BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

This year provides a grounding in the basic assessment of a patient across core areas in which dietitians work. It includes an introduction to food and nutrition, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, communication and professional practice.

MODULES 

• Professional Practice – this module is taught as an inter-professional education (IPE) module and will introduce the core professional values, behaviours and standards of practice required by professional bodies.
• Introduction to Nutrition – you will be introduced to key concepts relating to the role of nutrition in human health and performance.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology – this module will develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of complex systems within the body, including function and performance at rest and during exercise and clinical implications of disease states.
• Introduction to Dietetic Practice – this module provides the foundations for dietetic assessment, introducing students to the British Dietetic Association’s Nutrition and Dietetic Care Process (NDCP)
• Introduction to Genetics, Immunology and Biochemistry – this module will be taught as an IPE module and enables you to become more familiar with cellular components, biochemistry and metabolic pathways.
• Food Science – you will develop knowledge and practical skills in food science and technology, receiving additional certification for the FAA Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (QCF).
• Placement 1 – this first introductory practice placement of 100 hours will develop your applied skills in various areas of nutrition and dietetic practice and will include a blend of simulated activities and real-world experiential learning. 

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5) 
This year builds upon knowledge and understanding in Level 4 to move towards management in core areas of nutrition and dietetics including complex conditions, research and evidence-based practice.

MODULES 

• Developing Dietetic Practice – this module builds upon the key skills introduced at level 4, focusing on the application of these to a broader range of clinical conditions and complex areas of dietetic practice.
• Blood Science - Develop an understanding of transfusion science and various clinical haematological and biochemical (blood sciences) disorders, and develop an in-depth knowledge of the laboratory investigations performed in the diagnosis and management of such diseases.
• Population and Public Health Nutrition – in this module you will be supported to critically analyse the role of nutrition in population and public health policy.
• Food, Nutrition and Behaviour – you will develop an understanding of the bio-psycho-social underpinnings of eating behaviours and approaches to psychological interventions.  
• Research Methods – this module will equip you with essential skills to source and critically analyse relevant research, developing an understanding of the audit and research cycle. 
  Metabolism – this module will build on the principles introduced at level 4, developing a critical awareness of metabolic regulation at the cellular level, and in health and disease.  
• Placement 2 - this second practice placement of 400 hours will be spent in a clinical setting supported by registered dietitians and will consist of two separate parts: the first part (80 hours) scheduled for the beginning of the academic year and the second part (320 hours) occurring later in the academic year. Additional clinical simulation activities will also form part of this module and will be delivered on campus throughout the academic year. 

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6) 
This year culminates in a dissertation research project alongside applying higher level knowledge and skills in a final clinical placement.

MODULES

• Advanced Dietetic Practice – this module aims to build on the knowledge and skills acquired at levels 4 and 5, applying them to a full range of clinical conditions.
• Clinical Medicine – in this module, you will bring together the knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry you gained earlier in the programme and develop a thorough grounding in the core aspects of clinical medicine.
• Clinical Research Project – this module will provide you with the opportunity to engage in primary research in a topic relevant to the profession of nutrition and dietetics, applying key research skills from level 5.
• Placement 3 – in this final practice placement, you will consolidate your learning and development in a clinical setting with support and guidance from registered dietitians, reaching a point of proficiency required for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

All modules are core unless states otherwise

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 120 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level in Biological Science and Chemistry (or one of these plus Psychology) at minimum grade C. 

Qualifications equivalent to A-Level will be taken into account, including (for example) 120 UCAS tariff points from an Access to HE Diploma or Level 3 BTEC (Science or Health Studies).

We will also normally expect applicants to have the following:

• Achieved a minimum of 5 GCSE passes (A*-C, or 9-4) to include Maths, Biological Science and English/Welsh (First Language).
• Insight into the role of a dietitian in a variety of settings.  
• Engagement with the University, through attendance at an open day or other opportunity. 

International entry requirements are outlined in the UK National Information Centre for global qualifications and skills as equivalent to the relevant UK entry qualification. Further information can be found on our admissions pages. 

In addition to the academic entry requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (no element below 6.5).   

All applications are considered individually and on merit. Students achieving fewer than the standard 120 UCAS tariff points will have their applications reviewed with consideration given to prior learning, experience and engagement with relevant bodies and organisations in line with the University’s widening participation philosophy. 

All post-interview offers of a place on this degree will be conditional on a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In addition, any acceptance onto the course is subject to Occupational Health Clearance.

Teaching & Assessment

Career prospects

Students in receipt of the HEIW NHS Bursary are required to work in Wales for the first two years of their career as a registered Dietitian. Support to identify a suitable role within the NHS upon completion of the course will be provided. 

Our Careers and Employability service is also available to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with valuable information, advice and guidance. 

Graduates will be eligible to apply for initial registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for full membership of the British Dietetic Association (BDA). 

Eligibility to Practice as a Dietitian

On successful completion of the Nutrition and Dietetics degree programme, you will be eligible to apply for admission to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register. It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001 is on the HCPC Register, for more information, please see the HCPC website at www.hcpc-uk.org.

On successful completion of the programme, you will also be eligible to apply for full membership of the British Dietetic Association (BDA).

Students that do not complete the approved programme or exit with any aegrotat do not have eligibility to apply to the HCPC register and cannot practice as a Dietitian.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our Accommodation to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

*Provisional accreditation

Awarded provisional accreditation for the first 3 years of the programme. This will be monitored annually. Following the graduation of the first cohort of students, full approval can then be achieved for the remainder of the validated period. (Review date: July 2025)