Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the application of the science of nutrition to the prevention and treatment of disease and the promotion of health at the individual and population levels.

GCU has the longest-running dietetics degree course in Scotland. It provides an in-depth understanding of the physiological, psychological and sociological components of nutrition, and importantly how to enable behaviour change, understanding the barriers people face. You will develop the communication and professional skills required to be an effective, evidence-based dietitian and practice within an inter-professional workplace

The course's strong practical focus centres around problem-based learning in the classroom, nutrition laboratory and clinical simulation lab as well as knowledge and skills developed in the practice education components of the course.

The course is accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It follows the core curriculum set out by the BDA, leading to eligibility to apply for HCPC registration. Students are required to complete 1000 hours of practice education to be eligible.

Student feedback has shown that our students feel well supported by the Nutrition and Dietetic team throughout their time on the course.

Your career
Many dietitians practise within a multidisciplinary team within the NHS, often progressing to specialist posts in areas such as paediatrics, oncology, renal, critical care and primary care. Others work in settings such as in industry, sport, media, education, government and non-government organisations and private practice.

Teaching on the programme is supported and enhanced by staff expertise in public health nutrition, clinical and community dietetics, sports nutrition and health promotion. We invite health professionals and guest speakers from specialist areas to lecture our students, which further enhances the quality of our modules.

The types of assessments undertaken are influenced by the professional skills required by dietitians, and take the form of oral presentations, practical menu planning tasks, essays, literature reviews, case studies, poster presentations and group work, as well as formal exams.

Our programme is very strongly focused on evidence-based practice and our students become expert in critical review and appraisal

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Dietetic Association
• Health and Care Professions Council