BSc Hons Nutrition and Dietetics with foundation year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

 

If you’re passionate about health and want to make a real difference in people’s lives, the BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics with Foundation Year at Surrey is designed for you. The foundation year helps you build the essential scientific knowledge and study skills you need, and the full program equips you with both the practical experience and theoretical understanding to become a confident, professional dietitian.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year – Building Your Scientific Base
This year is all about preparing you for the full degree. You’ll study Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, gaining the core knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in the specialized nutrition and dietetics modules that follow.

Year 1 – Introduction to Nutrition and Dietetics
In your first year, you’ll explore the foundations of nutrition and dietetics. Modules like Principles of Nutrition and Health, Contemporary Studies in Nutrition, Food and Exercise, and Cell Biology and Biological Chemistry give you a solid understanding of how nutrition affects health and how to begin thinking like a dietitian.

Year 2 – Developing Practical Skills
The second year is more hands-on, focusing on applying what you’ve learned. Modules such as Nutrition Across the Life Course, Nutrition and Ageing, and Public Health Nutrition provide real-world insights and prepare you to support people’s health across different life stages.

Year 3 – Advanced Practice and Research
In your final academic year, you’ll dive into advanced topics and research. Modules like Advanced Dietetic Practice, Clinical Dietetics, and Research Methods in Dietetics help you develop professional expertise and carry out independent projects that showcase your skills.

Placement Year – Real-World Experience
If you choose the placement option, you’ll spend a year working in a healthcare or community setting, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of qualified dietitians. This is a great opportunity to build confidence, make professional connections, and see your learning in action.

Focus Areas

Clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, nutrition across the lifespan, food science, research methods

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be ready to assess nutritional needs, create effective dietary plans, work in multidisciplinary teams, and apply evidence-based practice in various healthcare settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA), meaning you’ll be eligible to register as a dietitian upon graduation.

Reputation (Employability)

Surrey is known for its strong industry links and excellent graduate employability. Students leave ready to work confidently in dietetics, public health, and nutrition-related careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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 dietitianpublic health nutritionistfood 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.

Program Key Stats

£27,000
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


70 %

Eligibility Criteria

CCC
2.5 - 3.0
29
55 - 60

N/A
N/A
6.5
88

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Clinical Dietitian
  • Public Health Nutritionist
  • Food Industry Consultant
  • Academic or Researcher
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Health and Wellness Coach
  • Specialist Dietetic Roles

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