MSc Dietetics ( Pre-Registration )
Dietetic education at QMU is well established with strong employability rates . This course provides graduates of biological sciences with a route into a fulfilling career , helping people improve their health and wellbeing and their quality of life .
The MSc Dietetics ( Pre-Registration ) has a clinical and health promotion focus and includes three practice placements . On completion you will be able to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council ( HCPC ) to work as a dietitian .
Dietetics is the management of diseases that are amenable to dietary intervention , and the prevention of nutrition-related disorders . A dietitian influences food selection and eating behaviour of an individual based on specific nutritional or food requirements .
As a dietitian , you will translate scientific information about nutrition into practical advice to help people make healthconscious decisions about food . You will assess , diagnose and treat diet-related problems and aim to raise awareness of the link between food , health and disease to prevent future problems and treat existing nutrition-related problems . Dietitians are a key part of the healthcare team and are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated .
The course takes you through a clinically and practically focused study of disease , health , food and nutrition . With a clinical and health promotion focus , the course includes three practice-based placements that allow students to apply and consolidate their theoretical learning .
Structure
You must complete the full MSc to be eligible to register with the HCPC and work as a dietitian . To be awarded the MSc you will be required to complete 320 academic credits and pass the competency-based practice placements . Single module study is not available .
Teaching , learning and assessment
The course delivers theoretical and practical campus based learning with three integrated periods of practice based learning .
The emphasis is on student-centred learning where your previous knowledge and skills are used to develop your new subject area . Learning activities include lectures , tutorials , workshops and practical classes and are guided using web-based supporting materials . You will also complete three practical placements to enable the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience .
A variety of assessment methods are used across the course . A small cohort ensures that individuals receive excellent support and benefit from sharing their experiences with classmates .
Teaching hours and attendance
Each module is equivalent to a notional 200 hours of work ( or multiple thereof ), which is made up of attendance in class , online learning and independent work . The structure of each module is different with different attendance requirements for each timetabled module . Over an average semester the expectation is that during 14 weeks of teaching students will undertake approximately 40 hours per week of student effort , including contact classes , online learning and independent study time . Students will normally complete the course via a full-time route .
All placements are completed on a full-time basis and in line with the requirements of the dietetic service , normally Monday to Friday , 9am – 5pm .
Industry links , accreditation and professional registration
This course provides eligibility to apply for registration as a dietitian with the HCPC and is accredited by the British Dietetic Association .
Modules
Introduction to Dietetic Practice ( Placement A ) ( 20 credits ) ( Includes 2 weeks campus based and 2 weeks practice-based learning )/ Essentials of the Dietetic Management ( 20 credits )/ Nutrition Through the Life Course ( 20 credits )/ Disease Aetiology and Management ( 20 credits )/ Dietetic Management of Long-Term Conditions ( 20 credits )/ Epidemiology in Public Health ( 20 credits )/ Developing Dietetic Practice ( Placement B ) ( 60 credits ) ( Includes 12 weeks practice-based learning )/ Innovative and Emerging Practice ( 40 credits )/ Consolidating Dietetic Practice ( Placement C ) ( 60 credits ) ( Includes 12 weeks practicebased learning )/ Applying Skills of Critical Enquiry ( 40 credits )
The modules listed are correct at time of publication ( November 2021 ) but are subject to change . In the event that modules change , QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students .
Placements
Placements are randomly allocated as part of a Scottish-wide placement system . They can take place anywhere across Scotland and the costs associated with these are met by the student ( eg travel and accommodation ).
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