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

• Biochemistry (20 Credits)
  
• Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology (20 Credits)
  
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 Credits)
  
• Key Skills for Food and Nutrition (20 Credits)
  
• Nutrition (Macro and Micronutrients) (20 Credits)
  
• Contemporary Collaborative Practice (20 Credits)
  
Year Two (Level 5):​

• Population and Lifecycle Nutrition (20 Credits)
  
• Health and Wellbeing (20 Credits)
  
• Communication for Dietitians (20 Credits)
  
• Principles of Dietetics (20 Credits)
  
• Specialist Dietetics (20 Credits)
  
• Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology 1 (20 Credits)
  
• Research Skills for Dietitians (20 Credits)
  

Years Three (Level 6):

• Contemporary Nutrition in Dietetics Clinical Practice (30 Credits)
  
• Dissertation Project ​(30 Credits)
  

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

Visits into the professional NHS setting during this year will help learners to develop a professional understanding of the role. In the second year we use case studies and kitchen practicals to teach dietetics therapy.

In addition we simulate consultations and group teaching sessions in order to build communication skills. During the first year students participate in inter-professional learning. They also undertake in depth research into a chosen topic to complete their dissertation, which they disseminate in a poster presentation at the end of the course.

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* and Science at grade C or above (or grade 4 or abo​ve for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England), 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) DDD

• 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
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: to include 15 Distinctions in both Biology and Chemistry credits, and Merits from the remaining level 3 credits​

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.

*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.

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.

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.

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: ​

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance at a Dietetic Experience Day is no longer a requirement for those applying to the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics for entry in 2021/22. 

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 for 2020 entry are to be February 1st 2020 with an one alternative date to be provided for those unable to attend. Early applications are encouraged in order that interview invitations can be processed effectively.

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.

The Welsh Health Minister has a responsibility for NHS Wales workforce planning and for the training and development of healthcare professionals in Wales.  As part of that responsibility, the University will be required to provide information on your progress during your studies.  For those students who are not supported by the NHS Wales Bursary scheme, this information is anonymised as part of a statistical report which includes details relating to your progression in your studies and the outcomes that you achieve.  

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 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 Admissions Tutor Hilary Wickett:
Email: hwickett@cardiffmet.ac.uk

 Tel: 029 2041 6883