Current dietetic practice is critically examined with a view to establishing a better scientific foundation on which to base practice. The programme is delivered with an ethos of research culture and evidence-based practice, allowing the student to be better informed and skilled than ever before.
With the participation and support of local practitioners, the programme aims to engage the student with the application of current theory to enable safe, ethical and dynamic practice. In particular, the programme attempts to develop in students the personal characteristics that assist in self-development and lifelong learning.
Why study at Chester?
The programme of study is delivered on the Chester campus by the Department of Clinical Sciences which has an excellent reputation in Nutrition and Dietetics at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and is the only provider of pre-registration training in Dietetics in the North West of England.
Graduates from this professional course will be entitled to apply for Registration in Dietetics with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
The programme has been commissioned by the National Health Service (NHS) North West in response to the increasing demand for dietitians in the clinical setting. As a result, students benefit from the support of our dietitian colleagues across the region and the exceptional quality of their contributions to the learning experience.
Features?
The BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics enables the graduate to:
- Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of theories and concepts that assist in the understanding of human disease and its management by diet
- Exhibit the necessary understanding of the scientific basis of the study of disease and health, to assist with dietary interventions at both individual and population levels
- Demonstrate a range of skills that enhance the ability to make reasoned clinical judgement from a patient or client presenting clinical data or information
- Develop the appropriate attitude in the delivery of health care to the range of clients likely to be encountered in the work place
- Develop the mix of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude that will lead to a competent and confident practitioner, able to reflect, evaluate and improve the scientific basis upon which the practice of dietetics rests
Programme Structure:
This full time academic programme is taught over a period of four years. There are three key components: academic curriculum, professional development seminars, and practice placements (work based learning).
You will study a series of dedicated subject modules designed to develop the scientific desciplines of food, biological and social sciences. Students will complete the equivalent of six taught modules during years one to three, and in addition must complete three periods of practical placement that are based in NHS Trusts*. The programme is delivered as follows:
Year 1 - The biological basis of health
- Essential Physiology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Introductory Microbiology and Immunology
- Data Handling and Statistical Analysis
- Food, Nutrients and the Consumer
- Professional Perspectives I
Year 2 - The biological basis of disease
- Research Methods
- Biology of Disease
- Human Metabolism
- Practice Placement A
- Human Nutrition
- Professional Perspectives II
Year 3 - Clinical practice and research
- Dissertation
- Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology
- Health Improvement
- Diet Therapy and Nutrition Support
- Professional Practice
Year 4 - Theory to practice: health care delivery**
- Practice Placement B
- Practice Placement C
- Applied Dietetic Practice
*For information about accreditation of prior credited/certified or experiential learning click on this link: APCL/APEL.
**The three periods of practice placement are designed to develop the knowledge, communication and professional skills required to become an effective dietitian in clinical practice. Placement A introduces the student to the work of the dietitian while Placements B and C aim to develop professional competence.
These placements, in part, fulfill requirements of the Health Professions Council to enable successful candidates to become Registered Dietitians. Practice placements are undertaken within dietetic departments across the North West region and are allocated according to local policy and procedures.
Assessments are designed to encourage development of both academic and vocational skills. Academic assessments are a combination of coursework and formal examinations.
Coursework can include practical reports, data interpretation, essays, case study reports, and oral or poster presentations.
Vocational skills are assessed via live clinical examinations and a personal portfolio, largely during practice placements wherein learning outcomes meet professional standards for competence. These are supervised and assessed by practicing dietitians (practice placement educators).
We are keen to use a variety of assessment methods to find your strengths and give you the maximum opportunity to achieve the best results.
Employment prospects for dietitians are excellent and there are exciting career paths in both acute hospitals and in primary health care.
Other areas of employment include clinical research, advocacy work and teaching, working with the media and with the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Single Honours
| UCAS points: |
A minimum of 280-300 UCAS points from GCE A Levels |
| GCE A Level: |
The department requires Biology as essential to entry, plus one other science which should include Chemistry, Biochemistry or Physics, but may include Geography/Environmental Science, Sociology, Psychology or Sport Science/Physical Education |
| BTEC: |
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile plus GCE A Level Biology and Chemistry |
| Irish/Scottish Highers: |
B in 4 subjects, including Biology and Chemistry |
| International Baccalaureate: |
28 points, including 4 in Biology and Chemistry |
| QAA: |
QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma (Science - must include Biology plus either Chemistry or Biochemistry at Level 3), Open College Units or Open University Credits |
| OCR: |
OCR National Diploma: merit profile plus GCE A Level Biology and Chemistry |
| Other: |
The Advanced Diploma: acceptable in combination with GCE A Level Biology and Chemistry
Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer.
GCSE at grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language is also required |
| Extra Information: |
Candidates must also:
* Satisfy NHS/University Occupational Health screening and 'fitness for practice' requirements
* Agree to an enhanced CRB check
* Visit a dietetic department prior to submitting an application
Candidates will normally be required to attend a personal interview, and applicants with qualifications other than those outlined above may be interviewed to clarify their application.
Eligibility for programme
To be eligible for a place on the programme and/or NHS Bursary support (means tested) ALL students regardless of nationality must be able to satisfy the following requirements on the first day of the first academic year of the course (the ‘prescribed date') * On that day, all applicants must:
* be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the three years preceding the prescribed date, apart from occasional or temporary absences;
* be ordinarily resident in England, Scotland , Wales or Northen Ireland on the prescribed date;
* have ‘settled status' in the UK - within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1971. This means that there must be no restrictions on your length of stay in the UK.
* Applicants must check their eligibility via the NHS Student Grants
|
