15 months after graduating
100% of our dietetics graduates are in work or further study
100% of dietetics graduates in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage
95% of dietetics graduates are utilising what they learnt during their studies in their current activity*
Studying
Dietetics at the University will open a wide range of career choices,
including opportunities in public sector healthcare, the commercial sector and
self employment.
The
NHS is the major employer of dietitians, with dietitians working in hospital
settings, community and GP practices. There are opportunities to specialise in
a variety of areas such as ITU, diabetes, renal, paediatrics, oncology,
gastroenterology, mental health, learning disabilities, neurological disorders
etc. There are also opportunities to practice in private healthcare, food
industry, businesses, workplace, catering, public health, education sport and
the media.
In
the commercial sector, food and drink manufacturers and pharmaceutical
companies employ dietitians in a variety of roles including product development,
quality control, advising on labelling and regulatory affairs. You could be
working for a company specialising in NHS prescription only products used in the
management or treatment of a range of clinical conditions.
Some
graduates choose to focus on the health promotion aspects of their dietetic
training. In the public sector this can involve working in partnership with NHS
Trusts, councils and third sector organisations to deliver health promotion
campaigns, community-based health programmes and advice to the public. National
organisations such as Public Health England and the Food Safety Council offer
opportunities to specialise in food safety, health promotion and protection as
well as food policy. Commercial organisations also employ dietitians in health
promotion related roles.
If
you have an interest in research, you could pursue a career in dietetic or
public health research. You could work in higher education institutions or in
the health service as a clinical academic.
Public health bodies also employ researchers, as do commercial
organisations.
Some
dietitians work in the media industry, for example writing for health
publications, consulting on the content of food TV programmes, or in public
relations where you could be using a range of media to build and manage the
image and reputation of your clients. A
small number of dietitians enter the world of professional sport, supporting
athletes in achieving their maximum performance potential.
There
are many opportunities for self employment, it is not uncommon for graduates to
work part-time in the NHS alongside freelance work in private practice or
consultancy work within the commercial or media sectors. In most cases people
move into self employment after some years of clinical experience as a
registered dietitian. The University offers advice and support around
entrepreneurship through the Formation Zone https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/university-structure/service-areas/research-and-innovation
Researching your career options
Given the diversity of career options open to dietetics graduates,
it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed
decisions about your future.
The
following websites provide helpful information on options with a dietetics
degree:
Gaining work experience
Pre-entry experience or
shadowing within the health and social care sector is an advantage.
If this is not possible, then employment or voluntary
experience in a different setting will provide you with transferable skills
that will enhance your application.
Employment opportunities
Below is a snapshot of what some of University of
Plymouth Dietetics graduates told us they were doing 15 months after
graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping
stones’ to other roles by providing relevant workplace experience.
- Acute Dietitian
- Community Dietitian
- Dietitian
- Rotational Band 5 Dietitain
- Specialist Dietitian
Employers
Our graduates are found in most NHS Trusts as well as the
private healthcare sector. Click here for links to Trusts across the UK All
NHS Authorities
-
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust
- NHS
- Royal United Hospital, Bath
- Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Swansea Bay
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
- Yeovil District Hospital
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 18 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.