Program Overview

Nutrition and Dietetics PGDip

Overview

Our professional two-year postgraduate degree course in Nutrition and Dietetics will provide you with the eligibility to register as a dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and enter the workforce as a registered Allied Health Professional.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• UCAS Points: N/A
• Start date: Sept 2025, Sept 2026
• Duration: 2 years
• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK fees: £12,333 for the full course fee (2025/26)
• International fees: £15,000 (2025/26)

Accreditations

• Accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA)
• Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Course Structure

Year 1

• Nutrition and Food Science
  • Module content: Nutrition, food production, preservation, and safety
  • Module aims: To equip students with key concepts in human nutrition and develop an understanding of the role of nutrition in health
• Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology
  • Module content: Review of major disease processes, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment interventions
  • Module aims: To gain an understanding of medical terminology, disease classification, and the role of the dietitian in medicines management
• Nutrition Research Methods
  • Module content: Research methods, data collection, and analysis
  • Module aims: To expose students to the essential elements in the process of conducting sound scientific research
• Behavioural Aspects of Food and Nutrition
  • Module content: Theories of human behaviour, psychological implications of long-term health and eating behaviours
  • Module aims: To provide an understanding of the bio-psycho-social underpinnings of normal and abnormal eating behaviours
• Dietetics and Public Health
  • Module content: Organisation of local government, health and social care, nutrition in disease prevention, health protection, and health improvement
  • Module aims: To enable development of knowledge and understanding of primary and secondary health care in the context of the process of nutrition and dietetic practice
• Clinical Dietetics
  • Module content: Application of the model and process of nutrition and dietetic practice in secondary and tertiary care
  • Module aims: To develop understanding of the role of nutrition in the management of diseases/disorders commonly encountered by dietitians
• Practice Placement 1
  • Module content: Professional life, role of the dietitian, communication, and core skills training
  • Module aims: To facilitate working knowledge and understanding of dietetics in traditional and non-traditional environments
• Practice Placement 2
  • Module content: Development of knowledge, communication skills, and professional competencies
  • Module aims: To enable experiential learning and development in health care settings under supervision and guidance
• Practice Placement 3
  • Module content: Advanced working knowledge, and display competence in the range of skills needed to work as a dietitian
  • Module aims: To give students the opportunity to consolidate their learning and development in the clinical environment

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Normally, an upper second (2:1) class honours degree in a relevant science subject
• International/EU Students: Equivalent qualifications, with IELTS Academic 7.0 and no less than 6.5 in each band
• Additional Requirements: Attend an interview, complete a satisfactory health check and Disclosure and Barring Service check

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £12,333 for the full course fee (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Disclosure and Barring Service check, travel to placements
• Bursaries: Available for students who meet specific criteria

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Most graduates go on to careers initially within the NHS, with transferable skills enabling employment in other related fields
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.