Dietetics

This is a 4 year Masters in Dietetics in the UK, where you’ll cover a range of topics from theory through to practice. 

Year 1

You will develop foundation-level knowledge of physiology, biology, biomolecular sciences, and nutrition. Practical food laboratory sessions will teach you about dietary guidelines in practice, considering culture, sustainability, economics, and health. You will learn collaboratively with other health professions and gain understanding of the role of a dietitian in your first placement.

Year 2

You will further develop your ability to undertake nutritional and dietetic assessments and consider the sociological and psychological factors impacting health behaviours . You will learn about disease processes and how to manage, monitor and evaluate nutrition and dietetic interventions. A 12 week placement will consolidate your learning.

Year 3 

You will gain more independence through simulated and student-led practice-based learning opportunities. Your dietetic consultation skills and ability to manage more complex long-term conditions will be advanced through the integration of academic and clinical skills modules. our study of research methods will support you with integrating evidence into practice.

Year 4

You will complete your final clinical placement and develop a more critical approach to nutrition and dietetics through completing a research project. You will work collaboratively and in partnership with other health professions students focusing on leadership, management and service evaluation preparing you for advancement in your future career.

Learning Methods

This course offers students diverse learning experiences with an emphasis on practical knowledge and skills. Teaching occurs in small group settings, including lectures, tutorials and seminars, and extends to practical sessions in both science and food laboratories. Students gain simulated hands-on experience of interacting with volunteer patients within our innovative clinical skills centre allowing them to develop their dietetic consultation skills. These skills are further consolidated through practice placements which students will undertake in each year of the course. Inter-disciplinary collaboration is promoted through shared academic modules, equipping dietetic students with valuable teamwork and leadership experiences.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 25 students per group, 2-4 hours per week
• Seminars - 25 students per group, 4-6 hours per week
• Tutorial - 25 students per group, 2-4 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 4-12 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning - 1-2 students per group, 350 hours per course (10 weeks in semester 1)
• Independent Study - 30 hours per week

How long is an MDiet Dietetics course?

A Dietetics degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

You will be expected to demonstrate self-direction in your studies becoming a proactive independent learner. You will spend approximately 30 hours per week undertaking self-directed learning.

Staff Delivering on this Course

Lecturers on this course, including both Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists have extensive experience across a range of subject areas relevant to the theory and practice of dietetics, and including research activity, both of which serve as critical underpinning for the course. This allows transfer of theory to practice that ensures a smooth transition from academic to clinical settings. Some of our lecturers also continue to practise Dietetics in the NHS.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 3 written exams, typically for 1-2 hours
• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment

Year 2

• 1 written exam, typically for 1-2 hours
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment
• 1 case study based coursework

Year 3

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 portfolio
• 2 oral assessments
• 1 practical skills assessment
• 1 case study based coursework

Year 4

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 case study based coursework

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

The course integrates early and ongoing practice placements from the first year, enabling continuous application of learning. It includes four distinct and varied placements  from 4-12 weeks in duration. These placements offer students a diverse range of opportunities, encompassing health, social care, and broader settings. Students gradually build their clinical judgement, critical thinking and dietetic skills and across all 4 placements, learning in the final placement how to manage a caseload effectively. 

The allocation of placements is coordinated across three university providers, operating under the Scottish Cluster Dietetic Placements (SCDP) structure. This supports equitable placement opportunities for students throughout the whole of Scotland, including the Island Health Boards.

Job Prospects

The Master of Dietetics course  has been developed in response to current policy and social directives, identified organisational challenges of employers across the public, private and third sectors and in recognition of graduate needs in meeting workplace demands.

By completing this course, you will possess knowledge, skills and competencies beyond those normally expected at the threshold of registered practice, and you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the ability to positively influence strategic professional practice and support government policy and work to standards of accredited bodies, which is integral to the professional philosophy of the course.

Is Dietetics a good career choice?

Most of our graduates are focused on how to become a dietitian and begin their careers as Dietitians in the NHS.

However, there are also many opportunities within the private sector for those with a dietetics degree. 

Previous MDiet Dietetics graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Nutritionist
• Dietitian
• Performance Nutritionist with Irish Rugby Football Union 
• Sports Dietitian with Sport Scotland
• Crisis Advisor for the World Health Organization 
• Chief Dietitian at Great Ormond Street Hospital
• General Manager of the Hong Kong Health Service.

What is needed for a Dietetics degree?

Entry requirements differ depending on the type of qualification you have and could affect if you’re eligible to apply.

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBBC to include Chemistry and one further science from Biology/Human Biology, Home Economics, Mathematics or Physics and English (or a subject requiring the use of English). English, Biology and Mathematics are required at National 5 Grade B or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry and one further science from Biology/Human Biology, Home Economics, Mathematics or Physics and English (or a subject requiring the use of English). English, Biology and Mathematics are required at GCSE grade 6 or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H3H3 to include Chemistry and one further science from Biology/Human Biology, Home Economics, Mathematics or Physics and English (or a subject requiring the use of English).  English, Biology and Mathematics are required at Ordinary Level O2 or above, if not held at Higher level.
• IB Diploma: 28 to include Chemistry and one further science from Biology, Mathematics or Physics and English (or a subject requiring the use of English) all at Higher Level Grade 5. English, Biology and Mathematics are required at Standard Level 4 or above if not held at Higher level

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BCCC to include English (or a subject requiring the use of English) and Chemistry and one further science from Biology/Human Biology, Home Economics, Mathematics or Physics.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5, or an equivalent.

These are the requirements of the HCPC and supersede the standard University English Language requirements.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £20 (approximately) for lab coat, safety glasses, kitchen safety whites
• At the beginning of your course and during all practice placements you are required to purchase and wear an official uniform.
  If you are a student from Scotland, this uniform will be paid for by the Scottish Government.
  All other students (the rest of the UK (RUK) and international students) will have to purchase a tunic at £5.59 each and trousers at £7.04 each.
  Where uniforms become damaged or for any other reason unsuitable, you are responsible for the cost of the replacement.
• Students from out with Scotland (the rest of the UK (RUK) and international students) must pay for PVG membership - £59 (new member) or £18 (existing member) as well as health checks which are variable depending on needs, but online screening is essential 
  • Online Health Screening - £30
  • Additional Health Screening
    • Assessment with nurse advisor - £65
    • Assessment with Physician - £96
  • Hepatitis B
    • Vaccination x 3 - £33 each 
    • Blood Titre Test - £32.00
  • TB Mantoux Test - £33
  • BCG Vaccination - £24
  • MMR
    • Vaccination x 2 - £28 each 
    • Blood Test - £31
  • Varicella
    • Vaccination - £73
    • Blood Test - £55