The Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons) at the University of Surrey is a four-year program designed to prepare you to become a confident, registered dietitian. It blends scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, giving you the skills to support people’s health and wellbeing across a range of settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building Foundations
In your first year, you’ll explore the basics of nutrition and health through modules like Principles of Nutrition and Health and Contemporary Studies in Nutrition, Food and Exercise. You’ll also develop practical skills, while early placements—like the two-week clinical placement and the Time for Dementia program—give you a taste of working with real patients and communities.
Year 2: Deepening Knowledge
Year two takes your understanding further, focusing on the science behind nutrients and how they affect the body. Modules such as Human Nutrition build on your foundation, while practical sessions let you apply what you’ve learned in more realistic scenarios, preparing you for clinical work.
Year 3: Clinical Application
This year is all about hands-on experience. During your 12-week clinical placement (Placement B), you’ll apply your knowledge in healthcare settings, while modules like Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics help you manage dietary care for different patient groups, bridging theory and practice.
Focus Areas
Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Food Science, Dietetic Practice, Nutritional Biochemistry, Health Promotion
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to assess and manage people’s dietary needs, create personalized nutrition plans, and work effectively within healthcare teams.
Professional Alignment
The program is accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), so graduates can register as professional dietitians.
Reputation
The University of Surrey is ranked 1st in the UK for Food Science and Nutrition by the Complete University Guide 2026, with strong recognition from The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
At Surrey, studying Nutrition and Dietetics isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that brings what you learn to life. From practical cooking sessions to real clinical placements, the program is designed to help you build the skills you’ll need as a professional dietitian. You’ll also have access to fantastic facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and supportive staff to guide you every step of the way:
Food and Nutrition Kitchen Lab – Cook, experiment, and develop meals in a fully equipped kitchen with hobs, ovens, and all the tools you need to practice real-world food preparation and hygiene.
Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory – A state-of-the-art facility where you can explore food science, nutrition, and dietetics techniques, giving you a head start for research or professional practice.
Applied Dietetics Modules – Learn food fortification techniques and other hands-on approaches to dietary interventions.
Clinical Placements – Work alongside qualified dietitians in NHS settings, putting your knowledge into practice and gaining invaluable real-world experience.
Laboratory-Based Practicals – Conduct experiments in microbiology, biochemistry, and nutrition labs to strengthen your scientific understanding.
Group Work and Role Plays – Team projects and simulated patient sessions help you develop communication, collaboration, and professional skills.
Research Projects – In your final year, carry out independent research using the dissertation and food science laboratories.
Specialized Equipment – Access tools like bioimpedance machines to measure and analyze health data, enhancing your practical skills.
All of these experiences are designed to make sure you’re ready for a career in nutrition and dietetics, with the confidence and hands-on skills employers value.
Graduating from the Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons) at the University of Surrey opens the door to exciting and rewarding careers. With professional accreditation from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA), you’ll be eligible to register as a dietitian, ready to make a real difference in people’s lives. Typical career paths include clinical dietitian, public health nutritionist, food industry consultant, or academic researcher.
To help you get there, Surrey offers a range of support and opportunities:
Professional Training Placements – Gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings to develop practical skills, confidence, and professionalism.
Graduate Outcomes – 92% of Biosciences undergraduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduating.
University–Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with organizations like Prime and Assura provide networking opportunities and insights into the healthcare industry.
Accreditation Value – Being HCPC-registered ensures professional recognition and career mobility in the UK and internationally.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, there are several ways to continue your studies and specialize further:
Postgraduate Study – Pursue a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, or Food Science to deepen your expertise.
PhD Research – Explore research opportunities to contribute new knowledge to the field and potentially pursue an academic career.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Access courses and workshops to stay up to date with the latest practices and maintain professional skills.
With these pathways, Surrey graduates leave well-prepared to shape their careers and continue growing as professionals in nutrition and dietetics.
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