Dietetics
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The Nutrition and Dietetics MNutr degree from the university is accredited by the British Dietetic Association and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means that upon graduating you are eligible to apply for registration as a dietician with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The majority of graduates, therefore, go onto work within the healthcare sector.
While many MNutr graduates go onto to work within an NHS Trust, others go on to work within a variety of settings such as private clinics, government agencies, sports teams or clubs, and the food industry.
What skills will I gain during my degree?
During your studies you will gain an in-depth knowledge around the science of nutrients, issues in nutrition, human physiology and behaviour change. Additionally, you will also develop a range of transferable skills including:
- Scientific research and taking an evidence-based approach
- Professional communication
- Giving presentations
- Working as a part of a team
- Reflective practice
In addition to your subject specific knowledge, your nutrition and dietetics degree will help to equip you with a range of transferable skills including;
Biosciences Core Graduate Competencies
You will also develop 12 competencies which have been divided into these four headings:
- Fundamental skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Personal aspiration and development
- Professional responsibility
Explore the Biosciences Core Graduate Competencies
What careers have MNutr graduates gone into?
Many MNutr graduates go on to work as registered dieticians within the NHS and private sector.
Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems. Using up-to-date research on food, health and disease, dietitians provide practical guidance to both individuals and the wider community to support people with making positive lifestyle and food choices. (Source BDA).
As a dietician you can choose to specialise in a range of areas paediatrics, obesity, renal or liver disease, diabetes, and health promotion.
Hear from some of our graduates about their career journeys as dietitians since leaving Nottingham
Working abroad
The integrated Nutrition and Dietetics master's course is accredited by the British Dietetic Association and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council meaning that upon graduation you are eligible to become a registered dietitian. In addition to this, registration in dietetics in the UK is recognised in many countries overseas including Hong Kong.
Every country will have their own process for registering overseas graduates so you will need to look into the specific requirements for registration as a dietician along with any visa requirements.
You can also find out more about working in different countries on our how do I find work abroad page.
Alternative career options
While many MNutri students go on to be registered dieticians and work in healthcare, you may decide that you want to explore other career options. For information about alternative careers with your degree visit what can I do with a nutrition degree.
Other dietetic and nutrition careers (outside NHS) can be found in:
- food industry
- media
- sports nutrition
- health promotion and policy
- education
- research
Understanding the food sector
In this podcast Dr. Emma Weston from the University of Nottingham gives:
- an overview of the sector
- an insight into the wide range of roles on offer and the degree disciplines recruited from
How can I develop my skills and experience during my degree?
Look for opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills within your areas of interest whether this is in a scientific or in a non-scientific sector.
Find work experience
Summer internships are a great way to gain experience, whether in science or non-science based roles.
The Nottingham Internships Scheme, for example, offers a range of local paid internships with companies in Nottingham, and other sources of vacancies are listed on our work experience pages.
Find out more about work experience opportunities for Nottingham students
Get involved in Students' Union activities
Get involved in activities including volunteering and societies.
Students' Union
Join the Nottingham Advantage Award
Through the completion of extracurricular modules, the Nottingham Advantage Award helps you develop key life and work-based skills and reflect on your experiences, allowing you to demonstrate your achievements and skills more effectively when applying for jobs
Nottingham Advantage Award
Keep up to date with industry news
Staying up to date on the latest developments in nutrition is important as a dietitian as it is a key component to developing both your knowledge base and your practical skills.
Additionally, staying up to date on the latest news can give you insights into different specialist areas and help you gain a further understanding of these specific topics.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.