Human Nutrition & Dietetics - BSc (Hons) Degree

The BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics requires completing and passing three clinical placements.

Placement 1 for six weeks during year 2 of the programme (May - June).
Placement 2 for 8 weeks at the start of year 3 of the programme (September - October)
Placement 3 for 14 weeks during year 3 (Jan - April).

All placements require students to show competencies in specific dietetics skills. Placement 2 and 3 have level 6 assessed elements that contribute to the final degree classification.  Placement 2 has 20 academic credits and placement 3 has 40 academic credits incorporated.

All modules are core with no options

Year One (Level 4):

• Professional and Interprofessional Development 1
•  Anatomy and Physiology
• Communication for Dietitian
• Human Biochemistry and Physiology
• Nutrition (Macro and Micronutrients)
• Key Dietetics Skills
  
  

Year Two (Level 5):​

• Professional and Interprofessional Development
• Principles of Dietetics
•  Health Psychology and Wellbeing
•   Population and Lifecycle Nutrition
• Specialist Dietetics
• Research Methods
• Placement 1: Foundations of Dietetic Practice
  
  

Years Three (Level 6):

• Project
• Contemporary Nutrition in Dietetic Clinical Practice 
• Placement 2: Developing Dietetic Practice
• Placement 3: Competence in Dietetic Practice
•  Placement 3: Demonstrating Competence in Dietetic Practice for HCPC Registration
  

The BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics employs a range of innovative and engaging, student centred teaching methods throughout the programme. We begin to build key skills in dietetics from the first year with an emphasis on food, nutrition, nutritional assessment, communication and reflective skills.

Exploring the professional NHS setting throughout studies ensures learners to develop a sound understanding of the role and a clear sense of professional identity. Clinical case studies, laboratory and kitchen practicals to teach dietetics therapy.

In addition we simulate clinical simulations. consultations and group teaching sessions in order to build communication skills. Students participate in inter-professional learning opportunities and engage with a range of clinical and allied health professional students in stimulating simulation facilities, clinical placements and shared lectures. 

Students are supported to undertake in depth research into a chosen dietetic related topic and to complete their dissertation.

The programme is designed to build on acrued experience and learning throughout studies with a clear emphasis on professional practice. 

Each module is assessed by assignment and/or examination. There is more of an emphasis on assignments as the course progresses with fewer examinations. Practical assessment includes Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and assessed group teaching. All modules in year two and three are externally assessed. All year two and three modules contribute to the final degree classification including the credit bearing assessment completed in placements 2 and 3.

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.

Applicants should have 5 GCSE passes, including English Language, Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy and Science at grade C / grade 4 or above, plus 120 points from at least 3 A levels (or equivalent). Typical offers may include:

• 120 points from at least 3 A levels to include a B grade at Biology and Chemistry
• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Science (covering Biology and Chemistry) DDM
  
• 120 points from at least 3 Scottish Advanced Highers to include a C grade at Biology and Chemistry
• 120 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include Biology and Chemistry at grade H2
  
• T level in a Science subject will be considered alongside a further relevant Level 3 
  
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: to include 15 Distinctions in both Biology and Chemistry credits, and Merits from the remaining level 3 credits. Access to Higher Education Diplomas are accepted in the areas of Biosciences, Health Care, Health Science and Science. A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English language, Mathematics and Science are also required
  

Please note: We will interview all eligible applicants who are studying, or have studied, an appropriate Access to Higher Education Health related Diploma; level 3 or 4 work based learning qualification or similar level 3 programme; that meets the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB) requirements for the programme

Please note it is a professional requirement that all applicants have GCSE grade C or equivalent in both English Language and Mathematics. Applicants who speak English as a second language must have adequate command of English, with an IELTS score of 7, with at least 6.5 in all elements.

If you are studying combinations of the above or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search for entry requirements. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.

All applications to the undergraduate programme are through UCAS. Offers to study are based on suitable qualifications, a strong personal statement and a successful interview. 

We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate a clear understanding of the role of a Dietitian and the range of settings they might engage with. We look for evidence of experience and knowledde of the work of a dietician, together with sound communication skills. This might be through previous work in a care or customer-facing setting, voluntary work in a care related area, visits or engagement with Dietitians and attendance at the Dietetic Experience days. 
Looking at NHS values and professional attitudes we expect the applicant to be able to demonstrate a degree of self-awareness, insight, initiative and empathy for others. 

Unfortunately, due to limited numbers, applicants who choose the university as an Insurance choice cannot 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 may 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 term 2 modules in Biological Sciences (20 credits) and Chemical Sciences (20 credits) modules, on first attempt, where an application from UCAS has been received.

Experience Days:​

Health Boards in Wales are currently working together to provide Experience Days for prospective students who frequently enquire about work experience days. As this is a requirement in applying for the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics programmes, Experience Days have been set up to accommodate this.

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.

The next Dietetic Experience Days are:
12th October 2022 – Cardiff and Vale UHB

To apply to attend one of the days listed above please complete the application form and return it via email to csshsllandaff@cardiffmet.ac.uk. On the form you will need to specify which Experience Day you are applying to attend.

Dietetic Experience Day Application Form

Please only book a place if you definitely intend to attend. If you book a place but cannot attend please let us know as soon as possible so that we can give your place to someone else. A list of those who do not attend without cancelling their place will be provided to the Programme Director to be considered in the allocation of places on the programme. Many thanks for your co-operation.

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 on our Open Day pages.

Selection Procedure and Interviews​

Admission to this programme is subject to applicants being successful at interview.
Selection for interview is based on the information submitted on the UCAS application form. Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to undertake a structured interview, which is designed to assess the values of a future NHS employee. In addition, an assessment of applicants’ communication skills and their understanding of the profession will be made.
Interview dates are to be confirmed. One alternative date will be provided for those unable to attend. Early applications are encouraged in order that interview invitations can be processed effectively.

Foundation leading to Health Sciences:
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 may 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 term 2 modules in Biological Sciences (20 credits) and Chemical Sciences (20 credits) modules, on first attempt, where an application from UCAS has been received.
Applicants for foundation studies leading to entry onto BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics will be offered an interview. 

DBS and Occupational Health Checks

All students must undertake appropriate immunisation and health checks prior to entry and a completed Enhanced DBS disclosure is required. We also recommend applicants register with the Update Service, so the DBS disclosure remains up to date for the duration of studies and may cover placements, if undertaken. More information about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs. Further information about occupational health checks can be found by visiting by www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/ohq

International Applicants:

As it is not possible to provide placements for students from outside the EU, it is not possible to consider international students for this programme.

How to Apply:

Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at www.ucas.com. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

If you are interested in transferring credit from another institution, you can find further information on this and information on how to apply on the RPL page. Please contact Admissions for any queries that you have on RPL.

Mature students

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

All healthcare students, including those who have not subscribed to NHS Wales Bursary which provides financial support for tuition fees and for some aspects of maintenance in return for their commitment to work in Wales after graduation, are eligible for support from NHS Wales in the form of reimbursement of clinical placement travel and subsistence expenses which may be claimed through the Cardiff Metropolitan University Student Services Placements Office. For further information on reclaiming placement expenses please contact cpt@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Please contact financeadvice@cardiffmet.ac.uk if you have any queries about funding, including student finance and NHS bursary. For further information about the NHS Bursary Scheme, please click here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk or tweet us @CMetAdmissions.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Leader:
Email: ugdietetics@cardiffmet.ac.uk 

 Tel: 029 2041 6883