Four-year nutrition and dietetics degree programme in the heart of London that leads to a BSc, which makes you eligible to apply for Registration in Dietetics with the Health and Care Professions Council.
KEY BENEFITS
- Europe’s largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education and the only university to host six Medical Research Council centres.
- Home to three National Institutes for Health Research Centres.
- A contemporary approach based on a unique history, including our part in the discovery of DNA.
- Internationally renowned dietitians, nutritionists and basic biomedical scientists.
- Wide range of exciting practice placements available across London.
UCAS code
B401
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Four years
Location
Waterloo Campus
Accreditation
Eligibility to apply for Registration in Dietetics with the Health and Care Professions Council
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 four-year programme leading to a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition & Dietetics, which makes you eligible to apply for Registration in Dietetics with the Health and Care Professions Council.
The Nutrition and Dietetics BSc integrates robust nutritional sciences with dietetic theory and practice, underpinned by a solid foundation in the core biomedical sciences (e.g. physiology, biochemistry) and professional practice (e.g. communication, ethics) and complemented by three exciting practice placements.
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.
Currently, students study the following core modules. If there are optional modules available the current choices are also shown. 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. Please check here for updates, or contact the School/Department for further advice.
YEAR 1
Six core modules.
YEAR 1 CORE
Introduction to Nutrition
Introduction to Food Science and Technology
Introduction to Professional Practice
Physiology (Form and Function)
Biochemistry
Social and Psychological Studies
YEAR 2
Five core modules and a practice placement at the end of year two.
YEAR 2 CORE
Nutrition & Health
Food Habits
Research Methods for Health Sciences
Food Service and Catering Management
Reproduction and Endocrinology
YEAR 3
Four core modules and a 12-week practice placement between year three and four (placement 2).
YEAR 3 CORE
Applied Nutrition
Diet Therapy
Principles of Clinical Science & Therapeutics
Communication & Health Promotion
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
One optional module to the value of 15 credits at Level 6 in a science subject (eg Nutrition & Genetics, Biology of Ageing, Endocrinology of Diabetes).
YEAR 4
Three core modules and a 14-week practice placement at the end of the year (placement 3).
YEAR 4 CORE
Advanced Diet Therapy and Medicine
Dietetics Research Project
Public Health and Healthcare Systems
Third Placement (12- to 14-weeks from January to April)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
96+ ATAR, or an OP of band 3 for Queensland including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1 including 1 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diplma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8/10 or 17/20 including 8 or 17 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Brazil
Brazil
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 AAB. Including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5 including 5.5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 85% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 85% at five grade 12 4U subjects including Biology and Chemistry. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 31 including Biology and Chemsitry. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
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 AAB. Including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination 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 Chinese university with at least 80%. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 18 including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) plus at least an additional foundation/Access year
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1 including 1 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 10 including 10 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5 (including 5 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 including 6 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
The Baccalaureat with 13/20 overall and 13 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.5 overall including high marks 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 AAB including high marks in Chemistry and one other science
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolytirion with 18 including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Three electives at Level 5, 5, 5, including Chemistry and Biology, plus level 4 in all core subjects.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5 including 5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% including high marks in Chemistry and Biology with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian univeristy. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge A levels at AAB. All including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1 including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Maths and English at least at Ordinary level B.
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90 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 AAB 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 Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
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 a year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres bien including Tres bien in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAB 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 AAB. Including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 including 9 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 7.5 including 7.5 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 Excellent in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
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 AAB, including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5 including 5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Poland
Matura
Matura with 80% in extended level subjects, including high marks in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18 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)
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 including 5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology) with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Russian university. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
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 AAB. All including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAB in three content-based H2 subjects (including both Chemistry and Biology). Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 2 including 2 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5 including 5 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 AAABB including high marks in Chemistry and one other science. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 8 overall including 8 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG including MVG in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology)
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5 including 5 in Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 including high marks in Chemistry (or Human Biology) and Biology with at least a foundation/Access year or a year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university. Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
United Kingdom
A levels
AAB
Compulsory subjects
AAB (including both Chemistry and Biology) at A-level. GCSE grade B in both English and Mathematics
12 unit A level in vocational subjects
Grade AA in A-Level Biology and A-Level Chemistry, plus a B in vocational A-Level
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 D3 M2 including Chemistry and Biology. GCSE grade B in both English and Mathematics
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Not acceptable
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAABB at Higher and AB at Advanced Higher including Chemistry and Biology . Standard Credit grade/Intermediate 2 in Mathematics and English also required if not taken at Higher/AH.
International Baccalaureate
35 points and 665 HL (including both Chemistry and Biology HL). GCSE grade B in both English and Mathematics
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including 8-8.5 in in Biology & Chemistry
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 554 including Chemistry and Biology (or Human Biology). Please note that this programme is not open to students from outside the EEA unless you have resided in the UK for over three years. Interested students should look at our BSc Nutrition programme.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
NON ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Scholastic activities
We hope to attract applicants who participate in any scholastic activity, e.g. general reading, debating, theological interests etc.
Community activities
We hope to attract applicants who have participated in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them and also demonstrated some experience of society beyond their immediate environment.
General activities/interests
We look for applicants who have varied extra-curricular interests and enjoy active participation in areas such as sport, music and the arts in general. Any participation is valued and any achievement in extra-curricula activities will be particularly recognised. King's aspires to attract applicants who will continue with their personal interests and contribute to the vitality of the College community.
Work shadowing/observation
We look for applicants who have a realistic understanding of what a career as a Dietician involves. We would normally expect applicants to have undertaken some work shadowing or observation with a Dietician, or attended an NHS Dietetics Open Day.
Paid or voluntary work
We look for applicants who have made a voluntary contribution to their community, e.g. volunteer in a care home. We also look for evidence that applicants have worked in a setting where they can interact with the general public e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant.
Specific employment requirement
All offers of a place are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal Conviction Disclosure and Occupational Health Clearance.
Interviewing
Are interviews offered? Yes.
Are all applicants interviewed? No. Only applicants who may be borderline or from a non-traditional educational background may be called for interview.
Are all those made an offer interviewed? No. The majority of admissions decisions are made on the basis of information provided on the UCAS form.
What form does it take? Interviews last between 20 and 30 minutes and are Chaired by the Admissions Tutor and one other member of academic staff.
What is considered at interview? Your personal statement and academic performance to date will be explored.
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.