissertation
• 2 oral assessments
• 1 placement

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

A vital element of the course is the placement component. Placements are integrated in Years 2, 3 and 4, enabling you to work alongside qualified Dietitians in Health and Social Care settings. You will undertake 1,000 hours of practice, typically spread over a four week placement between Year 2 and 3, then 12 weeks between Year 3 and 4 and 12 weeks during the Year 4. In this final placement you will have the confidence and skills to run your own wards and clinics. The majority of placements are provided by the NHS (subject to availability).

Job Prospects

The Master of Dietetics course has been developed in response to current policy and social directives, identified organisational challenges of employers across the public, private and third sectors and in recognition of graduate needs in meeting workplace demands.

By completing this course, you will possess knowledge, skills and competencies beyond those normally expected at the threshold of registered practice, and you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the ability to positively influence strategic professional practice and support government policy and work to standards of accredited bodies, which is integral to the professional philosophy of the course.

Is Dietetics a good career choice?

Most of our graduates are focused on how to become a dietitian and begin their careers as Dietitians in the NHS.

However, there are also many opportunities within the private sector for those with a dietetics degree.

Previous MDiet Dietetics graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Nutritionist
• Dietitian
• Performance Nutritionist with Irish Rugby Football Union
• Sports Dietitian with Sport Scotland
• Crisis Advisor for the World Health Organization
• Chief Dietitian at Great Ormond Street Hospital
• General Manager of the Hong Kong Health Service.