Dietetics

UCAS code: B410

Here's what Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh says about its Dietetics course.

This four-year undergraduate Master of Dietetics (MDiet)/BSc (Hons) Dietetics course will give you the theoretical understanding and practical skills that you will need to build a rewarding career as a dietitian. Practice placements are an integral part of the course and allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice.

QMU offers two undergraduate pathways of study in Dietetics to achieve a recognised qualification. Initially all students register on the undergraduate master’s pathway and study together, then, from the end of the second year, students on the BSc (Hons) pathway follow a slightly different programme of study to those studying for the undergraduate master’s degree. On graduation, both pathways offer eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a dietitian.

Why QMU?

• Learn from experienced research active staff: You will be taught by experienced Registered Dietitians, Registered Nutritionists and other appropriately qualified staff who are research active. Their applied research and professional links inform the teaching on the course keeping it up to date with current thinking in the field.

• Practice placements provide the opportunity to integrate practice with theory: Learn real-world skills on practice placements within health and social care settings and during other practice-based opportunities with voluntary and third sector organisations.

• Develop key skills that will help you work effectively with others: Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on developing communication, team working and leadership skills, supported by academic and student services to help individuals fulfil their potential.

• Professional recognition and registration: The course is approved by the. On graduation, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council HCPC as a dietitian.

The course in brief:

Dietetics is a fascinating field that focuses on the management and prevention of nutrition-related disorders at an individual, group and population level. Dietitians are the only regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutrition-related problems at an individual and wider public health level. There are many strands of knowledge that you will master on your way to a career as a dietitian. This course has been carefully structured to integrate theoretical study in different fields with the practical experience to develop the skills required to work as a graduate dietitian.

On this course you will:

• Meet the requirements to be able to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) at the point of graduation and practise as a dietitian;

• Complete invaluable practice-based placements that will enrich your learning;

• Be equipped to enter a career that gives you the opportunity to work in a diverse range of settings including health and social care settings, private practice, the food industry, research related roles and government advisory roles; and

• Benefit from the inter-professional working focus of this course. We aim for all our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member.

Year 1: Physiology/Contextualising You and Your Profession/Food, Lifestyle and Society/Cell Biology and Genetics/ Biochemistry/Introduction to Food Science/Evidence-Based Practice

Year 2: Introduction to Dietetic Practice (Placement A)/Nutrient Metabolism/ Behaviour Change/Pharmacology/ Nutrition/Health Issues in the Community/Epidemiology in Public Health

Year 3: Essentials of Dietetic Management/ Nutrition Through the Life Course/ Dietetic Management of Long Term Conditions/Dissertation/Disease Aetiology and Management/Developing Dietetic Practice (Placement B)

Year 4: Consolidating Dietetic Practice (Placement C)/Dietetic Research Project/Innovative and Emerging Practice

Modules subject to change. Please refer to our course webpage for the most up to date information.

You will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods (eg written and practical exams, case studies, written assignments and presentations) at the end of each module or semester.