Study the 3-year nutrition BSc programme at Waterloo Campus in the heart of London. The programme is accredited by the Association for Nutrition, allowing graduates to register as nutritionists, leading to careers in fields such as the food industry, national/international public health, journalism and research. There is the opportunity to go on a paid extramural placement within the food industry or research institution.
KEY BENEFITS
- Teaching from internationally renowned scientists and clinical practitioners in a research-led environment
- Highest ranking research division for its discipline in the most recent UK Research Assessment Exercise (2008)
- Close links with the food industry and opportunity for students to take an extramural industry or research placement
- Hands-on research skills development and project work throughout the programme
- Nutrition profession study days including career advice and guidance from external professionals working in a variety of disciplines in nutrition
- 'Open-door policy' fosters close working relationships between staff and students
- The only university to host six Medical Research Council centres
- A contemporary approach based on a unique history, including our part in the discovery of DNA
UCAS code
B400
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Three years (excluding extramural industry or research placement)
Location
Waterloo Campus
Accreditation
Accredited by the Association for Nutrition, allowing graduates to apply for direct entry to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists.
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Medicine
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Closing date
Please refer to the
UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/ CONTACTS
Address
King’s College London
150 Stamford Street
London SE1 8WA
Email
Tel
020 7848 6511
Fax
020 7848 6510
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
This is a broad-based three-year degree that prepares the student to be a nutrition scientist. The aims of the programme are to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of all key aspects of nutrition within a research-led environment, to foster an understanding of the influence of food intake on human health and to equip students with skills in critical analysis, information technology and communication. As active researchers in Diet & Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, Diet & Gut Health and Mineral Metabolism, the academics in King’s College London instil in students a contemporary evidence-based knowledge of these and other areas of nutritional sciences, from the molecular and genetic through clinical to public health.
Students may be offered the chance to take an extramural year between second and final year, taking up paid employment in an industrial or research establishment in the UK or elsewhere in Europe. On returning to the university for the final year, the student’s performance during the extramural placement will be assessed through a written dissertation and poster presentation. The extramural year greatly expands the student’s work and research experience, and often improves the choice of job opportunities after graduation.
The course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition, which means graduates may register as nutritionists on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, a body which aims to regulate the professional practice of nutrition. Graduates are prepared for careers in a wide variety of fields, including the food industry, product development in the retail sector, national and international public health and health promotion, journalism and scientific research.
ABOUT THE Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
CAREERS
A high proportion of our Nutrition graduates continue to work in the area. In view of the growing public health concerns that relate to diet and lifestyle and public interest in food and health, properly qualified registered nutritionists are highly sought after. Many are employed in food industry, consumer groups, major food retailers, governmental and non-governmental agencies, media, community nutrition in the UK and public health in developing countries. Graduates often continue to study as the BSc Nutrition prepares them for postgraduate education in molecular sciences (eg: nutrigenomics, nutritional immunology), clinical sciences (eg: dietetics) and public health (eg: international health and development).
Throughout the BSc Nutrition programme the ‘open door policy’ means that students can seek career and profession advice from their tutors at any stage. In the final year, Nutrition Profession Study Days are held, whereby students are given specific career advice and guidance for the nutrition profession from academic tutors, the Careers Services at King’s College London and from external professionals working in a variety of disciplines in nutrition.
TEACHING STYLE
Teaching is based on lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, directed reading and supervised research. There is ample scope for students to pursue their own lines of interest in course work, research protocol design and project choice. The Franklin Wilkins Building library facilitates literature based and electronic work. The Metabolic Research Unit in the Department facilitates the running of small human clinical trials.
The Dietetic Kitchen in the Department facilitates the preparation of food-based nutrition interventions. The laboratories in the Department and the Franklin Wilkins Building Genomics Centre facilitate state-of-the-art molecular nutrition research. You will also be assigned a Personal Tutor who can advise on academic or personal issues you may be experiencing.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
Examination and assessment for the programme is by formal written examinations, essays, coursework, practical reports and seminar presentations. The balance of assessment methods varies with each module.
LOCATION
Our library has the most extensive collection of nutrition books and journals in the UK. The department, located in new purpose-built facilities, is well equipped with sophisticated analytical equipment, such as gas-liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometry and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. There is a metabolic unit for conducting human research studies and a food preparation laboratory for teaching the practical aspects of diet therapy. Computers and software are available for nutritional and statistical analyses. The thriving Student Nutrition Society offers an exciting programme of outside speakers and there are opportunities to attend meetings at the Royal Society of Medicine Forum on Food and Health.
In view of our central London location, there are a wide range of different practice placements that students can take part in (clinical, community, public health) working with a range of diverse populations.
SPECIAL NOTES
The Health Professions Council requires that all applicants for registration complete a self-declaration of health. This is a statement confirming that their health will not impair their ability to give safe and effective care. Therefore, students undertaking the Nutrition & Dietetics BSc (B401) will be expected to inform academic staff and occupational health if any relevant issues (this includes health issues such as eating disorders that may influence the students' judgement in clinical practice).
Students accepting a place on B401 will also be required to obtain occupational health clearance and Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) clearance at the enhanced level.
King's reviews its optional modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Currently, students study the following core and optional modules.
YEAR 1
Six core modules.
YEAR 1 CORE
- Basic Biochemistry for Nutrition Students
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Introduction to Food Science & Technology
- Cell Biology & Genetics
- Physiological Systems
- Social and Psychological Studies
YEAR 2
Three core modules plus up to four options, which must include physiology and biochemistry.
YEAR 2 CORE
- Nutrition & Health
- Food Habits
- Research Methods for Health Sciences
YEAR 2 OPTIONS
Up to four optional modules to the value of 60 credits, which must include at least 15 credits of Physiology and 15 credits of Biochemistry and may also include Immunology, Microbiology and Genetics.
YEAR 3
Four core modules plus two options.
YEAR 3 CORE
- Applied Nutrition
- Clinical Nutrition
- Public Nutrition Research Project
- Specialised topics in Nutrition
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
Two optional modules to a total value of 30 credits chosen from final year courses. A modern language may be chosen as one of the options in either year two or year three.
EXTRAMURAL YEAR IN INDUSTRY OR RESEARCH PLACEMENT
Through a competitive system, students may be offered the chance to take an extramural year between second and final year, taking up paid employment in an industrial or research establishment in the UK or elsewhere in Europe. On returning to the university for the final year, the student’s performance during the extramural placement will be assessed through a written dissertation and poster presentation. The extramural year greatly expands the student’s work and research experience and often improves the choice of job opportunities after graduation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
94+ ATAR, or Band 4 OP for Queensland, including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
The Matura at least grade 2 overall including 2 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of ABB including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5 including 5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Diploma with 85% average OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 85% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. All require high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 29 with high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of ABB including including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese University with at least 80% and high marks Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 18 with high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology), plus at least an additional foundation/Access year
Czech Republic
Maturita
The Maturita with 2 overall including 2 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
The Studentereksamen with an average of 10 including 10 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus majority marks of 4, (including 4 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)) and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus)
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 6 overall including 6 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
Baccalaureat with 13 including 13 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with a final score of 1.5 with 1.5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at ABB including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Greece
Apolytirion
The Ethniko Apolyterion with 18 overall including 18 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Three electives at Level 5, 5, 4, including Chemistry and Biology, plus level 4 in all core subjects
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 4 including 4 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university (Both require high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology))
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkar) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at ABB (All require high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology))
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 B1 B1 B2 B2 including Chemistry and Biology. English and Maths looked for at minimum Ordinary Level grade B if not taken at Higher level.
Italy
Esame di Stato
The Diploma conseguito con l'Esame di Stato with 85 overall including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at ABB OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year. Including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 8 including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 80 including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Bien including Bien in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with ABB including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 OR A-levels with grades of ABB including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 8 including 8 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 7 including 7 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects,including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at ABB, including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 4 including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A with high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology), plus at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university
Poland
Matura
Matura with 75% in extended level subjects including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 17 including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 8 including 8 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attestat o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4 with 4 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) plus at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Russian university
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at ABB (All require high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology))
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAB in three content-based H2 subjects (including Chemistry and Biology). Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Maturita with 2 overall including 2 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Matura with 4 including 4 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AABBB including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
The Titulo de Bachiller with 8 overall including 8 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbetyg with VG including VG in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 4 including 4 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 with high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology), plus at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university
United Kingdom
A levels
ABB
Compulsory subjects
ABB (including both Chemistry and Biology) at A-level. GCSE grade B in both English and Mathematics
12 unit A level in vocational subjects
Considered on an individual basis
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Contact Admissions for details
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 M2 M2 including Chemistry and Biology. GCSE grade B in both English and Mathematics
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Not accepted
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AABBB at Higher including Chemistry and Biology. Standard Grade Credit level/Intermediate 2 in English and Mathematics required if not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher.
International Baccalaureate
34 points and 655 HL (including both Chemistry and Biology). GCSE grade B in both English and Mathematics
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including 8 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 544 including including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.
There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above
Selection for interview is based on your UCAS application. Candidates will be short-listed and invited to attend a department open day between January and March which will include a tour, a lecture, an interview and lunch.
In addition to academic entry requirements, we are keen to ensure that applicants for the Nutrition & Dietetics BSc (B401) have had some experience working, volunteering or shadowing in a health or social care environment that is relevant to nutrition and dietetics. This could include a nursing or residential home, children’s play group, catering kitchen or hospital. Applicants who live in London who wish to shadow a dietitian are requested not to contact clinical departments directly, due to the current constraints on NHS resources within London. Instead, you should attend one of the Careers in Dietetics open days organised by local dietitians. For further details please visit
Once you have attended one of these open days you will be provided with an attendance certificate.
If you are shortlisted for an interview for the Nutrition & Dietetics BSc at King’s, you should bring a copy of this certificate with you and give it to your interviewers. Applicants from outside London may be able to organise for themselves an opportunity to shadow a dietitian working within a hospital or community setting. If you are able to shadow a dietitian you will need to complete the ‘Shadowing a dietitian’ form available at
If you are shortlisted for interview then you should bring this form with you and give it to your interviewers.