MSc Dietetics

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.

Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.

Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for students from Commonwealth nations pursuing a master's or PhD. Covers tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend.

Great Scholarships: A collaboration between the British Council and UK universities. Provides funding of up to £10,000 for postgraduate students from selected countries.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.

Alumni Discount for Postgraduate Students: If you are a University of Reading graduate, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount for further studies.

The MSc Dietetics program at the University of Reading equips students with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to become qualified dietitians, ready to address critical healthcare and nutrition challenges in diverse clinical and community settings. This comprehensive program offers students a strong foundation in nutrition science, evidence-based dietetics practice, and the integration of sustainable, health-promoting dietary interventions. Graduates of the MSc Dietetics program have a wide range of career options, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to public health, clinical nutrition, and dietetic practice across various sectors.

Registered Dietitian (RD): Upon successful completion of the MSc Dietetics program, graduates are eligible to register as dietitians with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. Registered dietitians are healthcare professionals who use the latest scientific evidence to advise individuals and groups on making informed food and nutrition choices to improve health and manage diseases. Dietitians play a vital role in hospitals, clinics, long-term care settings, and community health centers.

Clinical Dietitian: Clinical dietitians work directly with patients in hospitals and healthcare settings. They assess patients' nutritional needs, develop personalized dietary plans to support medical treatments, and monitor the effectiveness of dietary interventions. Specializations include areas such as pediatrics, oncology, renal, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and digestive disorders. This role is ideal for graduates who are passionate about patient care and managing complex medical conditions through nutrition.

Public Health Nutritionist: Public health nutritionists focus on improving health outcomes at the community and population level. They assess the dietary needs of specific groups, such as children, elderly adults, or underserved populations, and develop programs that promote healthy eating habits and prevent diet-related diseases. Graduates with an interest in policy, health education, and community-based nutrition initiatives can pursue roles in public health agencies, government organizations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Sports Nutritionist: Sports nutritionists work with athletes and active individuals to optimize their performance and recovery through tailored nutrition strategies. These professionals focus on creating balanced diets, hydration plans, and supplementation advice that support physical endurance, strength, and recovery. Graduates interested in working with sports teams, athletic organizations, or fitness programs can pursue this career.

Nutritional Consultant for Food Industry: The food industry often employs dietitians and nutritionists to help develop healthy and nutritious food products, labels, and marketing strategies. Graduates of the MSc Dietetics program can work as consultants for food manufacturers, ensuring that products meet health standards and promote good nutrition. This role might involve working with the food development team to create functional foods, nutritional supplements, and dietary products.

Nutrition Researcher: MSc Dietetics graduates with a strong interest in research may choose to pursue a career in academic or applied nutrition research. Researchers in this field investigate topics such as the relationship between diet and chronic diseases, the role of food in public health, and innovations in nutritional therapy. Graduates can find opportunities in universities, research institutes, or healthcare organizations conducting studies aimed at advancing nutritional science.

Food Policy Advisor: Graduates of the MSc Dietetics program with an interest in policy-making can become food policy advisors. This role involves advocating for and influencing policies related to food, nutrition, and public health. Food policy advisors work with governments, local authorities, and NGOs to shape policies that promote healthy eating habits, improve food security, and address nutrition-related public health issues.

Corporate Wellness Consultant: Corporate wellness consultants advise organizations on how to improve employee health and well-being through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. They may conduct workshops, provide one-on-one nutritional counseling, or design wellness programs aimed at reducing workplace stress and enhancing employee productivity. Graduates who enjoy working in corporate settings and fostering healthier workplace environments may thrive in this role.

Dietetic Educator or Trainer: Graduates who are passionate about education may pursue roles as dietetic educators or trainers. They can work in universities or healthcare institutions, teaching the next generation of dietitians and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, they may design educational programs or workshops on nutrition for various community groups, healthcare workers, or schools.

Private Practice or Freelance Dietitian: Graduates who prefer more flexibility in their work schedule can open their own private practice or work as freelance dietitians. In this role, dietitians provide personalized nutrition consultations, develop meal plans for individuals with specific health concerns, and advise clients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Private practice may also include offering weight management, sports nutrition, or disease-specific dietary consultations.

Healthcare Administrator in Dietetics: Graduates can move into managerial or administrative roles within healthcare organizations that oversee dietetic services. These positions involve managing dietitians, coordinating patient services, and developing strategies to improve the overall nutrition care system within hospitals or long-term care facilities. Healthcare administrators in dietetics help ensure that nutritional services are efficient, evidence-based, and align with healthcare standards.

International Aid or Development Worker: Dietitians and nutritionists are often in demand in international aid organizations and development programs, particularly in regions affected by malnutrition or food insecurity. Graduates of the MSc Dietetics program can contribute to international public health efforts by working with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other NGOs to design nutrition interventions, educate communities, and improve food systems in underserved areas.