Dietetics and Nutrition (BSc Hons - Single)

Overview

The primary aim of the course is to produce graduates who are eligible to apply to the register of health professional with the Health Professions Council and will be able to meet the need for a diverse and world-class NHS workforce in London.

The curriculum meets all of the learning outcomes and standards specified by the HPC and British Dietetic Association and incorporates three full-time practical placements in Nutrition & Dietetic Departments, mainly in NHS organisations in London. Placements are assessed and students are required to achieve a competent level of performance as set by placement learning outcomes.

Prospective students who choose to study Dietetics at London Metropolitan University will have access to an enthusiastic supportive teaching team who will teach the required knowledge and skills in dietetics and nutrition. Mentorship and extensive study support will be provided on an individual basis throughout university studies and during placements. On successful completion, undergraduate students will have an academic understanding of the subject of human nutrition, and the skills and clinical expertise to enable them to be competent practitioners in the dietetic profession.

Faculty of Life Sciences

www.londonmet.ac.uk/depts/fls/

**Course contents

The course is four years, at three levels with 120 credits at each level.

Year 1 topics include:

• Cellular and Molecular Pathways
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Human Nutrition
• Psychology and Sociology related to health, nutrition and easting behaviour
• Dietetic Professional Practice

Year 2 topics include:

• Metabolic Biochemistry for Dietitians
• Clinical Dietetics 1 (Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, Nutritional Support, Mental Health, educating groups)
• Catering and Infection Control
• Food Science and Microbiology
• Nutritional Epidemiology and Dietetic and Nutrition Research
• Two week block placement 1

Year 3 topics include:

• Clinical Dietetics 2 (e.g. Kidney Disease, Gastro-intestinal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Liver Disease, Pancreatitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Communication Skills)
• Nutritional Assessment
• Aetiology, Pathology and Management of Disease
• Public Health and Public Health Nutrition
• Twelve week block placement 2

Year 4 topics include:

• Fourteen week block placement
• Applied Nutrition and Dietetics
• Management of Health and Social Care
• Dietetics and Nutrition Research Project

Assessment

Seminars and poster presentations, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), case studies, practical reports, unseen examinations and a compulsory final year dissertation.

Professional accreditation

The course is funded by NHS London, the course is in the process of approval with the Health Professions Council and in the process of accreditation by the British Dietetic Association.

Collaborative and international links

London Dietitians who are prospective employers of dietetic graduates play both a strategic and operational role in developing and running the course.

**Subject to validation

Careers

On qualification, students normally find employment working as a dietitian within the NHS. Graduate entrant jobs are varied, with students finding work in both acute and primary care organisations. In addition students may seek employment working with groups and populations in a public health or social care setting.

Student profiles

‘I think it’s brilliant, I love it. The teaching staff are knowledgeable and bring real life examples to the lectures as they have worked as dieticians. They are very approachable, friendly and supportive. The age groups on the course are very varied and I don’t feel out of place as a mature student. Even the younger students are very mature and we all get on well as a group.’
First Year Dietetic Student

Applying and entry

Sept full-time: apply through UCAS

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's minimum entry requirements, you should have GCSE grade C in English Language. If English is not the first language IELTS at level 7 with no individual component of less than 6.5. GCSE grade C in Mathematics. In addition to this students must have: 300 UCAS points from two or more A-levels, including Biology and Chemistry. Or 300 UCAS points from two A-levels (Applied subjects) in Science. Or a BTEC National Diploma in Science with DDM and at least five merits in the final year, excluding common skills. Entry from appropriate Foundation and Access and courses will also be considered. Students must pass an interview where they will be required to demonstrate an interest in, aptitude for and knowledge of the field of health, dietetics and nutrition. Prospective students are encouraged to seek paid or voluntary work in a care environment as well as attend a dietetic career event. Further information can be found on our web pages.

Applications for advanced entry to year 2 or 3 of this programme will be assessed on an individual basis.  All applicants requesting advanced entry must supply a full and official transcript of their grades and modules plus at least one academic reference from their university.

Further information

Please contact the Admissions Office:
Tel: +44(0)20 7133 4200
Fax: +44(0)20 7133 2677
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

or for further academic questions, contact Dr Sandra Ellis, dieteticsrecruitment@londonmet.ac.uk