If you’re passionate about nutrition and healthcare, the BSc (Hons) Dietetics at the University of Hertfordshire is designed to turn that passion into a professional career. This program combines strong scientific knowledge with hands-on practical experience, preparing you to become a registered dietitian who can make a real difference in both individual and public health settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Level 4)
Your first year lays the foundation, introducing you to the essentials of dietetics. You’ll study modules like Food Science, Safety and Systems, Health, Society and Behaviour, and Dietetic Skills and Practice-based Learning 1. These courses help you understand how nutrition affects health, explore societal influences on diet, and begin developing practical skills through placements and simulations.
Year 2 (Level 5)
In Year 2, you’ll dive deeper into the science and practice of dietetics. Modules such as Nutrition, Health and Disease, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Immunology, and Dietetic Skills and Practice-based Learning 2 will equip you to understand the impact of diseases on nutrition and continue honing your hands-on skills in real-world settings.
Year 3 (Level 6)
Your final year focuses on advanced knowledge and professional readiness. With modules like Research Methods in Dietetics, Advanced Clinical Dietetics, and Public Health Nutrition, you’ll tackle complex nutritional challenges, conduct research, and gain the confidence to work independently as a dietitian in healthcare or public health.
Focus Areas
Clinical Nutrition, Public Health, Food Safety, Behavioural Change, Research Methods
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to assess nutritional needs, design and implement dietary plans, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams, and contribute to strategies that improve public health and nutrition outcomes.
Professional Alignment
This program is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA), meaning graduates are eligible to register as professional dietitians in the UK.
Reputation
The University of Hertfordshire is ranked among the Top 50 UK Universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting its strong focus on high-quality teaching, practical learning, and graduate employability.
At the University of Hertfordshire, dietetics students don’t just learn in the classroom — they gain hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world practice. From the very first year, you’ll take part in clinical placements in NHS hospitals and community settings, working alongside registered dietitians and seeing firsthand how nutrition impacts patient care. You’ll also have access to purpose-built dietetics laboratories, where you can practice preparing and analyzing meals, simulate dietary planning, and apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. This combination of placements, labs, and co-curricular opportunities ensures you develop both the skills and confidence needed to succeed as a professional dietitian.
Here’s what experiential learning looks like in practice:
Clinical Placements – Supervised experience in NHS hospitals and community settings to develop professional skills and confidence.
Dietetics Laboratories – Specialized labs for preparing, analyzing, and evaluating food and nutrition in realistic scenarios.
Study Abroad Opportunities – Gain international exposure to dietetic practices and broaden your professional perspective.
Co-Curricular Activities – Volunteering and additional projects to enhance skills, teamwork, and employability.
These experiences are designed to ensure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the practical expertise employers are looking for.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Dietetics program at the University of Hertfordshire leave ready to make a real difference in the field of nutrition and healthcare. With a strong mix of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, you’ll be prepared for careers such as:
Registered Dietitian – supporting patients with nutrition advice in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
Public Health Nutritionist – developing programs to improve health and wellbeing in communities.
Clinical Dietitian – specializing in dietary management for patients with specific medical conditions.
Nutrition Consultant – advising organizations on nutrition strategies and policies.
To help you succeed in your chosen path, the university provides:
Student Futures Service – offering career guidance, CV workshops, interview preparation, and networking with industry professionals.
Strong industry partnerships – links with NHS trusts and community health organizations provide valuable placement opportunities.
Accreditation – the program is fully accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA), ensuring you meet professional standards to practice as a dietitian in the UK.
Graduate outcomes – around 98% of health, nursing, and social care graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduating.
Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, there are several options to continue your studies and specialize:
MSc in Clinical Nutrition – perfect for working in specialized healthcare settings.
MSc in Public Health Nutrition – focus on community health and nutrition policy.
Postgraduate Research – contribute to cutting-edge studies in dietetics and nutrition science.
These pathways allow you to build expertise, advance your career, and make a bigger impact in the nutrition and healthcare sectors.
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