How can I find out about being a dietitian and being a nutritionist?
Visit the following websites to find out further information regarding the role of a dietitian:
Visit the following websites to find out further information regarding the role of a nutritionist:
There is also a helpful guide from the British Dietetic Association providing comprehensive information regarding different nutritional professions.
What are the entry qualifications?
You will be required to have:
- a 2.1 or above BSc with Honours degree
- studied nutritional science at level 5
Suitable science degrees include: biomedical science, human nutrition, nutritional science, biochemistry, physiology, human biology and pharmacology. A substantive component of biochemistry and human physiology is required, including cell biology concerning cell structure and intracellular activities; concepts of cell theory, an understanding of the fundamentals of biological chemistry required for the study of biosciences at a higher level; key biochemical molecules and their role in cellular activities; physiological processes concentrating on the organ and systems level.
Before you start the course you should have studied nutritional science at Level 5. This should include the basis of nutritional science including macro and micro nutrients and their role in the diet; the nutritional composition of foods; and the links between diet and disease. Prospective applicants without this are advised to take an additional 15 credit learning module at Level 5 in nutritional science to meet this requirement. The University offers an online course on the Fundamentals of Human Nutrition (short course) commencing in June.
- A level Chemistry and Biology at grade C or equivalent
- GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent
- You must pass an interview where you will be required to demonstrate an interest in, aptitude for and knowledge of the field of health, dietetics and nutrition.
- Have recent (within the last two years) work experience with vulnerable groups (paid or voluntary) for a minimum of five days full time work.
- Attend a dietetic career event. You are required to have completed these two experiences before the end of July for entry in September.
How many students are accepted onto the course?
Every year we accept ten students. Although the course is no longer funded by the Government, Health Education England commissions our dietetic placements, which limits the number of students we can accept on to the course.
How many students normally apply for the MSc Dietetics and Nutrition?
We receive about 200-300 applicants each year.
What should I do if I do not meet the entry requirements?
If you don’t meet the requirements fully and wish to discuss this further; you can attend an open event.
I've already started Dietetics or another course at a different University. Can I transfer onto the Dietetics course at London Met?
We do not normally accept direct transfers as the numbers of places are tightly regulated. If you wish to change courses, you should contact the admissions department to apply as a new student.
Work experience and exposure to the Dietetic Profession
All successful applicants are required to have attended a Dietetics Career Event or have had exposure to the dietetics profession through other means. These are half-day events organised by London Metropolitan University. They are suitable for individuals in the process of applying or who have already applied for dietetics. They take place 3-4 times a year and provide prospective dietetics students the opportunity to gain insight into the work of a dietitian. They are designed to replace dietetic shadowing. You are therefore advised NOT to contact the individual dietetic departments to arrange dietetic shadowing.
If you are planning to do this abroad, you may wish to check that the country in question can offer appropriate work experience or exposure, as dietetic professions elsewhere may be considerable different than those in the UK.
Work experience with vulnerable adults
Minimum requirement:
Prospective students will be required to have recent (within the last 2 years) experience of working with vulnerable groups (paid or voluntary) for a minimum of the equivalent of five days full time work. This can be completed on a part time basis at your convenience.
What we would like you to do
We would like you to gain experience of communicating with people who are in a vulnerable position such as those who have significant care needs. If possible being involved in meal-time and daily care activities will give you important experience and help inform you of what to expect in a care environment.
Suitable locations
Suitable settings include hospitals, elderly care homes and hospices. You should approach the voluntary services department if you wish to work in a hospital or hospice, and the manager if you wish to work in a care home. We also accept roles in other locations and organisations such as charity organisations like The Food Chain or Shelter.
Examples of suitable roles
An example of a suitable role would be a Ward Volunteer at a hospital such as Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. We would recommend searching on their websites for such roles. Whittington Health also have similar roles and opportunities. Suitable roles would be dementia, meal-time support and ward volunteers.
Other hospitals and care environments will have similar arrangements. This is just an example of how to seek the type of experience that would be ideal.
Please be aware that it can take some time to find a placement as these institutions can be busy or have sufficient volunteers. You should be prepared for pre-employment checks such as health clearance or through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This can also take time. You are therefore advised not to leave your application until the last minute and to consider applying to more than one place.
You should ask your employer for a brief reference confirming that you have undertaken this work. It would be helpful to know the types of activities you have completed and the time frame.
Please note that if work experience is a condition on your course offer at London Met you should have sent evidence of attendance by the end of July to the admissions department for entry in September that year.
How do I apply?
For the MSc Dietetics and Nutrition, applicants are required to complete an online application form via the London Met course webpage.
- Applications open in September and close in January.
- Interview dates are scheduled for March, and applicants will be notified in February.
- 31 July – conditions of any offer are required to be met by this date.
What are the selection processes?
- Applications are reviewed and graded according to the academic qualifications, work experience and personal statement; ~50 applicants are invited for interview.
- During the interview process, applicants are graded according to the responses given and the written piece that is assigned to them to complete.
- Applicants are then offered a place according to their performance.
What should I include within my application form/what additional documents should I include and why is this needed?
- Complete all sections as requested
- Supporting documentation will be sought; such as academic transcripts, qualification certificates and any other documentation that provides proof that you have completed and been awarded the respective accomplishment. If you do not include this information, the admissions team will not be able to process your application. Missing information could jeopardise your application.
What will happen at and after the interview?
During the interview, you will:
- be given a brief presentation regarding the course
- complete a written piece which assesses your values and written English
- participate in a 20-minute interview with a member of academic staff and a practice educator. This will assess your communication skills, motivation and aptitude for the course
- meet current students
- take a tour of the university campus
After the interview:
- You will either be:
- offered an unconditional place on the course
- offered a conditional place on the course
- offered a conditional or unconditional place on the reserve list
- offered an alternative course if suitable
Can I study Dietetics part-time?
The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to run on a full-time basis only. Health Education England currently only commission a full-time course. This does not allow us to offer it on a part-time basis.
I am an international student. Can I apply for the course?
Yes, we welcome applications from international students.
Do I have to pay course fees?
Health Education no longer provide funding for this course, but you will be able to apply for a means-tested loan. More information may be found online. The funding clinic is also a good place for finance advice.
Can I apply to the course if I have a criminal conviction?
Students will be required to have an Enhanced DBS Check for the Adults' and Children's Workforce which will have checked both the Adults' and the Children's Barred Lists. Students will also be required to have clearance for non-exposure prone procedures (EPP) by an approved occupational health service. Further information on the University’s policy regarding criminal convictions can be found on our web pages. The Health and Care Professions Council website has useful information too.
So I have to have a health check before I start the course?
No, you don’t have to have a health check before starting the course. The University will arrange for you to have your health check once you have commenced the course in the first semester.
Can I join the course as a mature student?
We welcome students of all ages as long as the course entry requirements have been met and you pass the interview.
What is the structure of the course, how is taught, days of the week, hours in university?
This varies depending in which year you are studying. It is a full-time course but there may not be face-to face teaching every day. Further information about the modules and the day they are taught can be found online. Please note this may change and should only be used for guidance at this stage. Please note that there is a mixture of long modules (30 weeks, 30 credits) and shorter modules (15 week, 15 credits), and that all modules are core. Each module is assigned approximately three hours of teaching per week.
How is it assessed, coursework or exams?
There is a variety of assessments as below:
- Verbal/visual presentations
- Essays and group project work
- Practical reports
- Problem-solving exercises
- Examinations
- In-class tests
- Held at the end of modules (summative)
- Online Formative Assessments
Where are the practice based learning placement usually?
There are 3 practice based learning placements:
- 2 weeks
- 12 weeks
- 14 weeks
Students are usually placed north of the River Thames in London. Depending on capacity within this region, some students may be placed outside of London.
Special consideration made for carers, disabilities and special circumstances.
Is there much opportunity to do research-based work?
As this is an MSc course, a project module will be completed after the core teaching and practice based learning has been completed. This will usually be during spring of the second year.
Are there opportunities to attend dietetics conferences as part of the course?
Some students attend conferences to present their projects eg BDA Research Symposium and BAPEN.
Is there a Dietetics/Nutrition society or group I can join?
Yes there is. The Nutrition Society is organised by the Univeristy's Student Union and is run for students, by the students.