Program Overview

Dietetics MDiet

The Dietetics MDiet is an integrated master's degree that equips students with the specialist knowledge and skills needed to become a competent and effective dietitian. This four-year program focuses on the effect of nutrition on the functioning of the human body in health and disease, and it includes a year of study at the master's level to enhance leadership skills and ability to influence future dietetic practice.

Course Overview

The course is divided into four stages, each lasting one academic year. Stage 1 provides an understanding of human biology, physiology, and biochemistry, and builds on this through the consideration of microbiology and human metabolism. Stage 2 develops knowledge of macro- and micro-nutrients and the evidence base for recommended nutrient intakes through the lifecycle. Stage 3 aims to advance knowledge of aetiology and pathophysiology of diseases and conditions and integrate this with clinical, pharmacological, and evidence-based dietetic treatments. Stage 4 completes practice learning experiences, ensuring that students have the skills necessary for registration as a dietitian.

Modules

The course includes a range of compulsory and optional modules, such as:

• Introduction to Dietetics
• Fundamental Principles of Genetics and Biochemistry for Nutrition
• Human Physiology and Practical Skills
• Introduction to Food and Nutrition
• Sustainable & Secure Food Systems
• Microbiology and Immunology for Food and Health
• Bioenergetics
• Health and Illness: Professional and Societal Perspectives
• Health Psychology and Behaviour Change
• Applied Therapeutic Diets
• Macro- and Micronutrients
• Food Science and Technology
• Nutrition Through the Lifecycle
• Measurement and Assessment of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status
• Clinical Medicine and Dietetic Practice
• Dissertation
• Consultation Skills for Dietetics
• Personalised Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health
• Professional Practice in Dietetics
• Quality Improvement and Service Redesign in Healthcare
• Research Project

Teaching and Assessment

The course uses innovative teaching methods and models, including case-based teaching, problem-based learning, lectures, seminars, workshops, and blended learning approaches. Students are assessed through a combination of:

• Assessments
• Case studies
• Coursework
• Dissertation or research project
• Examinations – practical or online
• Interviews
• Portfolio submission
• Practical sessions
• Presentations
• Reflective report/journal

Work Placements

A key component of the course is practice placements, which are integrated throughout the four years. These placements include observational and experiential visits to catering and food-related settings, care settings, and group/population/patient-related activities. Students also complete a one-week placement in a dietetic department during Stage 2, a 12-week placement in a dietetic department at the end of Stage 3, and a 12-week placement in a dietetic department during Stage 4.

Facilities and Environment

The course is based at the Newcastle city-centre campus, in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences. The school is in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is also home to Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology, and Pharmacy, encouraging inter-professional collaboration. Students have access to a nutrition training suite, including a food handling laboratory, consultation rooms, and sensory analysis booths.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis, and the course accepts a broad range of qualifications. The typical entry requirements are:

• A-Level: AAB-ABB, including Chemistry or Biology, plus one other science
• International Baccalaureate: 32-34 points, including two science subjects, preferably Chemistry and Biology at Higher Level grade 5 or above
• GCSE Mathematics and English (minimum grade B or 6) required if not offered at A-Level

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the course are:

• Home students: Not Set
• International students: £30,900 The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships, to support EU and international students.

Career Opportunities

As registered healthcare professionals, the practice of dietitians is very broad. A significant proportion of graduates will go on to work in the National Health Service in the UK or similar settings overseas, in both acute and community settings. Dietitians also work with populations, through influencing food and public health policy, working with industry, and also with the media. Dietitians may also work in education and research, to contribute to the growing evidence base for the practice of dietetics.