Dietetics BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes

close up of a person in lab coat and gloves cutting up a tomato

As a registered dietitian you could offer expert advice and dietary changes to help people treat disease, prevent illness, manage health conditions and optimise health.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

HU05

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Registered dietitians are qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, translating it into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices (British Dietetic Association, 2024).

Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to apply for professional registration as dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registration with the HCPC is required for employment within the National Health Service (NHS), and to use the title ‘dietitian’, which is protected by the HCPC (please see Accreditation section for more information).
Gain the skills to deliver professional, impactful, evidence-informed guidance and advice across a range of dynamic and diverse healthcare environments.
Practice-based learning with placements which could included acute hospitals, small hospitals, GP clinics, community trusts, mental health settings and nursing homes^2,5. Most placements are sourced by the university - you will be required to source one placement yourself, with support from the university.
As part of your course, you will undertake a Food Safety course with the opportunity to be awarded a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Environment Health, enabling you to prepare food safely.
Learn to collaborate and thrive as a dietitian across and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, evidenced-based care delivery.
Study one module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
All eligible students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the Government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs⁶.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

This course aims to empower you to use your passion for people and food to prevent and treat a wide range of disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, coeliac disease, food allergies and many more. You’ll also explore the barriers to health that people face and the strategies which can be used to overcome those barriers.

Simulation suites and purpose-built small-scale catering facilities help prepare you for the workplace and emulate an authentic working environment.
We use inclusive case studies to help support you and prepare you for the workplace using real-life examples.
The teaching team draws on their professional experience in the field to give you insight into how the theory works in action.

Studying in the School of Health and Care

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as a dietitian from day one, you'll also collaborate with learners from other School of Health and Care fields, learning in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Health and Care Professions Council

This course is currently accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)¹. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible. This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

BDA accredited programme. The association of UK dieticians

British Dietetics Association (BDA)

This course is currently accredited by the BDA¹. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible. This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice. 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

Modules

Fundamentals of Nutrition and Physiology - 20 credits

This module aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of human nutrition, metabolism, anatomy and physiology. The role of individual nutrients in achieving good health will also be considered as well as an understanding of the development of UK dietary guidelines. Deficiency and excess of nutrients will also be explored along with strategies to manage this.

Compulsory

Foundations of Dietetic Practice - 20 credits

This module introduces you to the Model and Process for Nutrition and Dietetic Practice along with the fundamental skills required for effective dietetic practice. You will explore how theories of communication, health behaviour change and motivational interviewing support clients to make dietary change.

Compulsory

Introduction to Diet Therapy - 20 credits

This module aims to develop your knowledge of the Model and Process for Nutrition and Dietetic Practice and the creation dietary plans for protein and energy malnutrition in adults, and its associated health conditions. You will estimate nutritional requirements and select a range of approaches to food fortification and the use of oral nutritional supplements. This module also involves a placement sourced by the university^2,5.

Compulsory

Food and Catering Systems - 20 credits

This module introduces you to food production and preparation techniques for both large- and small-scale catering and menu planning. You will also aim to develop knowledge of food hygiene. The nutritional and sensory impact of food preparation will also be considered. You will explore the sustainability of the diet and its impact on the environment. You will also complete simulated practice-based learning within this module.

Compulsory

Becoming a Professional Practitioner - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the values, behaviours and actions essential for professional practice. We will support you to develop your personal and academic skills, providing you with opportunities to reflect on your knowledge, skills and values. We will work with you to foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration and valuing diversity to prepare you to work within multi-professional environments.

Compulsory

Evidence: Your Profession in a Global Context - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to understand and appreciate the role of evidence in both your profession and the wider health and care sector. The module supports you in understanding how your personal views and experiences may influence your thinking in developing your professional identity. This module will help you develop critical thinking skills by encouraging you to question, challenge and reflect. It also covers using evidence to build your approaches, making you a more inclusive, evidence-based practitioner.

Compulsory

Modules

Core Diet Therapy - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with knowledge of epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and management of common brain-based, bone and lifestyle disorders. Clinical reasoning will be developed when implementing the model and care process of dietetic practice for these conditions. This module also introduces you to the principles of ethical decision-making and the legal and ethical aspects of professional practice. You will also have the opportunity to complete simulated practice-based learning within this module.

Compulsory

Applied Diet Therapy - 20 credits

Developing Dietetic Practice - 20 credits

The module aims to enable you to apply your knowledge in a workplace setting through a placement sourced by the university^2,5. You will aim to develop the confidence and skills needed to translate theory into practice; obtain, record and interpret relevant information; and advise service users accordingly. You will explore the need to treat everyone with respect and compassion regardless of belief or background and apply communication skills to develop professional relationships with staff and service users, manage time and workload efficiently and demonstrate professionalism. You will complete practice-based learning within this module.

Compulsory

Extending Diet Therapy - 20 credits

This module explores the metabolic response to injury, critical care, intestinal failure, haematology and oncology. The effect these conditions have on nutritional status will be explored, as well as the nutritional treatment and management of these conditions. 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

Complex Diet Therapy - 20 credits

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. Mental health, learning disability, safeguarding and multi-disciplinary team working will also be explored to give you a diverse experience to widen your scope of practice.

Compulsory

Exploring Knowledge Through Curiosity - 20 credits

This module explores methods of enquiry utilised in daily practice. You will aim to develop your ability to analyse the knowledge, theory and practice-based evidence within health and care. This module will explore how daily inquiry methods can be transformed into more systematic approaches to data collection and analysis. You'll examine quantitative and qualitative research, evaluation and audit techniques. Through exploration and debate, you will aim to develop an appreciation of interdisciplinary and profession-specific evidence and how to use this learning within the practice context.

Compulsory

Modules

Consolidating Dietetic Practice - 40 credits

The module aims to enable you to apply your knowledge in a workplace setting through a placement sourced by the university^2,5. You will aim to build your confidence, knowledge and skills 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. You will have the opportunity to competently and independently carry a dietetic caseload comparable with that of a newly qualified registered dietitian. You will complete practice-based learning within this module.

Compulsory

Exploring Opportunities in Dietetic Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to further develop your knowledge of the role of the dietitian and the dietetic profession within the wider context of health. You will explore the diverse range of sectors a registered dietitian can work in and will have the opportunity to develop the skills needed for employability within the profession, supported through simulated placement hours.

Compulsory

Public Health Nutrition - 20 credits

This module aims to strengthen your understanding of the role of nutrition in public health. It explores current nutrition and health policy and evaluates the evidence base for diet and nutrition interventions to prevent diet-related disease. The module aims to enable you to respond accurately to diet and nutrition-related questions and to provide an informed response to diet and nutrition-related issues in the popular press. This module also includes a placement which you will be required to source, with the support of the university^2,5.

Compulsory

Leading for the Future as a Health and Care Professional - 20 credits

Our health and care workforce is required to lead the delivery of high-quality care, whilst navigating a complex health and social care ecosystem. This module aims to foster confident and accountable leadership through an interprofessional learning experience. By collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds, you'll explore fresh perspectives and analyse contemporary theory, practice and evidence to redefine leadership for yourself. The module aims to foster your development as a reflective leader.

Compulsory

The Evidence-based Practitioner: Professional Project - 20 credits

In this module, you'll have the opportunity to critically evaluate, interpret and apply the latest national and international research to improve care. You'll aim to develop the skills needed to analyse, safely use and share these findings, ultimately shaping best practices in your field. This module should also equip you with the skills to conduct an independent study. We'll support you as you develop your research and communication abilities, empowering you to share your findings with healthcare professionals, policymakers and the public.

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

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which may include:

on-campus lectures, seminars and practical workshops
group work
self-directed learning
placement opportunities^2.5.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice-based learning:

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours will differ between placements and different health and care courses. You will have access to university staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice collaborators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the professional body regulating the profession, the HCPC. No less than 1000 practice-based hours gained from a combination of placement and simulated learning will need to be completed over the course of your degree.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

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

Assessment methods may include:

coursework
practice placement^2,5
Virtual Simulated Placements
simulations
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
presentations
creation of narrated infographics.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	128
A level	ABB to include Biology. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DDM in Applied Science, including distinctions for unit 8: physiology of human body systems, unit 9: physiology of human regulation and reproduction, and unit 10: biological molecules and metabolic pathways.
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.

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.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section⁵.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

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.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section⁵.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 7.0 overall (with no component part 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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	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 students for each year of study⁶. 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.

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 UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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.

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.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

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 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.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course prepares you for a range of rewarding careers in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings including acute hospital settings, community settings, public health, industry, media, research and Non-Governmental Organisations. Upon graduation, you should also be equipped with the skills to undertake further study both nationally and globally to enhance your career.

Where our graduates work

Our graduates work across a wide range of settings including the NHS, public health, food industry, media, social media and within research. The course equips you with lifelong learning skills which provides graduates with the attributes to help them continue with a successful career within the industry.

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

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
SHCU005

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

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 UK (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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

⁴Facilities

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. 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. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.