Study Dietetics, why & how to study
Promote healthier living with the skills you gain on a Dietetics course. Find out about the subject area and what it’s like to be a dietician.
CONTENTS
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What’s Dietetics?
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What Dietetics degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Dietetics degree?
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What topics does a Dietetics degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Dietetics?
- Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Dietetics?
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What do Dietetics graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Dietetics graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Dietetics
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Have any questions?
What’s Dietetics?
Dietetics is the scientific study of how food and nutrition affect health. Degree courses in this subject area teach you about metabolism, dietary requirements, disease and more, taking from other disciplines such as physiology and sociology.
You’ll learn all about the diverse health needs of different kinds of people and be able to simplify complex information to help others live healthier lives.
Take a look at the university league table for Food Science including Dietetics.
What Dietetics degrees can you study?
Undergraduate degrees in Dietetics are usually single honours and include practical placements as part of the course. Some examples include:
Dietetics BSc
This course will equip you with the skills necessary to become a dietitian. You'll learn how to assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition related problems at an individual and wider public health level.
Find Dietetics courses.
Human Nutrition and Dietetics BSc
Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the application of the science of nutrition to the prevention and treatment of disease and the promotion of health.
It provides an in-depth understanding of nutrition and metabolism, gained from the study of physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and food science, with recognition of the influencing aspects of psychology and sociology.
Search for Human Nutrition and Dietetics courses.
Other options
Other course options may include an integrated foundation year or integrated master’s.
Degree apprenticeships are also available, where you work and earn while gaining a qualification. You apply through an employer so you won’t have access to student loans or grants but your tuition fees are paid for. You can find available Dietetics degree apprenticeships at either NHS Jobs or Find an apprenticeship.
What do you need to get onto a Dietetics degree?
Must have
Most undergraduate Dietetics courses ask for around 108–144 UCAS points.
- A Levels: ABB–BCC
- BTECs: DDM–DMM
- Scottish Highers: AABB–BBBB
- International Baccalaureate: 32–28
- Universities will usually ask that you have studied biology and another science subject
Good to have
- Studied chemistry, physics, maths, food science, nutrition, or physical education at A Level (or equivalent)
- Volunteered or had work experience in a food- or health-related organisation, such as with a dietician in a hospital
- Online research into what’s involved, such as the NHS-run Health Careers website or YouTube channel
What topics does a Dietetics degree cover?
Typical modules for courses in this subject include:
- Nutrition and health
- Human physiology
- Microbiology and immunology
- Food studies
- Biomolecular science
- Cell biology
How will you be assessed?
Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:
- Practical placements
- Written coursework
- Lab reports
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Essays
- Group projects
- Exams
Why study Dietetics?
Courses often include lots of placements where you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real clinical environments.
Career-specific skills:
- Clinical assessment, planning and evaluation
- Laboratory techniques
- Data interpretation
- Behavioural change strategies to help patients make lifestyle improvements
Transferable skills:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Management
- Self-reflection
- Interpersonal
- Presentation
- Research
Professional accreditations:
- British Dietetic Association (BDA)
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Dietetics?
Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants to encourage diversity. It’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.
The National Health Service (NHS) may also offer financial support. More details on this can be found in our Guide to NHS funded courses.
What do Dietetics graduates earn?
When starting as a graduate dietician, you can expect an entry-level salary of up to £28,900. If you work for the NHS, you’ll typically start on band 5 of the pay scale, which is currently £31,000.
Specialist dietitians are paid £38,600–£46,500 (Band 6), while team leaders and consultants will earn upwards of £47,800 (Band 7).
Read more about what students do and earn after graduation.
What jobs can you get as a Dietetics graduate?
Dietician graduates work in fields including healthcare, research, media, publishing and the food industry for organisations such as the NHS, Bupa and Boots. Examples of roles that graduates go into:
- Dietician
- Nutritionist
- Nutritional therapist
- Food technologist
- Animal nutritionist
- Community wellbeing coordinator
- Workplace wellbeing consultant
- Exercise and health coach
- Teacher or lecturer
- International development worker
- Medical sales representative
- READ MORE
- How to become a dietician
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK:
Similar subjects to Dietetics
Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:
Search undergraduate Dietetics courses now!
Have any questions?
Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!
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