A nutritionist is primarily concerned with the study of nutrients in food, how nutrients are used in the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease.

Nutritionists draw on a range of subjects to inform their professional practice and they need to have a good understanding of social science as well as the more obvious basic sciences. Increasingly nutritionists are finding employment in the NHS in health improvement and public health nutrition.

As a public health nutritionist you might work with groups or communities to promote health, wellbeing and reduce inequalities. The Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health, which are Government departments, now employ only nutritionists who are registered, to be sure that they are appropriately qualified from a recognised university such as Robert Gordon University.

Our degree course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence you will need to become an effective nutritionist. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how people interact with their food, the digestive process, how diseases are related to diet, and how to ensure that food is wholesome and safe to consume.

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 potential employers and to ensure that the course has relevance to employment opportunities.

Year 1

• Biology for Life Sciences
• Chemistry for Life Sciences
• Applied Microbiology
• Global and Social Nutrition
• Practical Skills for Life Sciences
• Biomolecular Science
• Food Studies
• Macronutrients

Year 2

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

Year 3

• Food Product Development
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Health Promotion
• Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
• Clinical Immunology 
• Molecular Genetics
• Experimental Molecular Biology for Life Sciences
• Nutritional Literature Study

Year 4

• Industrial Placement
• Developing Professional Studies
• Public Health Nutrition
• Research Project
• Advanced Nutrition

SQA Higher: BBCC to include Chemistry and one further science. English and Maths are required at Standard Grade 2 or above.

GCE A Level: CCC to include Chemistry and one further science. English and Maths are required at GCSE B or above.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1C1 to include Chemistry and one further science. English and Maths are required at Ordinary Level B or above.

IB Diploma: 26 to include Chemistry at Higher Level Grade 4 and one further science. English and Maths are required at Standard Level Grade 5 or above.

* 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

An important element of the course is a 12-week practical work placement in year 4 (subject to availability) that gives you an opportunity to try out your skills and gain confidence in the workplace. You will work alongside a nutritionist in research, the food industry or a government agency, and undertake a work-based project. Typical placement providers include Nestlé Research, McDonald's head office, Food Standards Agency, Baxters Food Group, Macphie of Glenbervie and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.

Professional Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition, who have also commended it for its quality. The Association holds the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (RNutr), with whom course staff are registered. Course graduates are eligible to apply for entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists as an Associate Nutritionist.

Find out more about Placements & Professional Links

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. Published fees apply to the course's mode of delivery.

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.

There is a wide range of career opportunities available that include working within: the health industry (including the pharmaceutical industry); sport and fitness; the food industry from primary production through product development to the retail chains; health education and improvement; government and international agencies such as the Food Standards Agency; the World Health Organisation; the Government Office of Science and Technology; and research for industry, government or universities.