Dietetics (pre-registration)

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary:

- Gain a unique understanding of nutrition, food composition, diet and metabolism.

- Learn through academic study and practice-based learning experiences.

- Become eligible for registration with the HCPC, which is compulsory for practising dietitians in the UK.

On this course you’ll learn how diet therapy can be used to promote health, treat both acute and long-term conditions, and achieve effective care for service users. You’ll apply theory to practice-based learning experiences and reflect on your work in taught sessions.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Throughout the course you’ll reinforce your learning with group discussion and directed study. You’ll apply theory to practice in simulated and practical learning experiences. You’ll graduate as a skilled, autonomous professional – ready for employment in a range of health and social care settings.

You learn through

- practice placements (three part-time and one full-time) in a variety of health and social care settings

- academic study and coursework

- group discussion

- a substantial final year project or dissertation focusing on researching practice

You’ll develop a critical approach to the evidence that underpins dietetics – gaining a deeper understanding of current issues at the forefront of clinical practice. This will prepare you for conducting your own research in the field.

Applied learning

Work placements

You’ll apply the theory you study to practice-based learning experiences. Here you’ll develop critical and ethical approaches to your practice – preparing you to become a life-long, competent professional. The experiences you’re provided with are compulsory to achieve the course’s practice-based learning outcomes.

These experiences will help you build your skills, confidence, creativity, resilience, integrity, and curiosity. They’ll take place in different practice-based learning environments – reflecting the range of ways services are currently delivered. This might include simulated learning and virtual placements, alongside real-world experience of services delivered face to face to service users.

We’ll ensure the practice-based learning element of your course complies with the requirements of the Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) which governs the dietetics profession. So by the end of your course, you’ll have the opportunity to show that you meet the requirements to register as a dietitian.

Future careers

On this course you work with

- a range of clinical skills simulation suites – e.g. clinical wards, operating theatre, x-ray suite, GP practice rooms, a terraced house (service user home) and online environments

- specialist kitchen facilities for food practicals

- health physiology laboratories for nutrition assessment, body composition and blood biochemistry

- dietary analysis software and a range of food apps

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.