If you’re passionate about nutrition and helping people live healthier lives, the MDiet in Nutrition and Dietetics at Robert Gordon University is the perfect choice. This four-year integrated master’s program blends theory with practical experience, giving you the skills to provide evidence-based dietary advice in hospitals, community settings, and public health initiatives.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building Foundations
In your first year, you’ll learn the essentials of biology, physiology, and nutrition while gaining hands-on experience in food labs. You’ll explore dietary guidelines in real-world contexts, considering culture, sustainability, and economics, and begin collaborating with other health professionals. Early exposure through introductory placements helps you understand the role of a dietitian in practice.
Year 2: Applying Knowledge in Practice
The second year is all about developing your assessment and intervention skills. You’ll study disease processes, nutritional assessments, and the psychological and social factors that influence health behaviors. A 12-week placement lets you put theory into practice, building confidence and competence in real healthcare settings.
Year 3: Developing Independence and Research Skills
In year three, you’ll engage in student-led and simulated practice experiences, managing more complex cases and developing advanced consultation skills. Modules in research methods prepare you to integrate evidence into practice, paving the way for your final-year projects.
Year 4: Professional Practice and Leadership
Your final year culminates in a comprehensive clinical placement, allowing you to apply everything you’ve learned in real-world healthcare settings. You’ll also complete a research project and focus on leadership, management, and service evaluation, preparing you for a successful career as a registered dietitian.
Focus Areas
Clinical Dietetics | Public Health Nutrition | Sustainable Dietetics | Research Methods | Leadership in Healthcare
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:
Conduct thorough nutritional assessments and create individualized diet plans
Apply evidence-based nutrition practices in clinical and community settings
Demonstrate leadership and management skills in healthcare
Engage in research and service evaluation to improve patient care
Advocate for sustainable and culturally sensitive dietary practices
Professional Alignment
This program is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning graduates are eligible to register as dietitians in the UK. It is also aligned with the British Dietetic Association and incorporates sustainability principles based on EAT-Lancet guidelines.
Reputation
RGU is highly regarded for teaching excellence and student experience in Food Science, ranking 2nd in Scotland for teaching quality, student experience, and graduate prospects, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
At Robert Gordon University, this program is designed to give you real-world, hands-on experience from day one. You won’t just be learning theory in a classroom—you’ll be preparing food, assessing nutrition, and engaging with patients, giving you a clear understanding of what being a dietitian is really like. Practical sessions, inter-professional learning, and clinical placements make sure you develop the confidence and skills to succeed in a professional setting.
Here’s how RGU brings learning to life:
Clinical Placements – Three placements throughout the course give you exposure to different healthcare environments and patient groups, so you can see how dietetics works in practice.
Food Handling Laboratory – Prepare, analyze, and test food in a modern lab designed for hands-on learning.
Analytical Science Laboratory – Learn techniques to measure and assess nutritional content accurately.
Clinical Skills Centre – Practice clinical skills in realistic settings, enhancing your ability to care for patients safely and effectively.
Simulated and Student-Led Practice – Lead and participate in realistic scenarios, developing teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Research Projects – In your final year, conduct independent research that integrates evidence into practice, preparing you for a professional career.
Graduating from the MDiet Nutrition and Dietetics program at RGU opens doors to a range of exciting careers in healthcare, community nutrition, and the food industry. You’ll leave university with both the knowledge and practical experience needed to make a real difference in people’s lives. Typical roles you could pursue include:
Clinical Dietitian – working in hospitals or clinics to support patients with personalized dietary advice.
Public Health Nutritionist – designing and implementing programs to improve community health and wellbeing.
Sports Nutritionist – helping athletes optimize performance and recovery through tailored nutrition.
Food Industry Consultant – collaborating with food manufacturers to create healthier products and ensure accurate nutritional labeling.
To support your career journey, RGU offers:
Placement Opportunities – Hands-on placements across healthcare and community settings give you practical experience and valuable industry contacts.
Career Services – Dedicated support with CVs, job searches, interviews, and career planning to help you step confidently into the workforce.
University–Industry Partnerships – Strong links with NHS Scotland, healthcare providers, and food organizations keep your learning current and connected to real-world opportunities.
Professional Accreditation – Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and aligned with the British Dietetic Association (BDA), ensuring you graduate ready to practice as a dietitian in the UK.
Graduate Success – With a focus on employability, leadership, and practical skills, RGU graduates are well-prepared to start careers in dietetics or progress into specialized roles.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re looking to continue your studies, you can explore:
Postgraduate Research Degrees – MRes, PhD, or professional doctorates in nutrition and dietetics
Specialist Postgraduate Programs – Advanced training in areas like public health nutrition, clinical nutrition, or sports nutrition to deepen expertise and career prospects.



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