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Postgraduate degree

Dietetics MSc

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.

Key information

Course type:
Masters
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
Two years full-time, includes practice placements
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
285 credits
Application status:
Closed
Start date:
September 2025

The Dietetics study programme aims to equip graduates who already have a BSc or MSc in Nutrition with the knowledge, skills and professional attitudes required to practice as a Registered Dietitian.

Key benefits

  • King's is ranked 9th the UK for Nutrition and Food Science (The Complete University Guide 2025)
  • We are Europe's largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education.
  • You will be taught by leading researchers in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
  • You will undertake 28 weeks of practice placements in a variety of settings.
  • A thriving student-led Nutrition Society.
  • King's College London is ranked 13th in the world for Clinical and Health (Times Higher Education 2024 subject ranking).
  • You will be eligible to apply for Registration as a Dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • An opportunity to complete an MSc research project in an area of nutrition and dietetics
  • Accredited by the British Dietetic Association and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council. Graduates are eligible to apply for Registration as Dietitians.
Reema Dietetics

“Being surrounded by lecturers who are extremely passionate about Dietetics has made the course only more enjoyable.”

Reema, Dietetics MSc Student

Registered dietitians are qualified health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems in society. They translate public health and scientific research on food, health and disease into practical guidance enabling people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. The MSc pathway is a two-year course that requires modules totalling 285 credits. Part of the course is spent in clinical practice through placements and will provide you with unique opportunities to develop your clinical skills and improve your employability.

Base campus

Waterloo campus exterior at night.
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

BSc in Nutrition (minimum of 2:1 or equivalent) or MSc in Nutrition (minimum of merit, 60%, or equivalent).

The BSc Nutrition or MSc Nutrition should include a considerable component of nutrition, in particular nutritional sciences, and should be in a broad range of aspects (e.g. not mostly public health nutrition or mostly sports nutrition). In addition, for those entering with a BSc Nutrition this should include considerable biological sciences (e.g. biochemistry and physiology) and for those entering with an MSc Nutrition there should be considerable biological sciences from previous academic qualifications (e.g. BSc Biochemistry, BSc Physiology, BSc Biomedical Sciences or similar). Each application will be considered individually to ensure requirements for nutritional and biomedical sciences are met.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

 

Eligibility:

Enrolment is dependent on satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (enhanced criminal conviction check) clearance and an Occupational Health check.

NHS values:

As well as being a scientific and practical discipline, dietetics is a caring profession that requires important key values. These are best described using the six NHS values contained within the NHS Constitution. The six NHS values have been developed by patients, the public and NHS staff and are as follows:

  • Working together for patients

  • Respect and dignity

  • Commitment to quality of care

  • Compassion

  • Improving lives

  • Everyone counts

All students studying dietetics at King’s are expected to demonstrate these values and this will be assessed during the admissions process.

Further details of the NHS values and the NHS constitution can be found on the NHS website.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.  

Your application will be assessed and those ranked highest will be invited to an interview, which will be held online. Interviews and selection will be undertaken by a range of academic staff, dietitians from practice and service users (e.g. patients).  

The interviews will review your understanding of nutritional sciences, public health nutrition, research methods, your interests and motivations in dietetics and in particular your values as a potential health professional.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes

A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). 

Please describe your understanding of the breadth of dietetic practice in the UK. Please also describe the skills and values that you hold which will support you in being a successful dietetic student and qualified professional, these skills may have been developed in a care environment or through other work experience.

Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

We use different teaching strategies: lectures, seminars, food service and diet therapy kitchen-based practicals, case study-based learning and clinical simulation, observed structured clinical examinations and group tutorials, to deliver the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

The course involves approximately 850 hours of self-directed learning plus 600 hours of project work.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework and examinations. Coursework contributes approximately 40% and examinations approximately 60% to your final mark.

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select. You will also learn in a variety of placement settings offering diverse experiences. Students undertake placements in NHS and public health settings predominantly in the South, Southeast and West of London. 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 285 credits. Year 1 - Required modules

Diet Therapy (30 credits)
Health Promotion & Communication Studies (15 credits)
Public Health and Healthcare Systems (15 credits)
Professional Practice for Dietitians (15 credits)
Principles of Clinical Science and Therapeutics (15 credits)
Food Service & Catering Management (15 credits)
Dietetics Practice Placement 1 (15 credits)
Dietetics Practice Placement 2 (45 credits)

Year 2 - Required Modules

Dietetics Project (60 credits)
Advanced Diet Therapy & Medicine (15 credits)
Dietetics Practice Placement 3 (45 credits)

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for Year 1 or Year 2.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Most of our graduates go on to work within the NHS, either in hospital or community health services. Former graduates have also found employment in a range of organisations including research institutes, consumer groups, food retailers, higher education institutes and government departments and agencies. Others have become successful food and health journalists or developed careers in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

 

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £9,535 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you are assigned an Overseas fee status and you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees 
  • Stationery 
  • Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses and for practice placements
  • Graduation costs
  • Disclosure and Barring certificates/clearance - Students have to pay for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance check. This is payable on induction and an annual update is available. Estimated cost: £50.
  • Checks/immunisations/ vaccinations - Students will be required to arrange and pay for the necessary vaccinations prior to commencing clinical placements. Multiple vaccinations may be required. Indicative cost: £10-30 per vaccination.
  • Travel and accommodation for clinical placement - students will need to pay for travel and accommodation for clinical placements over the duration of the course. A Learning Support Fund is available to eligible students to help cover these costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Registered dietitians are qualified health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems in society. They translate public health and scientific research on food, health and disease into practical guidance enabling people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. The MSc pathway is a two-year course that requires modules totalling 285 credits. Part of the course is spent in clinical practice through placements and will provide you with unique opportunities to develop your clinical skills and improve your employability.

Base campus

Waterloo campus exterior at night.
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

BSc in Nutrition (minimum of 2:1 or equivalent) or MSc in Nutrition (minimum of merit, 60%, or equivalent).

The BSc Nutrition or MSc Nutrition should include a considerable component of nutrition, in particular nutritional sciences, and should be in a broad range of aspects (e.g. not mostly public health nutrition or mostly sports nutrition). In addition, for those entering with a BSc Nutrition this should include considerable biological sciences (e.g. biochemistry and physiology) and for those entering with an MSc Nutrition there should be considerable biological sciences from previous academic qualifications (e.g. BSc Biochemistry, BSc Physiology, BSc Biomedical Sciences or similar). Each application will be considered individually to ensure requirements for nutritional and biomedical sciences are met.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

 

Eligibility:

Enrolment is dependent on satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (enhanced criminal conviction check) clearance and an Occupational Health check.

NHS values:

As well as being a scientific and practical discipline, dietetics is a caring profession that requires important key values. These are best described using the six NHS values contained within the NHS Constitution. The six NHS values have been developed by patients, the public and NHS staff and are as follows:

  • Working together for patients

  • Respect and dignity

  • Commitment to quality of care

  • Compassion

  • Improving lives

  • Everyone counts

All students studying dietetics at King’s are expected to demonstrate these values and this will be assessed during the admissions process.

Further details of the NHS values and the NHS constitution can be found on the NHS website.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.  

Your application will be assessed and those ranked highest will be invited to an interview, which will be held online. Interviews and selection will be undertaken by a range of academic staff, dietitians from practice and service users (e.g. patients).  

The interviews will review your understanding of nutritional sciences, public health nutrition, research methods, your interests and motivations in dietetics and in particular your values as a potential health professional.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes

A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). 

Please describe your understanding of the breadth of dietetic practice in the UK. Please also describe the skills and values that you hold which will support you in being a successful dietetic student and qualified professional, these skills may have been developed in a care environment or through other work experience.

Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

We use different teaching strategies: lectures, seminars, food service and diet therapy kitchen-based practicals, case study-based learning and clinical simulation, observed structured clinical examinations and group tutorials, to deliver the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

The course involves approximately 850 hours of self-directed learning plus 600 hours of project work.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework and examinations. Coursework contributes approximately 40% and examinations approximately 60% to your final mark.

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select. You will also learn in a variety of placement settings offering diverse experiences. Students undertake placements in NHS and public health settings predominantly in the South, Southeast and West of London. 

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 285 credits. Year 1 - Required modules

Diet Therapy (30 credits)
Health Promotion & Communication Studies (15 credits)
Public Health and Healthcare Systems (15 credits)
Professional Practice for Dietitians (15 credits)
Principles of Clinical Science and Therapeutics (15 credits)
Food Service & Catering Management (15 credits)
Dietetics Practice Placement 1 (15 credits)
Dietetics Practice Placement 2 (45 credits)

Year 2 - Required Modules

Dietetics Project (60 credits)
Advanced Diet Therapy & Medicine (15 credits)
Dietetics Practice Placement 3 (45 credits)

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for Year 1 or Year 2.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Most of our graduates go on to work within the NHS, either in hospital or community health services. Former graduates have also found employment in a range of organisations including research institutes, consumer groups, food retailers, higher education institutes and government departments and agencies. Others have become successful food and health journalists or developed careers in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

 

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £9,535 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you are assigned an Overseas fee status and you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees 
  • Stationery 
  • Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses and for practice placements
  • Graduation costs
  • Disclosure and Barring certificates/clearance - Students have to pay for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance check. This is payable on induction and an annual update is available. Estimated cost: £50.
  • Checks/immunisations/ vaccinations - Students will be required to arrange and pay for the necessary vaccinations prior to commencing clinical placements. Multiple vaccinations may be required. Indicative cost: £10-30 per vaccination.
  • Travel and accommodation for clinical placement - students will need to pay for travel and accommodation for clinical placements over the duration of the course. A Learning Support Fund is available to eligible students to help cover these costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.

Our final application deadline for all applicants is on 9 January 2025 (23:59 UK time).

Key information

Course type:
Masters
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
Two years full-time, includes practice placements
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
285 credits
Application status:
Closed
Start date:
September 2025

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