Dietetics

Dietetics is the clinical application of nutrition science, the discipline that translates research on food, nutrients, and metabolism into practical advice and therapeutic interventions for individuals and communities. Dietitians are healthcare professionals who assess patients' nutritional needs and provide evidence-based dietary guidance to support the prevention and management of a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, eating disorders, and the nutritional needs of people with disabilities or undergoing surgery. The profession combines scientific rigour with clinical skill and genuine interpersonal sensitivity.

At the University of Newcastle, this four-year, full-time programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, embedding substantial clinical experience into the degree structure. You will spend significant time working with NHS dietetic services and other healthcare settings throughout the programme, developing your clinical assessment, counselling, and communication skills alongside your academic knowledge. Newcastle is a research-active university with strong connections to NHS clinical services in the North East, and the programme benefits from both the academic resources of the university and the rich clinical training environment the region provides.

You will study human physiology and biochemistry, nutritional science, food composition and metabolism, dietetic assessment and intervention, public health nutrition, and the evidence base for nutritional management across different disease states. A typical entry tariff of 152 UCAS points reflects the scientific background required for entry.

Dietetics develops scientific understanding alongside the clinical communication skills needed to work sensitively with patients across a wide range of conditions and life stages.

Graduates register with the Health and Care Professions Council as dietitians and work across NHS community and hospital settings, in sport and exercise nutrition, public health, food industry, research, and private practice. Specialist pathways include oncology, paediatrics, renal dietetics, and eating disorders.