Taught course

Dietetics

Institution
Cardiff Metropolitan University · Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences
Qualifications
MScPGDip

Entry requirements

For the PG Diploma in Dietetics:

Applicants should have an honours degree (1st class or 2:1) in human nutrition, or a degree that includes nutrition in the awards title, with sufficient emphasis on physiology and biochemistry (40 credits in total required, with at least 20 credits in human physiology and 20 credits in human biochemistry). It is also preferable for candidates to have 10 credits in sociology and 10 credits in psychology, however this can be taken alongside other modules on the programme if successful.

Students should have completed their degree not more than five years before their proposed entry to this PG Diploma. Applicants who have a first or upper second-class honours degree in nutrition, which does not contain either sufficient biochemistry or physiology (but not both), can undertake further relevant modules at undergraduate level, prior to applying for the programme. Applicants who do not have a degree award in nutrition (1st or 2:1) but meet the requirements for biochemistry and physiology, will need to undertake a further relevant taught course of study to at least to postgraduate diploma level prior to applying for the course.

Gaining experience within a relevant setting is strongly advised due to the high calibre and volume of applications submitted each year. To enhance your application we recommend gaining as much experience as possible, for example, working as a Dietetic Support Worker, volunteering/working within a dietetic department, volunteering for related charities, or working as a Healthcare Assistant.

Health Boards in Wales are currently working together to provide Experience Days for prospective students who frequently enquire about work experience days. As this is a requirement in applying for the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics programmes, Experience Days have been set up to accommodate this.

You will not need to attend an Experience Day in Wales if you have already received Dietetic experience elsewhere as the same information will be covered. The Health Boards aim to provide two/three every year.​​

For the MSc Dietetics:

Eligibility for the course is a having obtained a PgDip in Dietetics qualification and also current registration with the HCPC. If your PgDip wasn't undertaken at Cardiff Met, you will need to submit an RPL form, so you can transfer your PgDip credits.

Selection Procedure for PgDip Dietetics:

Applications are scored on the basis of the personal statement, work experience, references and credits. Successful applications are invited to an interview. Please be aware that there are limited places and you may be placed on a waiting list if all available places have been already allocated.

We only offer conditional places. The following conditions need to be met before Induction Week, in September:

  • Provide copy of your official final transcript from your undergraduate course.
  • Obtain a clear enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. Please find more details here.
  • Undergo an Occupational Health Screening, arranged by the University.

Please note: Applications remain open until the course reaches maximum capacity. Applicants who submit an application, but who don't provide all compulsory documents, will not be considered.

Selection Procedure for MSc Dietetics:

Successful applicants will be required to obtain a clear enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. Please find more details here. Applicants who have obtained their PgDip out of Cardiff Met will need to submit an RPL request to transfer the credits prior to enrolment.

Applicants who speak English as a second language must have adequate command of English, with an IELTS score of 7, with at least 6.5 in all elements. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Due to the nature of the programme, we are not able to consider international applicants. We welcome applicants from the Republic of Ireland, as they are considered as Home applicants for fee purposes. Please check our Fee Status Assessment here for further information.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Both the PgD and MSc Dietetics degrees are approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are also accredited by the British Dietetic Association.

During the programme students are educated to be responsive practitioners, able to adapt to the changing needs of society. The course is designed to produce critically thinking and reflective professionals who have comprehensive theoretical knowledge, along with a spirit of enquiry and an analytical and creative approach to problem solving.

Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics:

This contains the taught academic element, which is closely aligned to the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme and three periods of practical training on placements within the NHS. On completion students can graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics, which leads to eligibility to apply to the HCPC to register as a Dietitian.

The taught academic part of the course contains six modules at Level 7 (Masters). In addition, students study professional body modules (Level 5) in order to fulfil the requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Dietetic Association curriculum guidelines. These include Psychology and Sociology.

Please note: Applications remain open until the course reaches maximum capacity. Applicants who submit an application, but who don't provide all compulsory documents, will not be considered.

Masters in Dietetics:

The MSc Dietetics can only accept applicants who have already achieved a PgDip Dietetics as it only offers dissertation module.

This module is self-directed research, with contact points with the tutor throughout the year. Many students complete the Masters degree while working within the NHS so flexibility with contact is required.

Fees and funding

All healthcare students, including those who have not subscribed to NHS Wales Bursary which provides financial support for tuition fees and for some aspects of maintenance in return for their commitment to work in Wales after graduation, are eligible for support from NHS Wales in the form of reimbursement of clinical placement travel and subsistence expenses which may be claimed through the Cardiff Metropolitan University Student Services Placements Office. For further information on reclaiming placement expenses please contact cpt@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Please contact financeadvice@cardiffmet.ac.uk if you have any queries about funding, including student finance and NHS bursary. For further information about the NHS Bursary Scheme, please click here.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • PGDip
    full time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Admissions Team
Email
directapplications@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Phone
029 2041 6044