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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of PlymouthThe BSc (Hons) Dietetics with Integrated Foundation Year at the University of Plymouth is perfect for students who may not meet traditional entry requirements but are passionate about a career in dietetics. This program gives you a solid grounding in the sciences and health-related subjects while preparing you to progress seamlessly into the full degree and, eventually, professional practice as a registered dietitian.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 0 – Integrated Foundation Year:
The foundation year is all about building the essential academic and scientific skills you’ll need for degree-level study. You’ll cover subjects like biology, chemistry, and health sciences, gaining confidence and knowledge to step into Year 1 fully prepared. Successfully completing this year means you can continue directly into the BSc (Hons) Dietetics program without a separate application.
Year 1 – Introduction to Dietetics:
In your first year of the degree, you’ll explore the fundamentals of human nutrition, food science, and the role diet plays in health and disease. Modules such as Foundations in Human Nutrition and Introduction to Food Science help you understand the scientific principles behind dietetics, while practical lab sessions start to develop your hands-on skills.
Year 2 – Developing Dietetic Practice:
The second year takes you deeper into clinical and public health nutrition, looking at dietary management for various health conditions. Modules like Clinical Nutrition and Public Health Nutrition expand your knowledge, and structured placements give you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in real healthcare settings under supervision.
Year 3 – Advanced Dietetic Practice and Research:
In your final year, the focus is on advanced practice, professional development, and research skills. Modules such as Advanced Clinical Dietetics and Research Methods in Dietetics culminate in a research project that allows you to contribute to the field, preparing you for independent practice and registration as a dietitian.
Focus Areas:
Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Food Science, Research Methodology, Professional Practice
Learning Outcomes:
Assess nutritional needs, develop and implement dietary plans, conduct research, and collaborate effectively within healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the British Dietetic Association and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, graduates are eligible to register as professional dietitians in the UK.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Plymouth is ranked 4th in the UK for food science subjects (Complete University Guide 2026) and is top-ranked in the South West for student learning opportunities, according to the National Student Survey 2025.
At the University of Plymouth, studying BSc (Hons) Dietetics isn’t just about lectures and textbooks—you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world practice. From day one, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn in modern labs, simulated clinical settings, and community projects, so that by the time you graduate, you feel confident in your skills. The program combines practical placements, interactive tools, and collaborative projects to make learning dynamic and career-focused:
Kitchen Laboratory: Practice preparing meals and designing diets for different needs, from therapeutic plans to sports nutrition.
InterCity Place: Simulated hospital wards, consulting rooms, and community spaces let you rehearse real-life patient interactions.
Online Nutrition Clinic: Provide dietary advice under supervision to staff and the local community, gaining experience with digital consultations.
Analytical Laboratory: Analyze and test food products, learning lab techniques crucial for dietetics research and quality assurance.
Exercise Laboratory: Explore the effects of diet and exercise on the body, conducting practical experiments in physiology.
Phlebotomy Laboratory: Develop skills in collecting and analyzing biological samples like blood and saliva.
Level 2 Containment Laboratory: Engage in microbiology research in a fully equipped environment.
Placement Opportunities: Work in hospitals, GP surgeries, community health centers, and catering/industry settings across the South West, building confidence in diverse professional environments.
Interprofessional Learning: Collaborate with students from other healthcare programs, sharpening teamwork and communication skills vital for your future career.
These experiences give you a mix of practical skills, professional insight, and confidence that will set you apart as a dietitian-ready graduate.
Graduating from the BSc (Hons) Dietetics program at the University of Plymouth prepares you for a rewarding career in nutrition and healthcare. With a strong mix of practical placements, professional accreditation, and hands-on experience, you could find yourself working in roles such as:
Registered Dietitian: Supporting patients in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings to manage their nutritional needs.
Public Health Nutritionist: Designing and delivering programs to improve the health of communities.
Clinical Researcher: Conducting studies to expand knowledge in dietetics and nutrition science.
Food Industry Specialist: Advising companies on product development, quality control, and compliance in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
The University of Plymouth supports your career every step of the way:
Placements: Gain real-world experience through structured placements in hospitals, GP surgeries, community health centers, and industry settings across the South West.
Career Services: Access tailored guidance, job listings, and networking events to help you launch your career in health and nutrition.
Industry Partnerships: Benefit from collaborations with local healthcare providers, food manufacturers, and research institutions that enhance your employability.
Accreditation: The degree is fully accredited by the British Dietetic Association and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, so you’re eligible for professional registration.
Graduate Outcomes: Plymouth dietetics graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects, with nearly all securing work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BSc, you can continue your studies and specialize further:
MSc Human Nutrition: Focus on areas like public health nutrition or disease prevention.
MSc Advanced Professional Practice in Dietetics: Develop advanced clinical skills and leadership expertise.
PhD in Nutrition or Dietetics: Engage in high-level research and contribute to the field’s knowledge base.
These pathways let you deepen your expertise, expand career options, and keep advancing in the dynamic field of dietetics.
A levels :CDD minimum of 2 A levels including grade E in a Science subject. Food technology is a relevant subject. Excluding General Studies.GCSE : Minimum 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects: English (Consideration may be given to equivalent literacy qualifications) and Mathematics (Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics) and ScienceIndian boards : Completion of Indian high school board grade average 55% (with no less than 60% in subjects when higher grades are required).American curriculum : High School Graduation Diploma, with GPA 2.0 or above (with no less than 2.5 in subjects when higher grades are required).IELTS : 7.0 overall (6.5 min in each element)TOEFL : Overall 94–100 with minimum 22–24 in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and WritingCommunity DietitianAcute DietitianResearch DietitianHealth Communication ConsultantHealth Promotion Specialist Food Industry Specialist
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