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Frequently Asked Questions: MSc in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

1. Why study the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics in UCD?

The UCD MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics programme was the first graduate programme in dietetics in the Republic of Ireland. The programme was CORU-approved in 2017 and underwent a successful monitoring visit in 2021. Staff working on the programme are nationally and internationally recognised as experts in clinical nutrition and dietetics. The learning environment in the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science facilitates students’ development of autonomous and life-long learning skills, professional knowledge and practice, in an evidence-based, research-oriented and international context.

By the end of the programme, students will have developed the integrated scientific, clinical, psychological, communication, multidisciplinary team-working and professional proficiencies that underpin a career in clinical nutrition and dietetics. Successful graduates are eligible to apply to the Dietitians Registration Board (CORU) for registration as a dietitian. Graduates of the MSc programme are also working as dietitians in the UK, the US, Canada and Australia.

In addition, UCD offers brilliant exercise facilities and many healthy eating options on campus making it easy to keep well and stay fit. You can have a busy social life with a student centre, student's union, clubs and societies. UCD also offers comprehensive health services and support for students with disabilities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2. What are the prerequisites for entry to the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics programme?

You must have completed an undergraduate level 8 or equivalent third-level degree that includes modules in biochemistry and physiology. The biochemistry previously studied must include the metabolic cycles that underpin the metabolism of nutrients. Physiology previously studied must include cellular and organ physiology.

3. If I meet the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics required prerequisites, how am I ranked?

CORU is the regulatory body for the health and social care professions. As well as meeting the prerequisite requirements,
applications are scored on criteria agreed by the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics programme with CORU. These include:

  • Evidence of academic ability.
  • Communication skills: oral and written, as demonstrated in your application. We also reserve the right to call applicants for an interview.
  • Motivation and interest as evidenced by your CV and personal statement.
  • References: at least one academic and one workplace.
THE COURSE
4. How long is the programme?

The programme is full-time over 2 years. Students are expected to commit to attendance and being available on scheduled programme, placement and assessment dates.

5. What modules will I cover on the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics programme?

In Year 1, core modules include:

You will also take two of the following four modules, depending on your previous qualifications:

In Year 2, the core modules include:

You will also take one of the following four options, again depending on your previous qualifications:

6. Will I do a placement on the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics programme?

Over the two years of the MSc programme, you will complete 1000 hours of CORU-registered dietitian supervised practice placement education. Students must be successfully Garda vetted and compliant with Irish Health Service Executive health screening and immunisation requirements before starting any placement. Placements are undertaken in a variety of learning environments in which dietitians practise and include hospitals and other healthcare facilities, primary, residential and community care settings, national sporting organisation and the nutrition medical industry. Practice placements are compulsory and may take place throughout the Republic of Ireland. Placements are intended to develop competence to work as a dietitian and are assessed using a competency framework. A mandatory 2-week institutional catering placement to achieve specified catering competencies must also be successfully completed.

  • In Year 1, the placement is focused on the role and competencies of a dietitian working in the non-acute setting
    and is undertaken between September and December (minimum of 14-15 weeks).
  • In Year 2, placement is focused on acute clinical patient care and is usually undertaken from April to July (minimum of 14 weeks).

Placements are unpaid.

7. What does the MSc Dissertation entail?

The MSc Dissertation is completed in Year 2 of the MSc programme and consists of a 14-week research project relevant to clinical nutrition and dietetics. It is intended to augment skills previously achieved within the academic and work environments.

APPLICATIONS
8.    How do I apply for the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics programme?

Applicants apply using the UCD online application system.  To apply, click here and follow the instructions.  A non-refundable application fee that is paid online applies.

9.    Can I apply to the MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics as an international applicant?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply for a place on the MSc programme providing they meet the prerequisite requirements. If English is not the applicant’s first language, or the primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language, then proof of English language proficiency must be provided with the application. This can be done through IELTS or equivalent. An overall IELTS score of 7.0 is required with no component score below 6.5. The test must be no more than two years old.

10.    What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement should summarise how your academic and work-related experiences have provided you with the necessary skills and competencies for a career in dietetics.  Describe how these experiences have contributed to your learning, what you will bring to the MSc programme, and to a career in dietetics.  Additional qualifications and/or demonstrating how your work experience has provided you with transferable skills can strengthen your application. Experience may include spending time with a dietitian to gain knowledge about the role of a dietitian or can be demonstrated by volunteering experiences, for example, meals-on-wheels, Laura Lynn, Barretstown Camp, Plate Pals or other volunteer experiences, particularly with older adults and/or with children. The personal statement should be well-structured, approximately 500-600 words and free of spelling and grammatical errors.

11. When is the closing date for applications?

June 10th

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
12. What are the career opportunities upon completion of the programme?

There are many career opportunities for dietitians available.These include:

  • Clinical nutrition, within both the hospital and community settings
  • Public health nutrition and health promotion, often within Government agencies
  • Clinical nutrition industry
  • Nutrition and medical research
  • Food industry
  • Sports nutrition
  • Teaching at second level
  • Academia
  • Private practice

UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 3442 | E: public.health@ucd.ie