In the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, we are ranked in the top 20 UK universities for subjects allied to medicine (19th out of 82).
Master of Dietetics (MDiet)
This four-year integrated master’s course will give you the theoretical understanding and practical skills that you will need to build a rewarding career as a dietitian. Practice placements are an integral part of the course and allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice.
Why QMU?
- You will be taught by experienced Registered Dietitians, Registered Nutritionists and other appropriately qualified staff who and research active. Their applied research and professional links inform the teaching on the course keeping it up to date with current thinking in the field.
- Learn real-world skills on practice placements within health and social care settings and during other practice-based opportunities with voluntary and third sector organisations.
- Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on developing communication, team working and leadership skills supported by academic and student services to help individuals fulfill their potential.
- In the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, we are ranked in the top 20 UK universities for subjects allied to medicine (19th out of 82).
On this course you will:
- Be able to apply for registration with the HCPC and practise as a dietitian.
- Complete invaluable practice-based placements that will enrich your learning.
- Be equipped to enter a career that gives you the opportunity to work in a diverse range of settings including health and social care settings, private practice, the food industry, research related roles and government advisory roles.
- Benefit from the interprofessional working focus of this course. We aim for all our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member.
Dietetics is a fascinating field that focuses on the management and prevention of nutrition-related disorders at an individual, group and population level. Dietitians are the only regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutrition-related problems at an individual and wider public health level.
There are many strands of knowledge that you will master on your way to a career as a dietitian. This course has been carefully structured to integrate theoretical study in different fields with the practical experience to develop the skills required to work as a graduate dietitian.
This is a four year integrated undergraduate master’s course. Students commence the course with a view to graduating with a Master of Dietetics (MDiet). Years Three and Four are taught alongside postgraduate students studying on the postgraduate MSc Dietetics (Pre-Registration). Exceptionally there is an option for students to transfer to a BSc (Hons) Dietetics route at the end of year two and they will still be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a dietitian.
Year One
You will:
- Study a range of modules that provide you with the fundamental knowledge, principles and concepts that underpin the practice of dietetics.
- Be introduced to the role of the dietitian, the role of food in health, human physiology, genetics and biochemistry.
- Develop skills in communication, information technology and academic study skills.
- Begin to engage in our peer-mentoring scheme, which provides additional support during the transition to university life.
Modules
- Physiology
- Contextualising You and Your Profession
- Food, Lifestyle and Society
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Introduction to Food Science
- Evidence-Based Practice
Year Two
You will:
- Continue to develop your academic study skills and further develop your knowledge and understanding of the concepts relating to health and nutrition, when beginning to integrate biological and social sciences.
- Undertake your first practice placement block. This will consist of two weeks on campus and two weeks within a Scottish health and social care setting.
Modules
- Introduction to Dietetic Practice (Placement A)
- Nutrient Metabolism
- Behaviour Change
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Health Issues in the Community
- Epidemiology in Public Health
Year Three
You will:
- Develop your knowledge and communication skills further. The course begins to have a more applied focus and is more clinically orientated.
- Be prepared for, and carry out, your second practice placement block (12 weeks duration) within various health and social care sectors across Scotland.
Modules
- Essentials of Dietetic Management
- Nutrition Through the Life Course
- Dietetic Management of Long Term Conditions
- Dissertation
- Disease Aetiology and Management
- Developing Dietetic Practice (Placement B)
Year Four
You will:
- Reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt on your placement at the end of Year Three.
- Undertake an individual research-based project to develop your knowledge and skills in this area.
- Undertake your third and final placement block (12 weeks duration) within various health and social care sectors across Scotland.
Modules
- Consolidating Dietetic Practice (Placement C)
- Dietetic Research Project
- Innovative and Emerging Practice
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will be taught in face-to-face or online lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods (eg written and practical exams, case studies, written assignments and presentations) at the end of each module or semester.
Placements
There are practice placements in Years, Two, Three and Four, amounting to 1000 hours of practice-based learning.
Practice placements provide the opportunity to integrate practice with theory.
QMU manages the sourcing and allocation of placements for each student on this course in partnership with Health Boards in Scotland and other universities in Scotland that deliver dietetic education. Placements are randomly allocated to students as part of a Scottish wide allocation process.
To enhance future employablity placements take place across Scotland. It is therefore likely that students will have to relocate for at least some of their practice based learning unless they have individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean they must remain in a specific location. The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
Careers
Most graduates elect to work within various healthcare settings, including the NHS. Others work in health education, health promotion, general practice, private healthcare and government advisory posts. Some graduates apply for the opportunity to study for a higher degree (MSc, MPhil or PhD).
Entry requirements
Scottish Higher: Standard - BBBC, Minimum - BCCC
A Level: AB
Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H3
International Baccalaureate: 28 points
International: IELTS of 7.0 with no element lower than 6.5
Required subjects:
• Normally Chemistry and Biology and preferably one other science (may include Maths or Home Economics) at Higher or equivalent AND Maths and English at Nat 5
• Normally Chemistry or Biology at A Level AND Maths and English plus one other science (either Chemistry or Biology) at GCSE.
Mature/Access: Related Access course, see: www.qmu.ac.uk/college-qualifications. We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications in Biology and Chemistry and/or relevant experience.
Direct Entry: A small number of places are available for direct entry to Year Two of the course. These applications will be considered on an individual basis. To ensure the applicants have developed the knowledge and skills acquired in Year One of the MDiet will typically include either:
• A levels: ABBB that must include Biology and Chemistry (one must be at A grade), Health and Food Technology and one discursive subject eg History, Modern Studies, Sociology or English or
• successful completion of Year One of an appropriate BSc (Hons) Nutrition degree.
Other requirements:
• A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required. You may be requested to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
• The cost of the PVG check and the professional indemnity insurance are the responsibility of the student. Currently the cost of the health check is funded by the Scottish Government for Scottish students only, other students are responsible for this cost. This is, however subject to change should the Scottish Government change their funding policy.
Professional registration/accreditation
Successful completion of the course (academic and practice placement components) confers eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables
For more information, please see ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.
Awarding body
QMU. For more information, please see ‘External Review’ section on the ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’ page.
View Open Day presentation
Please note:
- The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2022) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2023. Please check back here for any updates.
- The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2023/24 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
- Teaching staff may be subject to change.
