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, physiologists, pharmacologists, teach on programme (guest lecturers and service users)

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

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 Dissertation 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

Supplementary Funding The Learning Support Fund provides supplementary funding to eligible students to support; - Childcare costs - Travel and dual accommodation when on clinical placements For further information visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/learning-support-fund   https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/201710/LSF%20Student%20guidance%20booklet%20%2 8V5%29%2010.2017.pdf

What Plymouth also offers Voluntary placement in year 1 Other volunteering activities Mentor scheme Business and Leadership skills Peer assisted learning (PAL’s) 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 (preferred) (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 in your chosen professional discipline. https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/NHS_Constitution_staff_guide.pdf

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

Opportunity to Meet Local Dietitians Meet with Dietitians from the Derriford Hospital Team Opportunity to learn more about the role Friday November 17th 9:30-12:30 Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, Derriford hospital site Contact Sadie Birkett for more information or to book a place s.birkitt@nhs.net

If Offered a Place… Attend selection day Commitment to the course Be sure before you start Enhanced Criminal Records check (DBS) If you have lived abroad a “certificate of good character” is required 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 universities many clubs and societies including sailing and diving facilities You want to enjoy a safe, relaxed city life

KIS data- BSc (Hons) Dietetics 92% Students were satisfied overall 100% Students agreed staff are good at explaining things 100% Students agreed staff made the subject interesting 85% Students in work / study six months after finishing http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/searchresults/

National Student Survey Data Good advice was available when I needed to make study choices on my course Academic support Learning opportunities Compared to all Nutrition and Dietetic programmes in the UK, we achieved the highest score on these three questions

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

BSc (Hons) Dietetics at Plymouth University Any Questions?

Follow us, and tell us what you think about today A copy of this presentation can be found on the University website shortly after the open day at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/opendays Follow us, and tell us what you think about today @UoP_Health