Health courses

About Dietetics - Pgd in Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course Overview

The PG Diploma in Dietetics degree is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the British Dietetic Association. It enables graduates with nutrition in the title of their degree to study dietetics so that they can apply to the HCPC to register as a Dietitian with the Postgraduate Diploma.

The Postgraduate Diploma programme is closely aligned to the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics programme and contains three compulsory placements in NHS Dietetics Departments in Wales. 

Students exiting with the Postgraduate Diploma can return to undertake the dissertation within 5 years of starting the PG Diploma.  The MSc Dietetics is undertaken in one academic year.  Most students undertake the MSc Dietetics while working within the NHS.

​Course Content​​

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. 

Learning & Teaching​

Emphasise the tools and technology used to facilitate independent learning, e.g. Virtual Learning Environment. 

Include information on pastoral support, office hours, personal tutoring, field trips, and any relevant societies. 

The taught element of the programme involves lectures, tutorials and practical work. Tutorials are mainly case study based where students apply the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures to problem solve case scenarios. Practical sessions are either food based, involve giving presentations or practice in consultation skills. The practicals take place in the specialist food facilities and the clinical simulation suite. 

It is expected that students undertake independent reading and self-study; this is aided by the use of Moodle, the Virtual Learning Environment in use at the University. 

In addition students undertake 3 periods of practical training in NHS Dietetics departments in Wales. Full preparation is given prior to the placements and students are supported and visited during the placements by Dietetic Academic staff. 

All students are allocated a personal tutor who offers pastoral support and guides the student through personal development planning.

Employability & Careers​

Dietitians normally begin their career in the National Health Service where they progress to the main clinical grades. The opportunity exists for specialisation in various aspects of dietetics by means of post-registration education. In addition there are opportunities for dietitians to be involved in health education/promotion, education, research and journalism.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Postsecondary diploma or a degree or 2–3 year diploma (media-related is desired)

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :      6.0 overall* with no sub score lower than 5.5
• PTE         :      Overall - 52, Reading - 51, Speaking - 51,Listening - 51,Writing - 51

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