Our course combines the study of nutrition and its application in dietetics, helping to prepare students for careers as Dietitians. Dietitians need insights to sociology, psychology and behaviour change to inform their professional practice.

The course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of a variety of aspects of health and diet, including the effects that preparation methods have on the quality of food, what happens to nutrients when they are absorbed from the gut, and what health problems might be expected from having too much or too little of some dietary components. Dietitians help people to change their diet so that their medical conditions can be treated or alleviated, they help people to cope with conditions that affect their appetite or their ability to consume a normal varied diet, and they also promote good dietary habits to help people reduce their risks of developing chronic diseases later in their lives.

The Times Good University Guide 2009 placed Robert Gordon University in the top five universities in the UK for food science, the top-rated Scottish university for this category. Staff have honorary positions in the NHS and research institutes that help to foster important links with employers and to ensure that the course has relevance to employment opportunities. The course currently has graduates working in countries including USA, Canada, Australia, Greece, Spain, France, Botswana, and Malaysia.

Stage 1

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Applied Microbiology
• Global and Social Nutrition
• Biomolecular Science
• Food Studies
• Macronutrients

Stage 2

• Nutritional Physiology
• Metabolism
• Micronutrients
• Sociology and Psychology
• Life Cycle Nutrition
• Nutritional Research Methods
• Communication Studies
• Practice Placement A

Stage 3

• Dietetics
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Food Product Science
• Health Promotion
• Practice Placement B

Stage 4

• Practice Placement C
• Advanced Nutrition
• Research Project
• Public Health Nutrition

SQA Higher: ABBC to include Chemistry, Biology and English and Standard Grade Maths at Credit level.

GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry and Biology. A minimum of English and Maths at GCSE Level B.

ILC Higher: AB2B2C1 to include Chemistry, Biology and English and Ordinary Level Maths at Grade B.

IB Diploma: 28, including Higher Level Chemistry at Grade 6 and Higher Level Biology and Engish at Grade 5 plus pass in Maths at Standard Level Grade 4.

Language Requirements: All applicants whose first language is not English are required to have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5

Interview: Some applicants will be invited for an interview; all are invited to visit the University.

Due to the professional nature of this course your place is subject to a satisfactory police check and Occupational Health screening.  In addition, where required, you must agree to abide by the immunisation policy of the combined NHS trusts which offer placements.

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

Placement

Vital elements of the course are the placement opportunities that are integrated in years 2, 3 and 4, enabling you to work alongside qualified Dietitians in hospitals and community practices. You will undertake 1000 hours of practice, typically spread over a four-week placement between years 2 and 3, a 12-week placement between years 3 and 4, and a 12-week placement in year 4. In this final placement, you will have the confidence and skills to run your own wards and clinics. The majority of placements are provided by the NHS (subject to availability).

Professional Accreditation

This course is approved by the Health Professions Council as suitable preparation for Registration as a Dietitian. Registration in Dietetics exams are part of the 4th year assessment.

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• England - http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/
• Wales - http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland - http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/

Scholarships

• Information on Laboratory, Biomedical & Sports Sciences Scholarships

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

All applicants to Robert Gordon University must apply online at www.ucas.com/students/apply.

It is important that you keep track of your application process using the UCAS website, as it will update you on whether you have been offered a place from the University. It is also where you should respond to offers and receive confirmation of your place within your chosen course, rather than contacting the institution in the first instance.

Although the majority of our graduates begin their careers as dietitians in the NHS, there are also many opportunities within the private sector. Our graduates have gone on to achieve great success in their careers including Diet Advisor for Manchester United FC, Sports Dietitian with Sport Scotland, Crisis Advisor for the World Health Organisation, Chief Dietitian at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and General Manager of the Hong Kong Health Service.