BSc Hons Nutrition and Dietetics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Chester

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about health, nutrition, and making a real difference in people’s lives, this program is for you. The Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons) at Chester combines scientific knowledge with practical experience, preparing you to become a registered dietitian and work in a range of health and community settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building the Foundations

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the science behind nutrition and health. Modules like Biological Science for Nutrition cover anatomy, physiology, and key biochemical principles, while Science of Energy and Nutrients explores macronutrients, micronutrients, and energy balance. You’ll also start putting theory into practice through supervised placements, giving you an early taste of working in real-world settings.

Year 2: Deepening Knowledge and Skills

Year two is all about applying your knowledge and refining your skills. With modules such as Human Nutrition and Nutritional Assessment, you’ll learn how to evaluate nutritional needs and make evidence-based recommendations. Practical experiences, including ward and clinic simulations and service user participation, help you develop communication and professional skills in realistic scenarios.

Year 3: Professional Practice and Integration

In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through advanced modules and professional placements. Advanced Clinical Nutrition tackles complex patient cases, while Public Health Nutrition looks at nutrition’s role in broader health strategies. You’ll also complete a dissertation, giving you the chance to conduct independent research and make a contribution to the field.

Focus Areas

Nutrition Science, Clinical Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Assessment, Service User Participation, Professional Practice

Learning Outcomes

Graduate ready to assess nutritional needs, develop and implement dietary plans, work in public health, conduct research, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Professional Alignment

This program is fully accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA), which means you can apply for registration as a dietitian in the UK after graduation.

Reputation

Chester has a strong track record for employability in nutrition and dietetics. Graduates go on to work in the NHS, public health, sports nutrition, medical nutrition, and even media roles, benefiting from a course that combines hands-on experience with solid academic training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Chester, learning goes far beyond the classroom. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience that builds your confidence and prepares you for real-world dietetics practice. The course combines clinical placements, simulation exercises, and service user interactions so you can apply your knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Clinical Placements – Spend time in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, applying what you’ve learned and seeing the impact of nutrition on real patients.
Simulation Facilities – Practice in purpose-built labs that replicate clinical scenarios, giving you a safe environment to build and refine your skills.
Service User Participation – Work with actual service users to develop your communication, empathy, and patient-centered care skills.
Modern Laboratories – Access state-of-the-art science labs equipped for nutrition research and hands-on experiments.
Expert Faculty – Learn from experienced professionals in nutrition, public health, and dietetics, gaining insights that go beyond textbooks.

All of these opportunities help you graduate with the practical skills, confidence, and experience that employers value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Chester opens up a wide range of rewarding career paths. The program’s focus on clinical placements, hands-on practice, and working directly with service users gives you the skills and confidence to step into professional roles such as:

Registered Dietitian
Public Health Nutritionist
Clinical Nutrition Specialist
Sports Nutrition Consultant

The University supports you throughout your journey:

Career and Employability Services – one-on-one advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation to help you land your first role.
Placement Opportunities – practical experience with local NHS Trusts and healthcare providers to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Alumni Network – connect with graduates working across healthcare, public health, and industry to gain guidance and networking opportunities.

Chester graduates have excellent outcomes: according to Discover Uni, 100% are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation.

The program also benefits from strong industry links with:

Local NHS Trusts – for placements and up-to-date teaching on evidence-based practice.
Public Health England – providing insights into national health strategies.
Food and Drink Industry – exposure to nutrition practices in the commercial sector.

With accreditation from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA), you can register as a dietitian in the UK immediately after graduating.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you can specialize further through postgraduate study, such as:

Nutrition and Dietetics MSc – for becoming a registered dietitian.
Public Health Nutrition MSc – to focus on population health.
Sports and Exercise Nutrition MSc – for careers in athletic performance.
Lifestyle Medicine MSc – specializing in nutrition for chronic disease management.

These pathways give you the flexibility to advance your expertise and open doors to specialized, high-impact careers in nutrition and dietetics.