Overview

Human Nutrition & Dietetics is a branch of science devoted to the study of nutrients. It spans a broad-ranging area, overlapping with many other disciplines including biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, dietetics, medicine, communications and public health.

Dietitians apply knowledge of food, nutrition and other disciplines such as biochemistry, physiology and social science to promote health, prevent disease and aid in the management of Illness.

Career Opportunities

Clinical Nutrition (hospital and community dietetics), Public Health Nutrition, Nutrition Industry (product development, marketing, consumer information), Education (second or third level), Research (public or private sector). The joint DIT/TCD BSc programme offered by Dublin Institute Of Technology in human nutrition & dietetics is the only such degree programme in the Republic of Ireland.

Graduates are well placed to obtain employment in the public or private sectors as dietitians (or clinical nutritionists) in the hospitals or community care areas of Ireland or the UK.

With some further study towards licensing examinations, they may also find jobs in dietetics in the US, Australia or New Zealand. However, they are also equipped with the necessary skills to work effectively in the private sector; in food companies or in clinical nutrition product sales and marketing. Some students have chosen to pursue their academic careers in research or education.

What other options do I have after completion?

Students who complete the BSc in Human Nurtition and Dietetics can undertake Mphil and PhD degrees in laboratory, clinical or community-based research. Graduates have also undertaken higher degrees in management, marketing, public relations or science communication. some have undertaken graduate programmes in medecine or the higher diploma in education. 

What will I Study?

The broad aim of this undergraduate programme is to produce graduates who are competent to practice at entry level as a dietitian or public health nutritionist or to work as a nutrition expert in the industrial and/or private sector. The modules studied on the programme will enable competence based on theoretical knowledge, the application of the core sciences to dietetics and human nutrition, the development of scientific and analytical skills and the integration of theory and practice to be developed. To ensure a capacity for evidence-based practice, emphasis will be placed on the development of problem solving skills, the ability to seek, review and critically evaluate and summarise scientific data and information and undertake research and development in Dietetics and Nutrition. Strong emphasis is placed on developing additional transferable skills such as computer literacy, interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work as part of a team and adaptability.