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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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) Up-to-date information posted regularly on this site

21. 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.

22. 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!
for regular tweets about alumni success!

23. BSc (Hons) Dietetics at
Plymouth University
Any Questions?

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@UoP_Health