Dietetics BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes
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Registered dietitians use their passion for working with people to promote healthy lifestyles, optimise health, manage and prevent diet-related diseases.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

B410

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Course overview

Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British Dietetic Association (BDA)1.

  • All home students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the Government of £5,000 per year, with additional payments for students incurring childcare costs6.
  • Strong links with local NHS trusts and other healthcare providers, such as private hospitals, hospices and community settings.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems. This course is designed to enable you to use your expertise to promote a healthy lifestyle and offer nutrition advice. It aims to enable you to translate the latest nutrition science into understandable, practical information about food and provide education and support to enable people to manage their health and treat nutrition-related disease.

  • Upon successful completion of the course you will have a thorough understanding of the physical and psychological components of nutrition, and importantly how to enable behaviour change. You’ll understand the barriers people face and the strategies which can be used to overcome those barriers which prevent successful adoption of healthier lifestyles.
  • Through our innovative approaches to teaching and learning, you will have the opportunity to experiment, innovate and experience immersive situations as you learn in a safe, secure and inspiring environment. Simulated real-life scenarios will aim to utilise contemporary, innovative and authentic assessments, which embed service user involvement throughout. By working collaboratively across multi-professional groups in simulation facilities, you will have the chance to enhance your professional identity, knowledge and behaviours.
  • Our multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building features a range of mock healthcare settings, including hospital wards, ambulance, therapy suites and community houses, giving you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations before you go on placement4.
  • You will undertake four periods of practice education (placements)5 in a range of NHS and non-NHS settings - predominantly in the West Midlands region - supported by experienced and trained educators.
  • Innovative and varied assessments offering a range of assessment methods aimed at providing real life skills. Use of creative and innovative teaching approaches with an emphasis on applying the learning to dietetic practice.
  • Our highly qualified academic staff and experienced practice team will support and challenge you to make a difference in practice. Current staff are active and influential members of the profession, for example sitting on committees and boards within the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and other national organisations (please note that staff may be subject to change).
12th

for Food Science

The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Accredited by:

hcpc health & care professions council

Health and Care Professions Council

This course is accredited1 by the HCPC for the 2023/24 intake.

BDA accredited programme. The association of UK dieticians

British Dietetics Association (BDA)

This course is accredited1 by the BDA for the 2023/24 intake. In addition, through completing the Food and Food Production module you will qualify for a Level 2 food safety certificate accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

What you'll study

Year one aims to give you a foundation in nutrition, introducing key dietetic skills such as nutritional assessment and, behaviour change in readiness for an introductory placement in clinical practice. You will also have opportunities to work inter-professionally with other health care professionals, reflecting the environment you will work in when you graduate.

Modules

  • This module provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of the science of human nutrition, and a basic understanding of the principles underlying human metabolism relevant for the study of dietetics. You will consider the role of individual nutrients in the achievement and maintenance of good health and principles underpinning the development of dietary guidelines, and current dietary guidelines for the UK population are explored. The module supports the development of skills that you will need to use food composition tables, dietary analysis software and dietary reference values. Practical workshops will enable you to develop a working knowledge of food portion sizes, recipe modification, nutrient-modified foods and food labelling.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to enable you to become an independent, evidence-informed, life-long learner. You will be introduced to the principles of gathering, appraising, interpreting and applying evidence to support your learning and professional development. In addition, you will also study the principles underpinning research and evidence-informed practice in the context of dietetics.

    Compulsory

  • During this module you will be introduced to the major categories of food and food products available. Food production and preparation methods will be explored with impacts on nutrient content, food quality and wider issues, such as sustainability, considered. It is designed to give you an appreciation of the practical considerations of large- and small-scale food preparation in a commercial context.

    Food microbiology will be taught through the delivery of a basic food safety award separately accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. The innovative delivery of this module will provide the opportunity for you to learn large-scale catering, off-campus at a specialist catering college and to develop knowledge within student led kitchen laboratory session on campus.

    Compulsory

  • The overall aim of this module is to provide you with a sound knowledge of various factors influencing eating behaviour and nutritional status. You will be introduced to the normal structure and function of a range of physiological systems and principles of immunology and genetics that underpin the biomedical science pertaining to dietetics. You will be introduced to the Model and Process for Nutrition and Dietetic Practice and examine the assessment of nutritional status and nutrient intakes for adults.

    Compulsory

  • Upon successful completion of this module, you will have developed your knowledge and understanding of the social, politico-economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence individual and community health and wellbeing. You will examine key international, national and local initiatives to support learning and examine the inter-professional context of dietetics.

    To achieve this aim, you will explore concepts of wellbeing, disability, disease and illness, health inequality and inequity. In addition, you will examine key health and social care initiatives that will enable you to understand the importance of person-centred approaches to wellbeing, prevention, care and support. As you progress through the module you should develop inter-professional capabilities of communication, role clarification, decision making and team working, designed to enable you to practice and promote healthy conversations about lifestyle.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to some of the fundamental skills required for effective dietetic practice. Topics addressed fall within the HCPC’s competency framework for registered dietitians. The module introduces you to the dietitian’s role, skills and attributes in supporting clients to make dietary change. Theories of communication and health behaviour change will be considered and applied to the role of the dietitian in supporting clients making behaviour change. The module aims to develop the communication and professional skills you will require to work effectively with individuals. The module includes a 2-week practice placement5 in relevant settings which is sourced by the university.

    Compulsory

Year two builds on the skills and knowledge you developed in the first year with a focus on the clinical management and diet therapy for a variety of health conditions.

Modules

  • This module aims to develop and integrate knowledge and skills you learned in year one. You will explore the medical and dietary management of patients with brain-based disorders and diseases. You will have the opportunity to study epidemiology, aetiology (including the influence of genetics), biochemistry, diagnosis, treatment, and management, including pharmacological management, and the required dietary modification. This module also introduces you to the principles of ethical decision-making, and to the legal and ethical aspects of professional practice.

    Compulsory

  • With the rise in non-communicable diseases globally, and the emphasis on prevention of disease and self-management of long-term conditions, during this module you will explore the dietary modification and medical management of a range of diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

    You will investigate the role of lifestyle in the prevention and management of diseases in adults and consider how lifestyle changes may be implemented. As part of the module, you will consider how education regarding lifestyle changes will be considered in group settings using educational theory and principles of behaviour change.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores the principles of the medical management of patients, including diagnosis and treatment of disease including the required dietary modification. You will apply the principles of the application of dietetic practice and explore issues of professionalism and professional practice.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your scope of practice to include the nutritional assessment and implementation of evidence-based interventions for the management of infants, children and young people with common nutritionally related problems or diagnosis.

    Through engagement with this module, you will learn how to assess and commence diet therapy / behaviour change / nutritional counselling in a paediatric case load. These skills are designed to enable you to incorporate paediatric cases to your scope of practice in placement and after graduation could enable you to pursue these skills further.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will explore the metabolic response to injury and resulting effect on nutritional parameters. You will also examine the nutritional management of patients on critical care. You will also be introduced to the principles of emotional intelligence and clinical prioritisation and explore use of these principles to support dietetic practice.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge, ethical principles and evidence-informed skills developed in the year one module Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice, to clinical settings. You will explore how to design and justify your own empirical or literature-based study, relevant to dietetics and human nutrition, demonstrating the application of sound ethical reasoning.

    In order to achieve this, you will be introduced to a diverse range of approaches to research, reviews and audits (qualitative, quantitative and participatory) and relevant health and social care policy and legislation. This module will encourage you to explore how your profession specific core values and beliefs can complement those of other health and social care professions, drawing on differing research traditions.

    Compulsory

Year three consolidates your skills and knowledge and prepares you for the workplace. The third year also consists of two mandatory 12-week clinical placements and a 2-week public health placement, which are all sourced by the university.

Modules

  • This module includes preparation for placement classes and a 12-week placement5 (sourced by the university) in a range of approved environments where registered dietitians work.

    The placement aims to enable you to develop the confidence and skills needed to: translate theory into practice, obtain, record and interpret relevant information and advise service users accordingly, communicate effectively with service users and multi-disciplinary team members, manage your time and workload efficiently, and demonstrate professionalism.

    By the end of the placement you should, with supervisory support, be able to lead full and well-structured dietetic consultations for service users having different medical conditions.

    Compulsory

  • This module includes preparation for placement classes and a further 12-week placement5 (sourced by the university) in a range of approved environments where registered dietitians work.

    Placement C aims to enable you to build on the confidence, knowledge and skills developed through Placement B in order to become competent in: translating theory into practice, obtaining, recording and interpreting relevant information and advising service users, justifying decisions made, communicating effectively with service users and healthcare professionals, managing time and workload efficiently, and demonstrating professionalism.

    Upon successful completion of this placement, you will be able to competently and independently carry a dietetic caseload comparable with that of a newly qualified registered dietitian.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to enable you to develop and apply your knowledge of evidence-based nutrition, non-communicable disease, factors influencing food choice and behaviour change to groups and communities in a variety of settings.

    With dietitians working across a multitude of sectors, the profession has representation in almost all nutrition related fields, including social care, industry, medical nutrition, food manufacture, research, community education and sport.

    Throughout this module you will develop an understanding of food politics and policy, and gain insight into carrying out needs assessments, planning and evaluating projects and interventions that impact on the health of groups and communities in a variety of settings.

    This module incorporates a two-week placement5 (sourced by the university) in a setting which may be tailored to your career aspirations and interests.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to support the development of the leadership behaviours and management skills required to function effectively as a newly qualified registered healthcare professional working within the multi-professional team in the delivery of high-quality care. You will examine clinical leadership and followership models and the concept of empowerment and distributed leadership, to gain understanding of ethical leadership, culture and values within the delivery of care. You will also explore the concepts of service improvement and gain experience of leading and participating in projects, using relevant management tools and techniques.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration in an area of professional interest. Using an appropriate method of enquiry, you will systematically investigate the research question and analyse the information generated. On completion of this module, you will have an enhanced understanding of the research process (either literature based or empirical) and the potential of informing your future practice.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated tutorials, seminars, kitchen practicals, online discussions and simulated healthcare environments. You will also have a personal tutor who will guide you through your course.

Teaching contact hours

In a typical teaching week you will have around 15-20 contact hours of teaching. The majority of this will be either seminars or practical workshops, supplemented with some lectures and online activities. In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 15-20 hours minimum of self-directed study each week.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • written coursework/case studies
  • self-assessment quizzes
  • objective structured clinical examinations
  • presentations and posters
  • formal examinations and practical projects
  • group work
  • development of a clinical portfolio.

Our innovative and varied assessments offer a range of assessment methods aimed at providing real life skills. Use of creative and innovative teaching approaches with an emphasis on applying the learning to dietetic practice.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Throughout the course you will explore international, national and local food and nutrition practices and policies.

You may also have the opportunity to undertake international experiences including a collaborative online international learning (COIL) project where you can gain an insight into global challenges in public health and the roles of dietitians in other countries. Optional field trips may also offer you the chance go abroad. to attend international conferences. In recent years, students have been to Poland, Malta and Spain2.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level ABB to include Biology. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.
BTEC DDM in a Science subject, to include Distinctions in Biological and Physiological units. Distinctions in units 11, 12 and 13.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma in a Science subject, with 45 Level 3 credits in Science or Health units. To include: 36 level 3 credits at Distinction, with 15 in Biology and 15 in Chemistry. Remaining credits must be Merit or higher. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.
IB Diploma 32 points to include 7 points in Biology.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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All applicants will be interviewed.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

All offers are subject to satisfactory occupational health clearance, a criminal record check via Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent for non-UK residents and a successful interview. For international students, if you are offered a place, the International Office will send you instructions about how to complete your DBS check, including a link to the UK Home office DBS website.

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered5.

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an International Foundation Year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Biosciences or International Foundation Year - Sports Science will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

All applicants will be interviewed.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective team working in delivering excellent patient care.

All offers are subject to satisfactory occupational health clearance, a criminal record check via Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent for non-UK residents and a successful interview. For international students, if you are offered a place, the International Office will send you instructions about how to complete your DBS check, including a link to the UK Home office DBS website.

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The university is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered5.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible home students for each year of study. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building features a range of mock healthcare settings, including hospital wards, ambulance, therapy suites and community houses4, giving you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations before you go on placement.

Inside a mock ambulance with a mock patient on stretcher

Alison Gingell Building

Our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building features mock ambulance, hospital wards, critical care settings and therapy suites.

Male and female students talking a female who is sitting down with a drink

Community houses

Our two full-size community homes can be used for sessions simulating working with patients outside of a hospital setting.

Female in a white lab coat holding a plastic beaker.

Laboratories

You’ll have access to a suite of analytical and biological laboratories and a kitchen where you can gain hands-on experience.

Careers and opportunities

This course aims to prepare you for a range of rewarding possible careers in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings including large, medium and small acute hospital settings, community settings, public health, industry, the media, research and Non-Governmental Organisations to name a few.

On successful completion of this course, you will also be equipped with the skills to undertake further study both nationally and globally using a problem-based learning approach.

You will have the opportunity to experiment, innovate and experience immersive situations as you learn in a safe and inspiring environment. Simulated real-life scenarios will enable you to put the theory in to practice to embed your understanding.

We have strong links with local employers and professional bodies to ensure that the course content and delivery aims to meet current and anticipated future employer needs.

Becoming a registered dietitian can provide you with a gateway to a range of diverse and exciting career opportunities including: the media, food and pharmaceutical industry, public health, freelance dietetics, private health care and consultancy, sport and leisure industry, research and academia, working for government and non-governmental organisations.

Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (additional costs may apply). It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 is on the HCPC Register.

Where our graduates work

Many of our graduates get their first job as a dietitian working within the public sector, usually in the National Health Service (NHS).

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Public Health Nutrition MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

  • 1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    5Placements

    Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

    6NHS payment

    The rules may be subject to review by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the future and as a result may change. Please therefore check the NHSBSA website for up-to-date information before applying.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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