Combine academic and work-based learning to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours you need to practice as a registered dietitian in the UK.

About the apprenticeship

Course length: 3 years and 3 months, part-time, plus 3 months end-point assessment

Start date: March

Course level: Level 6

University award: BSc (Hons) Dietetics

How much it costs: Funded through the employer

Accreditation: The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)  

Course summary

• Develop your skills and knowledge to make a positive change in people's lives.  
• Become eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professionals Council as a UK dietitian and join the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
• Suitable for both existing staff such as dietetic assistants and applicants new to the sector including school leavers.  

This course aligns with Professional Regulatory and Statutory Body Standards, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to practice as a newly qualified dietitian. 

You will study and apply theory across professional practice, facilitation of learning, leadership, and evidence-based research. 

You'll be prepared to work with diverse communities, developing person-centred dietetic care plans for effective outcomes.

This course meets the dietitian apprenticeship standard. 

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Apprentices will receive academic and professional support to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours within the dietitian apprenticeship standard. You will be taught by registered dietitians who are active in research and provide inter-professional knowledge and experiences. 

The course will be delivered virtually via distance learning. Varied and inclusive teaching methods ensure students develop the knowledge and professional skills to work in diverse settings.

You’ll learn through: 

• Practical's, seminars, and lectures  
• Digitally enabled online materials 
• Peer-supported practice and study 
• Practice-based learning experiences in a range of settings 
• Self-directed learning 

You will also complete an end-point assessment towards completion of the apprenticeship.

Applied learning

All three years of the course are structured around applied learning. This links your studies to real-world situations.

Professional teaching
You will be taught by professionals who are active in their field of practice and research, providing cutting-edge, interprofessional practice knowledge and experiences.  

Work-based mentor
You are supported by a dedicated work-based mentor, aligning your work plan with academic learning outcomes. This enables practical application of theoretical knowledge, helping to build skills and behaviours.

Placement experiences
You will undertake placements outside your normal work role, applying your learning as a dietetic student in diverse settings. This practical application of theory is assessed through various placement opportunities. 

Campus facilities 

You'll learn in modern facilities at our Collegiate Campus including practical rooms, clinical suites and ward environments.

On this course you work with: 

• Online virtual learning spaces to easily access resources for each module
• Dietary analysis software 
• Statistical packages 
• DIETCOMMS skills tools 
• Simulation with service users  

Entry requirements

The entry requirements ensure the apprenticeship is accessible to a diverse range of applicants while maintaining appropriate standards.

Applicants must:

• have the right to abode in the UK
• meet the course entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent)

Maths and English at level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C).

If you don't have this yet, we will refer you to our functional skills training partner where you'll need to complete the relevant qualifications during the first year of your apprenticeship.

If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your level of English language is below IELTS 6.5 we will recommend an appropriate pre-sessional English course. Which will allow you to achieve the required level of English. 

Additional qualifications

Plus the following:  

• Evidence of successful formal study at Level 3 
• A minimum of six months experience in a health and social care capacity, including any placements or work-based learning undertaken as part of a Level 3 qualification. 

If you do not have a minimum of six months experience working in a health and social care capacity, you should hold one of the following:  

• 96 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals and T Levels.
• Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course
• Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ’s) New or existing Level 4 or 5 qualifications such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Certificate HE or Diploma HE 
• Previous degree

Other qualifications may be considered in discussion with the university. 

You will also be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, Occupational Health and the Sheffield Hallam University pre-admission declaration for health and social care courses. 

Modules

The course is designed so that learners will apply their learning back to the workplace as part of every module. Delivered through a combination of academic learning and work-based learning.

Year one 

• Nutritional sciences
• Nutrition through the lifecourse
• Skills for dietitians 1
• Personal and professional development 1
• Placement learning 1

Year two 

• Essentials in dietetic practice
• Applying dietetic practice
• Personal and professional development 2
• Research in practice
• Placement learning 2

Year three 

• Clinical reasoning and effectiveness
• Applied research in practice
• Personal and professional development capstone
• Consolidating dietetic practice
• Placement learning 3

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change.