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

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
Dietetics
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Paramedicine
Physiotherapy
Podiatry

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
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)

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. 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:
8V5%29% pdf

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

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

25. 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:
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@UoP_Health