BSc (Hons) Dietetics Faculty of Health and Human Sciences Plymouth University

Dietetics A healthcare profession which involves the application of nutrition to groups and individuals and the treatment of disease Requires an understanding of how the science of nutrition can contribute to the health of individuals and communities and to clinical management of disease

Course Structure Highly integrated and focused course Course completed over three years, achieved by extending the academic year (45 weeks/year) Sometimes working across traditional summer vacation, but still get holidays of at least 8 weeks a year The course is delivered using both practical and theoretical elements Shared learning with other allied health professionals/ multi-professional groups

1 University H A placement 2 B Placement 3 C placement Year Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug 1 University H A placement 2 B Placement 3 C placement  

Course Aims Safe, competent and confident practitioner Accountable and autonomous Life long learning and transferable skills Reflective and clinical reasoning skills Research ethos Non-judgemental and anti-discriminatory Eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Dietetic Association

New Opportunities, New Approaches Academic staff including ‘clinical academics’ shared with the NHS (bringing back real life) Case studies and problems to solve Psychologists, sociologists, other AHPs, physiologists, pharmacologists teach on programme (guest lecturers)

Inter-Professional Education Core Inter-professional modules in all years of course facilitates an inter-professional approach -opportunities for shared learning between students from Physiotherapy Dietetics Occupational Therapy Podiatry Optometry Paramedicine

Course Content Year 1 Nutritional Biochemistry Preparation for Practice Human Nutrition and Food Studies Human Nutrition and Psychosocial Care Year 2 Project studies Pathophysiology Dietetics 1 (CBL) Dietetics in Practice 1 Year 3 Dietetics 2 (CBL) Dietetics in Practice 2 Project Nutritional Biochemistry Physiology and Genetics Nutr. Epidemiology/Public Health Nutrition Placement A (2weeks) Metabolism and Pharmacology Metabolism and Immunology Placement B (12 weeks) Public Health Nutrition Business and leadership Placement C (12 weeks)

Practice/Clinical Placements Clinical placement training in Dietetic Departments integrated into course Three Placements; 2 weeks – introduction 12 weeks – basic Dietetic skills 12 weeks – complex skills Placements likely to be in South West but not guaranteed

Placements in the South West You may be required to travel for your placements, developing a broader practice experience

What Plymouth also offers Voluntary placement in year 1 Other volunteering activities Mentor scheme Business and Leadership skills Many employment prospects Learning in a fun supportive environment

Your Application What we look for: Totality of the application Academic qualifications including - Strong GCSE profile: Five grades C and above in one sitting (must include English, Maths and Science) - A Levels: ABB grades to include Biology and Chemistry (equivalent 128 UCAS points with 72 from Biology and Chemistry) Personal Statement References

Your Application What we look for: Non Standard Academic Qualifications BTEC or Diploma in a science related area (with additional A level preferred). Units must include both Biology and Chemistry Access to higher education, to include 15 Biology and 15 Chemistry units at L3 distinction * Applications from those returning to education are welcome Evidence of academic study in the last five years is required *NB it might be necessary to do GCSE Maths, English or Science if insufficiently covered in Access – please check with your Access provider

Personal Statement Demonstrate a keen interest, understanding and knowledge of Dietetic profession (and food/nutrition) Evidence of related work experience Demonstrate evidence of good communication skills Ability to empathise with others Problem solving and use of initiative Awareness of Values Based Behaviours/attributes

Value Based Approach NHS professional courses are required to select and interview their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. UCAS personal statement requires insight into importance of NHS values https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/NHS_Constitution_staff_guide.pdf in your chosen professional discipline.

6 Core Values in the NHS constitution Working together for patients Respect and dignity. Commitment to quality of care Compassion Improving lives. Everyone counts. SELECTION DAYS

If Offered a Place… Commitment to the course Attend selection day Be sure before you start Enhanced Criminal Records check (DBS) Occupational health screen

Also Come to Plymouth if ... You want to enjoy walking, hiking, pony trekking or cycling on Dartmoor You want access to the finest beaches in the UK You want to use the university sailing and diving facilities You want to enjoy a safe, relaxed city life

KIS data- BSc (Hons) Dietetics 95% Students were satisfied overall 91% Students agreed staff are good at explaining things 95% Students agreed staff made the subject interesting 85% Students in work / study six months after finishing http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/searchresults/

Funding Useful links below:- Example, current starting salary Band 5 (point 16) equals £22,128 with loans repayments of £8.46 a month (£1.95 a week) https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/about/careers-nhs/nhs-pay-and-benefits/agenda-change-pay-rates http://www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk/salary.php Up-to-date information posted regularly on this site https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/faculty-of-health-human-sciences/nhs-funding-changes

How our alumni can help you During your time at Plymouth you will meet and engage with students who have successfully graduated. These graduates, also known as alumni, give their time to help you to network & develop! You will engage with alumni in many ways, from their direct engagement as part of your course (guest lectures or informal visits) through to networking events with alumni who are active employers working in your sector.

About our alumni network Our alumni network includes over 100,000 graduates in 100 countries When you graduate you will join the alumni community & become eligible for a range of benefits & services, including careers support for 3 years after graduation Be inspired! Follow @PlymUniAlum for regular tweets about alumni success!

BSc (Hons) Dietetics at Plymouth University Any Questions?

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