Dietetics

Overview

The overall aim of the pre-registration MSc Dietetics programme is to provide science graduates with core knowledge, and professional competencies to practice as a registered dietitian (RD) and also develop advanced research skills.



Registered dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals who assess diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems both at individual and population level. Dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.



This 20 month accelerated programme builds on prior learning and provides students with a practical and scientific understanding in the study of food and nutrition and the effect of diet and health on wellbeing. Students undertake modules in: Applied Nutrition, Biochemistry and Molecular Approaches to Nutrition, Food Science and Microbiology, Research methods and Biostatistics, Nutritional Assessment, Recommendations and Requirements, Diet and Disease, Public Health and Nutrition Behaviour and an independent research project. Modules provide learning and teaching of relevant disease aetiology, pathology, biochemistry and management which is then applied throughout dietetic practice placements to promote health and treat acute and long term conditions to achieve effective care for service users and become an autonomous practitioner, ready for employment in a range of health and care settings (including the NHS).



Successful completion of this course confers graduates eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or apply to CORU as part of the recognition process for validation of qualification to practice as a dietitian in the Republic of Ireland. The course is also accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA). Graduates will also have advanced research skills having completed an independent research project as part of this degree.



There are currently 5 places on this programme, however the University is working with placement providers to increase this number. Closing date for applications is 15th January of the year of entry.



Work placement / study abroad

Practice based learning is an integral part of this programme. Placements are generally undertaken within hospital and/or health care Trusts in Northern Ireland are approved by the University. Students are allocated placement locations and all are approved by the University.



Placements are unpaid and full time (37 hours/week). Practice based learning settings are approved by HCPC therefore graduates from this programme are eligible to apply for registration with the Statutory Regulator for Dietitians, the HCPC. The course is also accredited by the British Dietetic Association.

Year one

Dietetics Professional Practice GT

Applied Nutrition

Biochemistry and Molecular Approaches to Nutrition

Diet and Disease

Public Health and Nutrition Communication

Research Methods and Biostatistics for Nutritional Sciences

Nutrition Research Project

Nutritional Assessment



Optional Modules

Nutritional Metabolism in Sports and Exercise

Food and Health

Nutritional Controversies

Food Science & Microbiology



Year two

Dietetics Practice-Based Learning 1

Dietetics Practice-Based Learning 2

Clinical Competency in Dietetics

Professional Competency in Dietetics

Qualifications

BSc Hons Science degree, 2:1 classification which contains a substantive component of biochemistry and physiology or equivalent related science subjects that demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals in biosciences and have studied research skills and methodology within a previous degree.



Supporting statement and required documents

Applicants are required to submit a 500-word supporting statement within the Personal Statement section of the application form. This statement should clearly explain your motivation for applying, as well as any other relevant information that supports your application.



Once your application is received, you will receive further instructions by email on how to provide the necessary documentation. This includes a copy of your degree certificate and academic transcripts (or transcripts to date if your degree is still in progress), two academic references, and a copy of your passport.



AccessNI and Health Checks

Admission is subject to satisfactory AccessNI and health assessments. Full details on how to complete these checks will be provided to successful applicants.



Eligibility and Funding

Due to placement restrictions, only applicants from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Great Britain are eligible to apply.



There are five places part-funded by the Department of Health NI (135 credits) and the remaining modules (180 credits) are self-funded. Additionally, there are 1-5 fully self-funded places.



Please note that students residing in Great Britain are not eligible for part-funding, in accordance with Department of Health NI regulations.



Further information on the admissions process and fees can be obtained from the Course Director, Dr. Alyson Hill aj.hill@ulster.ac.uk, or the Admissions Office, Coleraine admissionsce@ulster.ac.uk



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme provided that they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level in respect of a master's award at least 50% of the credit value of the award in respect of a Postgraduate Diploma. Exemption is not permitted from practice placement or from the research module.

Applications close on 15 January 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend virtual live interviews, which will take place in March or April 2026. Exact dates will be confirmed in due course.

20 months, full-time.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The academic content of the programme together with the experience gained from practice based learning leads to excellent employment opportunities. There are ever expanding career opportunities for registered dietitians in a variety of roles including acute and community health care, public health as well as the food industry, research, sports or to pursue a higher research degree (PhD) in the area of human nutrition.