Nutrition and Dietetics
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | Nutrition/Dietetics: A level grades ABB-BBB (320-300 points) |
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| Required Subjects | Biology required. Additional science A level (preferably Chemistry) required. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. |
| Other Entry Requirements | Admission to the Nutrition/Dietetics programme is subject to eligibility for an NHS bursary. Information is available online: Nutrition/Dietetics (B401) is only open to UK and EU students. Nutrition (B400) is available to all students. |
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| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDM-DMM (in an appropriate science subject) A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis such as HND, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish qualifications, Access Diplomas and Foundation courses. |
| Selection Process | Offers are made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview. Nutrition/Dietetics offers are based on satisfactory interviews. Offers may be conditional upon a satisfactory level of medical fitness, and students are screened by Occupational Health at the beginning of the programme. Nutrition/Dietetics students are also required to be Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) registered, and have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. More information is available online: www.isa-gov.org.uk |
| Professional Recognition | The Nutrition/Dietetics programme is commissioned by the NHS, which pays student tuition fees and offers a means-tested bursary. The programme is approved by the Health Professions Council and successful completion leads to eligibility to apply for registration as a dietitian. The Nutrition programme is accredited by the Nutrition Society. |
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If you are interested in food, how it affects the health of the individual and the nation, and how diet can be used in the treatment of disease, these subject areas will provide you with an exciting challenge. Studying to become a nutritionist or dietitian at Surrey will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of nutrient requirements and healthy eating. Dietitians will also learn how food intake and dietary requirements can be altered by illness, and about the use of therapeutic diets to treat disease.
Our programmes have an active application across a range of health and professional industries and you will acquire knowledge, skills and expertise that will enable you to excel in your chosen career.
Further information
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Nutrition/Dietetics | B401 | 4 years |
| BSc (Hons) Nutrition | B400 | 3/4* years |
Our Degrees
Dietetics involves translating nutritional science and information about food into practical dietary advice. This may be aimed at the general public to promote health, or in a clinical environment to treat a wide range of medical disorders.
The Nutrition/Dietetics programme has been specifically designed for students with a strong interest in food, people, science and medicine who wish to use their knowledge to help prevent and treat disease. As a dietitian you will work with people to help them modify their food intake. This programme has been approved by the Health Professions Council, which means you will be eligible to apply to become a registered dietitian upon graduation.
As a student on our Nutrition programme you will learn about food and the nutrients it contains, how the body uses them and how they relate to health and disease. This degree is designed for those who wish to pursue either a commercial, medical or research-orientated career. The degree is accredited by the Nutrition Society.
As well as providing you with a solid core of knowledge about nutrition, this programme offers you the opportunity to study a wide range of related subjects. We also provide you with the opportunity to undertake a professional training year on one of our excellent range of placements, to develop your skills, experience and employability.
BSc (Hons) Nutrition/Dietetics (B401)
Our Nutrition/Dietetics programme teaches you to apply nutritional science to promote health and to treat medical conditions. You will then be able to provide practical advice to enable people to make dietary change.
At Level 1 you will cover core sciences and be introduced to food skills and nutrition. After this grounding in the key knowledge and skills, you will undertake a four-week placement before the start of Level 2.
Level 2 continues to develop the subjects studied in your first year with the introduction of dietetics and psychology.
Level P is spent on two 12-week placements and a period of six weeks at the University in February/March where you will take part in problem-solving exercises. You will also have the opportunity to share and consolidate your placement learning with other students, benefiting from their experiences.
During Level 3 you will take modules from a range of options which reflect our key areas of strength, allowing you to benefit from our research expertise. You will also undertake an extended research project, exploring in more depth an area of interest to you.
This programme is funded by the National Health Service (NHS), making UK students eligible for a means tested bursary. Tuition fees are paid by the NHS for both UK and EU students. Although the placement is not salaried, UK students may apply to the NHS for financial assistance with travel and accommodation costs.
BSc (Hons) Nutrition (B400)
Our Nutrition programme is extremely relevant to the needs of today’s professionals. It offers a wide range of optional modules and is structured to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in your chosen field.
Level 1 includes modules in Nutrition and Food Science, as well as a range of other sciences.
During Level 2, core Nutrition modules are combined with Physiology, Pathology and Medicine, and Food Science to ensure an appropriate background knowledge. This leaves an opportunity to choose modules from a wide range of options to make up the 120 credits required.
At Level 3 you will undertake a final-year dissertation on a subject of your choice. Taught modules allow a more in-depth understanding of all aspects of human nutrition.
Programme Overview
Programme Structure
Nutrition/Dietetics
Level 1
- Nutrition: Macronutrients
- Practical Nutrition Skills
- Applied Nutrition
- Food Science
- Key Skills 1
- Chemical and Biochemical Foundation/Organic Chemistry and Biochemical Foundation
- Biochemistry
- Practical Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Microbiology: Microbes and Man
- Optional language modules
- Four-week clinical placement
Level 2
- Dietetics
- Practical Dietetics
- Applied Dietetics
- Nutrition Micronutrients
- Nutritional Needs of Population Groups
- Health Psychology
- NHS Management and Communication
- Food Science
- Physiology
- Pathology and Medicine
- Biomedical Science
Level P
- Twelve-week clinical placement
- Six weeks of academic study
- Twelve-week clinical placement
Level 3
- Practical Nutrition
- Regulation and Disorders of Energy and Lipid Metabolism
- Epidemiology and Nutrition Research Methods
- Public Health Nutrition
- Clinical Nutrition
- Therapeutic Nutrition
- Optional module from a wide selection
- Dissertation (equivalent to three modules)
Nutrition
Level 1
Modules include:
- Nutrition: Macronutrients
- Practical Nutrition Skills
- Applied Nutrition
- Food Science
- Key Skills 1
- Chemical and Biochemical Foundation/Organic Chemistry and Biochemical Foundation
- Biochemistry
- Practical Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Microbiology: Microbes and Man
- Optional language modules
Level 2
Modules include:
- Nutrition Education and Health Promotion
- Nutritional Needs of Population Groups
- Food Microbiology
- Food Science
- Food Analysis and Quality Control
- Pathology and Medicine
- Health Psychology
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
Modules include:
- Growth and Development
- Regulation and Disorders of Energy and Lipid Metabolism
- Epidemiology and Nutrition Research Methods
- Sports Nutrition
- Practical Nutrition
- Public Health Nutrition
- Food Safety
- Biological Rhythms
- Research Project (equivalent to three modules)
Professional Training
As a student on our Nutrition/Dietetics programme you will undertake three placements. They are all within the NHS and could be in either an acute hospital or a community setting. During a four-week placement at the end of Level 1 you will find out more about the working environment experienced by a dietitian, the way they work and the other health professionals they work with. You will also undertake two twelve-week placements during Level P.
The first will give you the chance to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through your studies. The second placement is designed to consolidate your knowledge, skills and attitudes, as well as further developing them with more complex patients and situations. The placements are fully integrated with the academic part of your programme, allowing you to gain practical experience that enhances your learning. During your placements, trained supervisors will help you to develop and learn. You will normally be placed with one of our placement provider partners throughout the South East.
Our Nutrition placements are usually paid and may be in the food industry, government research establishments or the NHS. Our professional training tutor will help organise your choice of placement and you will be visited by academic staff, normally three times, during your placement. Companies and institutes offering placements include Nestle and Nutricia. Students who do not wish to take a professional training year follow the three-year programme.
Ten reasons to study Nutrition and Dietetics at Surrey
- Well-established and renowned programmes
- A national and international leader in research
- Taught by nutritionists and dietitians at the forefront of their fields
- A variety of teaching methods
- Strong student support systems
- An excellent professional training year scheme
- An outstanding employment record
Top for Jobs
Recent graduates from Nutrition/Dietetics have entered employment in roles such as:
NHS - Band 5 Dietitian
NHS - Health Promotion Officer
Recent graduates from Nutrition have entered employment in roles such as:
Food Standards Agency - Development Technologist
NHS - Public Health Information Officer
Career Opportunities
Most of our Nutrition/Dietetics graduates start their career working for the NHS either in clinical dietetics or in health promotion. There are also attractive opportunities in the food industry, such as working for major food and supermarket companies, in research, and in education and the media.
Our Nutrition graduates have attractive career prospects in the food industry, health service, research, and in education and the media. A considerable number return to their professional placement company/organisation.
Teaching
On average you will have 24 hours of contact time each week. A variety of teaching methods is used including lectures, tutorials and practicals. You will also be expected to undertake private study (such as coursework and additional reading). Your studies will be enlivened by problem-based learning activities and a range of supporting e-learning materials.
Assessment
Each module is assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment is by a combination of examination and/or coursework which may include individual projects and group work.
Contact Details
T: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681
What our students say
Student Profile: Emma Collins
BSc Nutrition/ Dietetics Level 3
I chose to come to the University of Surrey as the course has been running for a number of years, and is one of the best places to study Dietetics in the country. Coming from a small island, I didn’t wish to be lost in a big city, and Guildford is ideal, with many bars, shops and London a short train ride away when you feel like getting away!
The course is excellent at Surrey, although demanding at times, and extremely rewarding. Lectures are quite intense; however as the subjects are directly related to the degree, it is definitely worth all the hard work.
For my placement year I went to Southampton General Hospital followed by the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford which I thoroughly enjoyed. It made me realise how much I want to become a dietitian. From the beginning of placement to when you are finally passing at the end, you realise how much you have grown from a dietetics student to having the knowledge and capabilities of a newly qualified dietitian – rather scary but also very rewarding!
As a Surrey student, I get involved with the University both academically and socially. Although the programme means that some days you will be spending your afternoon in the Library, I still manage to find time to join the swimming and water polo teams, exercise in the gym, and work in the Union, all of which take my mind off work!
Student Profile: Amy Taylor
BSc Nutrition Level 3
My main reason for choosing Surrey was that it offers a placement year as part of the course, which I knew would give me a better insight into the nutrition industry in the UK.
During my professional training year I worked for a company called Nutricia, who own the infant milk and food brands Cow & Gate and Aptamil. I was working for the nutrition team, supporting them in their work and also taking on small projects of my own for certain food products.
I also developed my ability to translate my scientific knowledge into an understandable context for non-nutritionists/scientists, which is an important skill when promoting food products. The thing I most enjoyed was having the opportunity to develop my interest in infant nutrition and improve my knowledge around this area.
The professional training year gives you a great advantage when looking for a job post-graduation as you gain basic skills that others may not have been able to develop yet, which employers find desirable.
Once I graduate I would like to pursue a career in infant nutrition, and perhaps in the future further my education by taking a Masters course.
I'm part of the University surf club, and this year will be events coordinator again (after having taken on this role in my second year), which means I organise the weekend and day trips away. Being part of a club is a great way to meet new people and socialise.
