Wrexham Glyndwr University launches Nutrition and Dietetics course

Wrexham Glyndwr University has launched a Nutrition and Dietetics course.

The BSC (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics Degree, the first of its kind in North Wales, will offer the chance to work closely with local partners within health, social care and industry to offer student dietitians an inclusive, supportive and enjoyable university experience that is unique to the North Wales area.

Graduates are eligible for full membership of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and associated specialist groups.

The course has been developed to ensure that it provides you with the qualities, skills and knowledge that matter most.

The degree confers eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a Dietitian in the UK, and graduates are also eligible to become full members of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and associated specialist groups upon successful completion.

Course leader Vicky Davies is an experienced clinical dietitian who has worked in a range of specialities, including gastroenterology, oncology, respiratory medicine, intensive care and neuroscience.

Until recently, she was the Clinical and Professional Lead for Nutrition and Dietetics at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, where she developed a wealth of experience leading the development and delivery of nutrition and dietetic services within the NHS.

Vicky points to a wealth of career opportunities for qualified dietitians, which range from supporting patients to receive specialised nutritional regimens in hospital, to helping people lose weight, or work with sports teams to improve their nutrition and performance.

Vicky said: “Roles can vary from working with people in the health and social care sector right through to dietitians who work in industry.

“There are dietitians working for big corporations, in charge of monitoring the nutrition content of recipes, meals, foods and beverages. Leading manufacturers within the food supply chain will often have a dietitian or nutritionist attached.

“The key difference between dietitians and nutritionists is that we are registered with and regulated by the HCPC to practice clinical work, whereas nutritionists do not receive the same clinical training and registration to work within the health and social care sector.

“The HEIW funded course focuses more on that clinical element which makes the Dietetics course stand out from other nutrition courses. We also provide our graduates with unique opportunities and support to start their careers within the National Health Service in Wales upon successful completion of the course.

“Students at other universities in England have to pay the full three years themselves, they don’t have access to the bursaries so that is also a big advantage to studying here at Wrexham Glyndwr.

Vicky added: “At Wrexham Glyndwr University we have the opportunity to introduce something new that incorporates practical learning across a range of sectors to enhance and broaden the knowledge, skills and experience of the future dietetic workforce.

“Students will have the opportunity to work with individuals and groups within the food industry, sports clubs and societies, schools and the health and social care sector and immerse themselves in the cultural values and traditions of Welsh communities that makes the country a unique and special place to study and work.”

The HEIW commission means that bursary funding may be available for eligible students who commit to working in Wales after completion of their studies.

This bursary would cover the cost of their studies, for more information visit here.

Other prospective students may wish to fund their studies through a student loan. For more information, click here.

Students who accept the bursary and commit to working in Wales for the first two years of their career gain the opportunity to become part of the dedicated NHS workforce whilst working and living in a beautiful part of the world, with so much to offer.

For more information about the BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics course, please visit the university website.