Human Nutrition & Dietetics - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview
Professionally approved by the Health Care Professions Council and British Dietetic Association, the course contains two major elements. The academic component based on campus and clinical training, which occurs in three separate places within the course.
Both elements are essential for the achievement of the course objectives and award of the degree with eligibility to apply to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a dietitian.
Course Content
In years one and two, the course follows the traditional modular structure, with one three week clinical placement at the end of year one. Overall, years three and four include 24 weeks of clinical training and 28 weeks of academic study.
There are three placements throughout the course. The first placement is for three weeks in the September prior to year two; the second placement is for 12 weeks from January to April in year three and the third placement is from September to November in year four.
Year One:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Food Studies
- Introduction to Public Health Nutrition
- Nutrition
- Professional Skills & Studies
Year Two:
- Public Health Nutrition A
- Health Psychology
- Health Sociology
- Communication
- Dietetics A
- Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology
- Nutritional Assessment and Research
Years Three and Four:
- Clinical Studies I & II
- Contemporary Nutrition
- Dietetics B
- Global Nutrition
- Health Promotion
- Research Skills
- Dissertation Project
Career Potential
Dietitians normally begin their career in the National Health Service where they progress to the main clinical grades. The opportunity exists for specialisation in various aspects of dietetics by means of post-registration education. In addition there are opportunities for dietitians to be involved in health education/promotion, education, research and journalism.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have 5 GCSE passes, including English Language, Maths and Science, a recent CRB Disclosure check and one of the following:
- 300 points from at least 3 A Levels / Scottish Advanced Highers to include a B grade at Biology, and a B grade in Chemistry
- BTEC QCF Extended Diploma in Science (covering Biology and Chemistry) Distinction/Distinction/Distinction or 300 points
- 300 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include Biology at grade A2, and a grade B1 in Chemistry
- 300 points from the Welsh Baccalaureate to include a grade B at Biology and Chemistry Sociology and Geography), Core considered as fourth subject.
- Access to HE Diploma with 48 credits at Level 3 overall to include 15 Distinctions from Biology credits and 15 Distinctions from Chemistry credits, and Merits from the remaining Level 3 units
If your qualification isn't listed above, please refer to the UCAS website.
Entry is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.
In terms of the personal statement we would be looking for evidence of work experience and knowledge of the work of a dietitian, together with evidence of communication skills.
Please note it is a professional requirement that all applicants have GCSE grade C or equivalent in both Maths and English
Unfortunately, due to limited numbers, applicants who choose the university as an Insurance choice can not be guaranteed a place.
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, the ‘Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences’ is available one year full-time and will provide you with a relevant qualification that can be considered for progression to the degree upon successful completion. Consideration would be given to any applicant who had achieved at least 70% overall to include a minimum of 65% from the Biology and Chemistry modules.
Key Facts
Approved by:
Health Care Professions Council and British Dietetic Association
UCAS Code(s):
B402
Campus: Llandaff
School: Cardiff School of Health Sciences
Course Length:
Four years full-time (Sandwich)
Experience Days:
Health Boards in Wales are currently working together to provide Experience Days for locals who frequently enquire about work experience days. As this is a requirement in applying for the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc/PG Diploma in Dietetics programmes, Experience Days have been set up to accommodate this.
For those outside of Wales please contact your local Health Boards/Trusts who may have a similar system, or are able to provide work experience/voluntary posts. You won’t need to attend an Experience Day in Wales if you have already received Dietetic experience elsewhere as the same information will be covered.
The Health Boards aim to provide two/three every year. Details about the next experience day will be available here when dates have been announced. Additional information to include programme, venue details and confidentiality/disclosure form will be issued when your place on the experience day has been confirmed. If you have any further questions regarding the Health Board experience days please contact Kath John: kjohn@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
Please note, these are not university open days. Details on open days run by the university which cover course and university information can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/opendays.
Assessment:
Each module is assessed by assignment and/or examination. All modules in year two and three are externally assessed. All year two and three modules contribute to the final degree classification.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at http://www.ucas.com/
For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
International Applicants:
Before making an application, international students (those outside of the EU), should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international.
Selection Procedure:
Selection is normally based on the receipt of a completed UCAS application.
You will be expected to agree to occupational health screening which includes immunisation to allow you to undertake clinical training in the NHS.
Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
Tuition fees are paid by the NHS bursary scheme. For further information please visit: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/829/page/36092
Bursaries & Scholarships:
The university also offers a bursary and scholarship scheme to help students whilst at university. To see if you are eligible, visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships.