Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food and advise people on their food and nutrition choices.
Working life
You'll assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems. Your aim is to promote good health and prevent disease in individuals and communities.
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You'll be skilled at translating scientific and medical research related to food and health into practical guidance for the general public.You'll also teach health professionals about diet and nutrition.
You'll work in hospitals or in the community and with individuals and communities with both healthy and sick people. You could, for example, work with people who:
- have digestive problems
- want to lose weight
- need to put on weight after an illness
- haveHIV
- have an eating disorder
- want to improve their sports performance
- have an allergy.
As well as working with other health professionals and nutritionists, you may supervise the work ofdietetic assistants.Dietitians and nutritionists have different roles and training and are regulated by different bodies.
Ashley Smith
Senior dietitian
There is nothing better than seeing patients leave the critical care unit and working with them on their journey to recovery.
Entry requirements
You must first successfully complete an approved degree in dietetics, usually at undergraduate level.You'll need
- two or three A levels, including chemistry, maths or biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C or 4-9), including English language and maths
or equivalent qualifications
- BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science subjects
- relevant T level
- relevant NVQ
- science-based access course
- equivalent level Scottish or Irish qualifications
To get onto a postgraduate course you will normally be expected to hold an honours degree which contains an acceptable level of humanphysiologyand biochemistry.The other option is to apply for an apprenticeship degree.
Annual payments
If you're eligible, you’ll receive at least £5,000 a year towards your studies while at university. Your personal circ*mstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news? You'll never have to pay it back. Find out more.
Degree apprenticeship
A degree apprenticeship is another way to become a dietitian. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.
Must have skills
Don’t forget – academic qualifications aren’t everything. You’ll need to be interestedinscience and food and people'slifestyles. You'll need excellent communication skills and be able to explain complex things simply.
Training and career development
Once qualified, dietitians often join theBritish Dietetic Association. Registered dietitians have to keep their skills and knowledge up to date with annual CPD (continuing professional development). BDA runs courses, conferences and seminars where dietitians can exchange ideas and update their skills.
You could specialise in a clinical area, such as cancer or diabetes or work with particular groups, such as elderly people or those with learning difficulties. Teaching and health education are also options. You could take on a management role where you would supervise the work of a team of dietitians. Eventually, you could be responsible for controlling a budget and planning and marketing a dietetic service.
You could work in sports nutrition or the food industry. Some dietitians move into marketing roles such as publishing, sales and public relations.
Pay and benefits
Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours with the need to work flexibly over a seven day period. As a dietitian, you’ll be paid on theAgenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5.
You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 37 matches
See AlsoHow to meal plan in 6 stepsDietetics
Glasgow Caledonian University
View courseOpens in a new window
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- Qualification
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration of the course
- 4 Years
- Leading to a career in
- Dietetics / nutrition
-
- Contact details
- [emailprotected]
- 0141 331 8630
-
- Region
- Scotland
- Admissions address
- Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow
G4 0BA
United Kingdom
Dietetics
University of Plymouth
View courseOpens in a new window
-
- Qualification
- Master of Dietetics - MDiet
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration of the course
- 4 Years
- Leading to a career in
- Dietetics / nutrition
-
- Contact details
- [emailprotected]
- +44 (0) 1752 585858
-
- Region
- South West
- Admissions address
- Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
United Kingdom
Nutrition and Dietetics with Foundation Year
University of Surrey
View courseOpens in a new window
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- Qualification
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
- Duration of the course
- 5 Years
- Leading to a career in
- Dietetics / nutrition
-
- Contact details
- [emailprotected]
- +44(0)1483 682222
-
- Region
- South East
- Admissions address
- Stag Hill
Guildford
GU2 7XH
United Kingdom
Dietetics
Newcastle University
View courseOpens in a new window
-
- Qualification
- Master of Dietetics - MDiet
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration of the course
- 4 Years
- Leading to a career in
- Dietetics / nutrition
-
- Contact details
- 0191 208 3333
-
- Region
- North East
- Admissions address
- King's Gate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
United Kingdom
Dietetics
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
View courseOpens in a new window
-
- Qualification
- Master of Dietetics - MDiet
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration of the course
- 4 Years
- Leading to a career in
- Dietetics / nutrition
-
- Contact details
- [emailprotected]
- 0131 474 0000
-
- Region
- Scotland
- Admissions address
- Queen Margaret University
Edinburgh
EH21 6UU
United Kingdom
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