School of Health Professions

MDiet (Hons) Dietetics

Stand out from the crowd with an integrated masters in dietetics. Our full-time, four-year programme offers a challenging and rewarding study experience that will develop your practice, leadership, management and research skills to promote progression in your dietetic career. This programme is committed to inter-professional collaboration in both education and practice and allows you to start your career with enhanced clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Careers with this subject
Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition to improve health and treat diet related diseases and conditions. They educate and give practical and personal advice to patients, carers or colleagues. 
They advise and help to maintain nutritional status when individuals want to trial dietary interventions, such as exclusion diets, nutritional supplementation or dietary interventions, in a multitude of different areas. They use recognised methodologies to critically appraise all forms of evidence and research, to inform their advice. They help improve their patient’s quality of life.
Dietitians may work with the following physical disorders:
  • Neurological 
    Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
  • Diverse patient groups 
    Dietitians work with a wide range of different people and age groups, from babies through to palliative or end of life care. You may also work with people with physical or learning disabilities.
  • Physical conditions
    Some of the conditions dietitians might see are patients with cancer, inherited metabolic disease, cystic fibrosis, constipation, renal nutrition, obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, HIV, fertility difficulties, heart disease, hypertension, those requiring parenteral or enteral nutrition, or people with weight management issues.
  • Dietary conditions 
    Dietitians work with people who may be malnourished, have allergies, consume vegetarian or vegan diets, or have coeliac disease.
  • Mental health conditions 
    Mental health conditions that dietitians might work with include patients with eating disorders or food attachment disorders.
  • Developmental conditions 
    Dietitians work with children or babies that may be suffering from a range of developmental conditions such as faltering growth or feeding difficulties. They work with these patient groups to ensure children hit key milestones, and progress into healthy adulthood.
Within the dietetics profession there are a multitude of job opportunities. You could work in the NHS, within the public or private sector. For example:
  • NHS hospitals
  • Public health, policy making and media
  • Communities
  • Sports nutrition
  • Food industry
  • Private practice
  • GP surgeries
  • Care and nursing homes
  • Education and academia
  • Research
  • Leadership roles
  • Voluntary roles.

Key features
  • Four year Integrated masters programme.
  • The programme is delivered by a team of well published, internationally recognised, research active academics who are developing the future dietetic profession.
  • Experience practice placements in each of the first three years, gaining experience in a range of different clinical and community settings, including unique specialist placements in paediatrics and mental health.
  • Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place. 
  • Develop coaching and mentoring skills by supporting the delivery of our in-house nutrition clinic in your final year. 
  • Develop leadership roles for sustainability and explore an emerging range of professional opportunities for dietitians beyond our traditional role, including freelance and private practice, the world of media and social enterprise.
  • Experience interprofessional learning throughout the programme. 
  • Opportunities to select modules which align to your career aspirations.
Please note: in order to successfully complete your course and be eligible to apply for a professional registration you must pass all practice based placement competencies along with your theoretical study. This is a requirement of the HCPC. You will only be able to take personal holidays during the specified leave periods for your course. This includes induction week where it is vital you attend all sessions.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • You will study psychosocial aspects of patient care, biochemistry, physiology, food science, and human nutrition to underpin modules in dietetics and applied nutrition in subsequent years. Sharing teaching with other health professions during part of the year helps you to understand the need for multi-professional working. You will learn how to critically appraise evidence and be introduced to the importance of public health nutrition. You will spend two weeks in your first supervised placement.
    • DIET409 Human Nutrition, Food Studies and the Lifecycle
    • DIET410 Psychosocial Aspects of Patient Centred Care
    • DIET407 Nutritional Biochemistry
    • DIET408 Physiology and Genetics
    • DIET405 Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health Nutrition
    • DIET411 Placement A
    • SOHP401 Preparation for Practice

    Core modules

    • Nutritional Biochemistry (DIET407)

      This module provides an introduction to the chemistry, biochemistry and metabolic principles underpinning the science of human nutrition.

    • Physiology and Genetics (DIET408)

      This module provides the background in physiology and genetics to enable the learner to develop and incorporate these concepts into modules at level 5. The module has been designed to include the majority of the material that is considered to be essential in providing a sound understanding of the biosciences that underpin dietetics.

    • Human Nutrition, Food Studies and the Lifecycle (DIET409)

      To provide a foundation for the study of human nutrition, a global perspective of the food provisioning system and investigate relationships between food, diet and lifestyle. To investigate the theory and practical aspects of dietary intake assessment and evaluate nutritional requirements throughout stages of the life cycle.

    • Psychosocial Aspects of Patient Centred Care (DIET410)

      Students will explore the psychosocial aspects of patient centred care. An introduction to psychosocial aspects of care and impact on health and wellbeing. Students will study the concepts of patient centred care by exploring psychological and social aspects and how these impact on an individual's food choice, lifestyle and health behaviour.

    • Placement A (DIET411)

      You will build confidence in communicating with patients and gain an awareness of the diverse role of the dietitian. During the first year we encourage students to undertake an optional placement with our local partners in charities, industry, care homes and public health partnerships. Working within the optional placements has the benefit of providing students with the opportunity to practice, strengthen and develop the communication skills taught within the academic year.

    • Nutritional Epidemiology & Public Health Nutrition (DIET412)

      The module will introduce the principles of evidence based practice and the study of nutritional epidemiology. It will provide an introduction to the relationship between diet and disease, combining nutritional knowledge with skills in evaluation of dietary assessment methodologies to investigate the determinants of health and disease in populations. These epidemiological concepts will then be applied in the context of public health nutrition.

    • Preparation for Practice (SOHP401)

      This inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of allied health professionals, as evidence based practitioners, will underpin learning.

  • Year 2

  • You will work on an integrated and innovative series of problem-based learning exercises to extend the depth and breadth of your knowledge in nutrition, dietetics and clinical sciences. An understanding of immunology and pharmacology will be developed. You will undertake 12 weeks of supervised clinical practice to enable you to develop the confidence and personal skills required to work as a dietitian. We will introduce you to the concepts of professional studies, providing learning opportunities for problem solving with other healthcare professionals.
    • DIET501 Pathophysiology
    • DIET507 Dietetics 1 (CBL)
    • DIET511 Dietetics in Practice 1
    • DIET508 Metabolism and Pharmacology
    • DIET509 Metabolism and Immunology
    • DIET510 Placement B

    Core modules

    • Pathophysiology (DIET501)

      This module runs in parallel with the major modules in dietetic practice. The module is designed to provide basic knowledge on basic pathophysiology as well as to introduce the student to the basic concepts of epidemiology and medical diagnosis. The appropriate pathophysiology is encountered at the same time as the conditions are examined from a clinical and dietetic viewpoint.

    • Dietetics 1 (DIET507)

      This module will introduce students to an evidence based approach to dietary modification for health in different care groups with a wide diversity of ages and social conditions. It will address, in particular, the factors which affect and difficulties of implementing dietary change.

    • Metabolism and Pharmacology (DIET508)

      The metabolic element of this module explores the physiological and metabolic background to nutrition through the lifecycle. Basic nutritional metabolism will be studied to provide the basis to look at (in other modules) the role of metabolism in various conditions. The pharmacological element of this module introduces the student dietitian to the basic principles of pharmacology. The mode of action of drugs, the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of drugs, and the interaction between diet and drugs.

    • Metabolism and Immunology (DIET509)

      This module explores the physiological and metabolic background to diet related diseases, the role of nutrition in immune function and the influence of nutrients and exercise on the maintenance of optimal health.

    • Placement B (DIET510)

      During this 12 week placement, students will begin to apply their theoretical knowledge through blended, virtual and on-site placements and develop the range of skills required to work as a dietitian. Including procedures for the assessment, intervention and monitoring of clients with a range of non-complex conditions in a variety of settings.

    • Dietetics in Practice 1 (DIET511)

      This module will require students to put into practice the theory studied in Dietetics 1. Students will learn how to adapt meals and use special products to meet an individual's nutritional requirements. They will develop their communication, educational and motivational interviewing abilities. Students will build confidence in core dietetic skills in preparation for their B placement.

  • Year 3

  • You will develop skills to work with more complex patients and study emerging issues in clinical nutrition. An understanding of the principles of sustainable leadership, digital marketing and effective management skills will be embedded. You will work on an in-depth research project design in an area of personal interest related to dietetics or nutrition. Your final clinical placement will have a strong patient focus, emphasis being on professional mastery and fitness for practice required for employment and registration as a dietitian with the HCPC.
    • DIET606 Dietetics 2 (CBL)
    • DIET607 Dietetics in Practice 2
    • SOHP606 Leadership Roles for Sustainability 
    • DIET608 Placement C
    • SOHP604 Project design for research
    • DIET610 Contemporary and emerging issues in Clinical Nutrition

    Core modules

    • Dietetics 2 (CBL) (DIET606)

      This module will help students review their practical dietetic experiences and build on these through a questioning/problem solving approach. Students will justify approaches and consider the concept of evidenced-based practice in dietary therapy for complex conditions to put together nutrition and dietetic interventions for case scenarios.

    • Dietetics in Practice 2 (DIET607)

      The module will require students to put into practice the theory studied in Dietetics 2. The major emphasis is on communication and educational skills; presentation and evaluation of different techniques used by dietitians for individuals and groups.

    • Placement C (DIET608)

      This 12 week placement builds on the practical skills and knowledge acquired in placement B with an increasing focus on clients with complex needs. Students become competent in translating theory into practice and in demonstrating the range of skills needed to work as a newly qualified dietitian.

    • Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Clinical Nutrition (DIET610)

      A range of contemporary and emerging biomedical research themes have direct application to and implications for dietetic practice. This module will explore a selection of pertinent themes within the context of clinical nutrition with direct application to dietetic practice.

    • Leadership Roles for Sustainability (DIET611)

      This module provides an understanding of sustainability leadership roles for Allied Health Professionals relevant to supporting their skills development for a changing healthcare future. Students will learn how to design, evaluate and communicate the impact of a more sustainable area of practice. They will use sustainability leadership techniques and appraise how these will impact more effective sustainable management of practice in both the public and private sector. There will be a focus on the use of quality improvement frameworks and effective use of digital marketing to promote best practice.

    • Project Design for Research (SOHP604)

      Students will explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project and by the end of the module will formulate a research proposal. The module will explore defining and refining a research question, selecting and appraising methodology, ethical considerations, selecting and appraising data collection and analysis techniques.  

  • Final year

  • In your final year you will focus on leadership and mentorship skills exploring innovations in healthcare so preparing you to be leaders of the future. You will undertake an individual supervised research project in an area of your choice. You will focus on the complexities and consequences of malnutrition in a range of clinical settings and have the opportunity to study either the management of long term conditions or applied sports nutrition. 
    • DIET701 Developing AHP Leaders through coaching and mentoring 
    • SOHP703 Dissertation
    • ADV775 Malnutrition and Nutritional Support
    • ADV770 Innovations in an ever changing market place
    • ADV735 Advancing the management of long term conditions
    OR
    • HNUT703 Applied Sports Nutrition

    Core modules

    • Developing AHP Leaders through Coaching and Mentoring (DIET701)

      This module focuses on the concepts and practice of mentoring and coaching as a key skill for healthcare professionals, and allows students to practice skills and develop their abilities in this area whilst supervising undergraduate dietetic students. The models and methods of mentoring and coaching will be explored, and students will develop their own style through reflection and feedback.

    • Research Dissertation (SOHP705)

      Over the course of this module students will complete their dissertation as part of their Masters programme under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor. Students will undertake an individual research project and this is presented as an individual project report/ article (7000 words). Formative: presentation to peers.

    • Innovation in an Ever Changing Marketplace - Entrepreneurship for Health and Social Care Professionals (SOHP706)

      This module will be delivered using a blended learning approach. Through a series of seminars, tutorials, webinars and e-learning students will explore the concepts of marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation relating to independent practice, social enterprise, charitable organisations and the NHS. Students will examine and gain an understanding of law and policy related to their field of interest.

    • Malnutrition and Nutritional Support (DIET703)

      This module focuses on the complexities and consequences of malnutrition in a range of clinical settings predominantly in the UK although malnutrition as a global challenge will also be discussed. Different nutritional assessment techniques and tools will be applied in a clinical context and the evidence base for nutritional support will be explored for the nutritional management of the different types of malnutrition.

    Optional modules

    • Applied Sports Nutrition (HNUT703)

      This module will critically evaluate the role of nutrition in sports and exercise. It will look at the key physiological factors underpinning applied nutritional practices, as well as potential psychological/cultural/ psychosocial factors impacting on food intake in athletes. Professional aspects of working as a registered nutritionist will also be covered.

    • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (DIET702)

      This module focuses on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. This module is based on best practice discussed within national and international policy and guidelines. It will explore in depth the impact of long term conditions on the individual, their family and carers.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

MDiet Hons Programme Specification 23 24 7184

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

128

GCSEs
All applicants must have at least 5 GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above and must include English, maths and a science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note the institution may consider equivalent numeracy and literacy qualifications
PLUS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
A Level
128 (ABB) from three A levels which must include Biology plus a second science, preferably Chemistry but will accept Maths /Physics /Psychology /Sociology/ Geography/Geology/Environmental science. Excludes general studies.
Extended project will be counted if nutrition-related subject (this will be considered at confirmation).
IB
32 points overall to include Higher Level 5 in Biology and Higher Level 5 in second Science, preferably Chemistry (will consider Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Geology, Environmental science). If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have IELTS 7.0 overall (6.5 min in each element).
IELTS: 7.0 Overall with 6.5 in all elements
Access
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. science, combined science, medicine) with at least 45 credits at level 3 of which 33 must be at distinction level with 15 credits in biology and 15 credits in a second science (preferably chemistry, but others might be considered including maths, physics, psychology, sociology, geography, environmental science). The remaining 12 level 3 credits must be at merit.
T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC
BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma - DDM – Science related. Must contain strong Biology and second science module (preferably Chemistry, but may also consider Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Geology and Environmental science). An A level alongside is preferable.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules including their credit rating within your qualification at the time of application.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Alternatively if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site ( download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.

Extended requirements

  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated below.
  • IELTS – 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all elements.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • English language requirements
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Further information
Deferred entry
Deferred entry is not physically possible for us (but we can waive your interview in the next cycle if you have already been interviewed successfully this cycle).

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £16,300 £18,100
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Additional costs

Placements
All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.
Despite these costs, placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.
Further information
More details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are included in Faculty of Health additional costs. 

NHS Learning Support Fund

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. Please be aware that this funding is provided by the NHS and is reviewed periodically, which means levels of funding could be subject to change. For more information, please see the guidance available: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 31 May 2024 for entry in September 2024. 
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Your career as a healthcare professional starts here

The first-class new home for our healthcare teaching and research providing students with skills to meet the needs of 21st century careers.

InterCity Place InterCity Place
 A unique new learning space where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the largest breadth of health disciplines in the South-West learn together under one roof, with expert practitioners.

Medical students using the Anatomage table clinical Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC)
 Experience an interprofessional learning environment across our health programmes that will prepare you for life as a healthcare professional.

First choice for health Become a healthcare professional of the future
 Collaboration across the schools helps students to learn with, from and about each other, gaining the real-world experience employers seek.

Student experience – Robin

"I have recently been offered my first band 5 Dietitian job in a mental health and learning disabilities rotational position, which is my dream dietetic job."
Current final year MDiet student Robin talks about her university journey. She explains how the programme is taught, gives insights into her experience so far and provides advice to future students. 
MDiet Dietetics student, Robin Wileman

Health students may be eligible to receive an additional £5000 each year

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students. It is supplementary financial support to the mainstream student loans system and is intended to support students whilst they train and gain professional registration. The training grant is for £5,000. 

  • >Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council

  • >Provisional accreditation by the British Dietetic Association

Zoe Andrews BSc (Hons) Dietetics

Placement learning

Placement learning is an integral part of the experience of training to become a dietitian.
Placements are of 4, 12 and 12-weeks duration, and occur in Years 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These take place in a variety of settings, with a blend of simulation experiences based at the University, and placements accessed across the South West (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Avon, and Wiltshire).
Placement opportunities provide practical experience allowing you to apply theory learnt at university into a variety of different specialist, clinic areas and settings.
dietetics

What are the benefits in choosing the four year course over standard three year alternative?

  • Increased choice for future career direction.
  • Enhanced research journey through an individual research study that offers students: a greater understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice; the potential to undertake a career in research or education; a pathway to progression towards a PhD.
  • Enhancement of leadership skills with the potential to progress to roles at higher managerial levels more quickly

A lot of people think dietitians just advise and support people with weight problems. That's a relatively small part of what they do.

Academic lead,  Dr Avril Collinson talks you through the key features of studying dietetics at Plymouth.
Watch our short video to find out more about learning, placements and careers.

A day in a life of a dietitian

Dietitians understand the science behind what we eat and use this to help people be as healthy as possible when they are ill and beyond.
Follow Monika Siemicka on a typical day

Our research

Nutrition is integral to life and health; it influences growth, development, maintenance of health, and can be used to treat disease. We are working to further understand the relationship between nutrition and health.
Our Dietetics, Human Nutrition and Health research group encompasses all these aspects of nutritional research and collaborates across professions and with other institutes, promoting inter-disciplinary research between the area of nutrition.
Fruit at a farmers market

My Ketogenic Journey – Lee's story

A ketogenic diet (KD) is a very high fat, adequate protein and low carbohydrate diet, used since the 1920’s to treat very difficult to manage epilepsy that is resistant to anti-epileptic medications. It is also the sole treatment for two complex metabolic disorders; Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency Syndrome and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency. In recent years so called “keto” diets are growing in popularity in the press and social media as a ‘one size fits all’ diet for everything from acne to weight loss. Being described as a miraculously enjoyable and easy diet, eating all the fat and protein you want while simply reducing carbohydrate intake. 
When used appropriately as a medical treatment, a dietitian calculates and prescribes a bespoke KD regime for each patient. Working closely together to ensure the KD is palatable, well tolerated with minimal side effects and fine-tuned for effectiveness. These prescribed KDs may reach as high as 80-90% of calorie intake from fat. It is incredibly rewarding to support and empower patients to make the extensive dietary changes required and see the remarkable reduction in seizure frequency that can be achieved. So challenge those social media influencers and look deeper into the evidence supporting the ketogenic diet and its true uses! 
Watch Lee’s story to hear how the ketogenic diet has helped to control his epilepsy and inspired him to study BSc (Hons) Dietetics at Plymouth.

“The ketogenic diet for epilepsy has had a positive impact on my health and quality of life. So much so, it has inspired me to study dietetics and I'm loving the journey so far. I look forward to my future and hope to have a positive impact on others too.”

Direct entry into Year 2

Do you already have a nutritional science based degree? If so you may be eligible to enter directly into year two of our three year programme. Speak to us via admissions@plymouth.ac.uk to discuss your qualifications and eligibility.

Screening for health students

Additional checks are required for all health students. All offers are made subject to receipt of satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and police checks. 

NHS Constitution

All our students are expected to adhere to the principles and values laid out in the NHS Constitution

People