Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons) – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: B401 | 4 years View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: B403 | 5 years with foundation year View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | B401 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year | B403 | S85 |
Why choose this course
- Study a research-led curriculum on a course ranked 2nd in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2023, 2nd in the UK by The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 and with an over 90% satisfaction score in the National Student Survey 2022.
- Access our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory and use equipment found in NHS research facilities.
- Complete three integrated clinical placements in the NHS to acquire a wealth of practical experience, under the supervision of qualified dietitians.
- Learn from lecturers who’ve been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2017 for Further and Higher Education, in recognition of their research excellence in the field of food and nutrition.
- Get the academic requirements needed to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a dietitian once you’ve graduated.
What you will study
On this course, you’ll learn to help prevent and treat disease as a registered dietitian, responding to the diverse needs of patients, families and carers, within a variety of settings.
You’ll understand how food intake and dietary requirements can be altered by illness and you’ll be able to translate nutritional science and information about food, into practical dietary advice. This advice can be aimed at the general public to promote health or in a clinical environment to treat a wide range of medical disorders.
In your first two years of this course, you’ll study a variety of topics, ensuring you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree. At the end of your first year, you’ll complete your first NHS clinical placement.
In your third year, you’ll complete another two placements, each lasting up to 12 weeks.
In your fourth year, you’ll have the choice to specialise further in an area of personal interest and you’ll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical, and presentation skills you’ve developed.
Clinical and research-led curriculum
We have a clinical and research-led focus to our teaching, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to the NHS. We were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2017 for Further and Higher Education, in recognition of our research excellence in the field of food and nutrition.
Final-year project
In your final year, you’ll complete a research project. This can be an existing project that one of our researchers are working on or something entirely new, that you want to investigate further.
Previous students have completed their projects in acute hospital settings or in public health. Some have also helped NHS dietitians to carry out a service evaluation.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from hands-on learning in our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory, where TV screens are used to show you how to conduct experiments and follow scientific protocols.
The Laboratory is fitted with the latest industry equipment, that you’ll use to conduct a full range of experiments with. You’ll complete your first practical within your first two weeks.
The time you spend in our facilities will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with nutrition and dietetics methodology and develop the practical laboratory experience that’s essential in a research career and valued by a wide range of employers.
In your final year, depending on your research project, you may also get to use our dissertation laboratory.
Teaching staff
You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers or clinicians within their respective fields. These may include:
- Dr Jonathan Brown, an expert on polyphenols in health and disease
- Dr Adam Collins, a nutritionist with over 20 years’ experience and expertise in obesity, weight loss, body composition and sports nutrition
- Dr Barbara Engel, a dietitian with over 20 years’ experience and expertise in renal disease.
Throughout your placements, you'll have an educational supervisor, who’ll be a senior clinician. They'll guide you through your experience and help you to complete your evidence portfolio.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Health and Care Professions Council, the (HCPC)
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a dietitian.
BSc (Hons) - British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) as delivering the approved pre-registration curriculum framework. Provides eligibility to apply for HCPC registration as a dietitian.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that on successful completion of your studies, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to register to work as a dietitian.
97% of our biosciences and medicine graduates go on to employment or further study.* Most of our alumni go on to work in clinical dietetics or health promotion, for an NHS trust across the UK.
The NHS is the largest healthcare employer in Europe and is home to a diverse range of specialist roles in hospitals, practice surgeries, people’s homes and the wider community. Visit the NHS careers website for further information.
Some of our graduates go on to work in the food industry, for major food and supermarket companies like Fresenius (based in Germany), or Wiltshire Farm Foods, while others take on roles in education and media. Many students also use this course to apply for further study, including postgraduate research.
*Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biosciences.
Dr Barbara Engel
Programme leader
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
Please note: this course is subject to validation, therefore no modules have been confirmed at this moment in time. These modules will appear once the course has been validated.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
No optional modules
Placement A is a pass or fail placement made up of three parts; an online module, involvement in Time for Dementia and a two week Clinical Placement where 6 Learning Outcomes have to be completed (this two week clinical placement usually takes place in Summer between level 4 and level 5). All 3 parts have of the placement must be passed
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
No optional modules. Time for Dementia will continue into year 2
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| NUTRITION & DIETETICS: PLACEMENT B | Core | 1 |
| NUTRITION & DIETETICS: PLACEMENT C | Core | 2 |
Optional modules for Placement Year -
Placement B is a pass or fail placement made up of two parts; an online module of 1 week, and a 12-week Clinical Placement where 12 Learning Outcomes have to be completed. Both parts and learning outcomes of the placement have to be passed.
Applied dietetics 2 (AD2) is a five-week module which takes place between Placements B and C in the professional training year. This involves 1 week of distance learning and 4 weeks of full-time problem-based learning. This is a compulsory module and students must attend all sessions and engage in all given work to progress onto Placement C. This module is evaluated as pass or fail by assessing student engagement.
Placement C is a pass or fail placement made up of a 12-week Clinical Placement where 12 Learning Outcomes have to be completed. Students must pass all learning outcomes within the allocated placement timeframe to successfully pass Placement C (this may extend in final year if some learning outcomes are outstanding after completing placements).
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Choose 2 optional modules (1 per semester). The BDA also require that dietetic students, where the Programme does not include a Placement at the end of the academic studies, maintain some consistency and take part in opportunities for them to show they have met standards for registration with HCPC such as public health interventions.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
Day-to-day learning
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Distance learning (on occasion)
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Laboratory-based practicals
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Role plays
- Seminars
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading.
When you’re on placement
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Demonstration
- Discussion groups
- Observation
- Practice under supervision
- Reflective dialogue
- Role modelling
- Shadowing.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Essays
- Examinations
- Practical write-ups
- Presentations.
When you’re out on placement, your knowledge, skills and professional behaviour will be assessed and graded by your mentors. You’ll also be required to keep an evidence portfolio to show that you’ve met your required learning outcomes.
For a full breakdown of modular assessments, please see the module table (above).
Contact hours
You’ll have approximately 24 contact hours each week.
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Admissions staff will review the information provided within your personal statement and reference to assess applications for evidence of academic ability, insight and motivation.
Relevant work experience in a care setting and/or evidence of other involvement in the community (for example, school, voluntary or charity responsibilities) is normally required. We will also consider relevant skills gained from non-healthcare related roles (such as communication, counselling, teamwork or organisation).
Your personal statement should be comprehensive, with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. If you are shortlisted you will be invited to an interview and selection day.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited for a selection day consisting of multiple mini interviews (MMIs) which will be conducted by University academics, assisted by staff from clinical practice areas and detailed guidance is provided in your invitation. Your offer may be conditional upon a satisfactory level of medical fitness, and students are screened by Occupational Health at the beginning of the course. Please note that all offers are conditional upon clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), or equivalent.
All of our offers will be made subject to a health screening and DBS checks. Occupational health services are provided by Cordell Health on behalf of the University of Surrey.
Declaration of criminal convictions
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions web page for more information.
Deferred entry
The course does not accept applications for deferred entry.
Covid-19 vaccinations
On 15 March 2022, regulations revoking the Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VCOD) for Healthcare Workers came into force. This means that it will not become a requirement for people to have received a COVID-19 vaccine in order to deliver face-to-face CQC-regulated activities in wider social care settings. Whilst we still encourage everyone to get vaccinated where they can, it is no longer a requirement for this programme.
Foundation
On this course, you can choose to study a foundation year, designed to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. As a foundation student, you’ll study full-time for one year at foundation level. After successful completion of this year, you’ll move onto your chosen version of this course.
Find out more about our entry requirements, fees and how to apply.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024
BSc (Hons)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Safety equipment: £23 – equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory books, pen and bag). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment
- Uniform: Although a uniform (tunics and trousers) is provided, you are required to supply your own suitable footwear and any additional uniform. You are also responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing your uniform. All students receive a name badge free of charge before they go out into practice, if a replacement is required (lost/damaged etc) there is a fee of £4
- Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount – you are required to pay upfront cost of travel and accommodation expenses incurred when on placements, these may vary depending on the location. Students starting their studies in 2023/24 will be able to apply for reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses through the Learning Support Fund as a result of attending practice placements (this model may not apply for the duration of students' studies). Essential expenses incurred over and above a student’s normal daily travel costs to the University are covered. NHS rules on expenses must be followed and the rates applicable are to be confirmed by the NHS Business Services Authority
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: The University will meet the cost of one DBS check, completed at the start of each new student’s programme or earlier where applicants indicate they have a conviction in their application. The DBS check is a programme requirement: it is mandatory that the DBS process is completed and the student is approved to attend before they can start placement. Applicants offered a place on the programme will be contacted to complete the online process by the deadline specified. The process is not completed until all original documentation has been approved by an appointed DBS approver. This should be completed in advance of applicants starting their programme using main branches of the Post Office, where there will be a £6 administration fee.
Grand total: £23 plus commuting and accommodation expenses.
These additional costs are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Costs for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.
Clinical placements
You’ll spend part of your training completing three integrated clinical placements, allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills and practice within healthcare settings, under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Previous students have completed their placements within the NHS, in either acute hospital settings or out in the wider community. There are also opportunities to do outreach work with charities and public health organisations on nutrition campaigns.
Your NHS placements will take place across the south and south-east of England, in one of our 35 partner trusts.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
You’ll be expected to attend clinical placements off campus. Please see the placements section for more details.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH