Program Overview

Dietitians use public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

This interdisciplinary course combines the study of nutrition science with dietetic practice. Alongside the scientific topics of nutritional biochemistry and physiology, you will also study communication skills, behavioural change techniques, research methods and ethics.

Time will be given for practical workshops in which you will have experience in analysing diets using specialist software, and obtain practice in analysing and diagnosing nutritional problems and developing nutritional care plans. Some work will be undertaken in our biochemistry laboratory.

During the three-year programme you undertake professional placements throughout the course within a variety of healthcare and commercial settings. This will give you the opportunity to develop your clinical skills alongside industry partners, charities and other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physiotherapists and sport scientists.

As part of the University of Winchester’s growing portfolio of health-related programmes, you will benefit from strong relationships with those teaching and studying nursing, physiotherapy and sports-related degrees.

In Year 1, you study Fundamentals of Food Science and Biochemistry; Introduction to Human Nutrition and Nutrition Physiology; Introduction to the Psycho-Sociology of Health and you develop your communication skills and begin your Practice Education.

With a good foundation in place, in Year 2 you critically explore areas such as Behavioural Science and Professionalism in Dietetics; Pharmacology; Clinical Dietetics and Research Methods as well as continuing your Practice Education.

Your final year subjects include Integrated Nutrition Care Planning and Public Health, Epidemiology and Research Methods. In addition you plan, research and write your dissertation in Nutrition and Dietetics in an area that especially interests you.

On completion of the degree you will have the knowledge to be able to educate people about the best ways to eat and drink in order to keep their body fit and healthy.

This degree is accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It leads to eligibility to apply for HCPC registration (you are required to complete 1,000 hours of clinical placement to be eligible) and follows the core curriculum set out by the BDA. As a graduate of this programme you can enter the profession of dietetics once registered as a dietitian.