Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Science Dietetics , Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Linsey King, Course Director, Dietetics
Welcome to your course in the School of Health. I am delighted to be able to welcome our new and returning students and apprentices into the 2023/24 academic year.
The year ahead will contain success, challenge, and personal growth for you, and the School's team of dedicated academics, learning officers and administrators are here to help you to achieve your potential.
Our School has a broad range of disciplines, including Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Nursing and Healthcare, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychological Therapies and Mental Health, Safety and Environmental Health, Social and Community Studies and Sports and Exercise Therapy teams. Our academic teams work collaboratively - drawing on each other's expertise to support learning, undertake professional practice and consultancy, and delivery internationally recognised, societally impactful research.
Throughout the year ahead please do take time to let us know what you are enjoying and what you find valuable - but also please let us know if there are things we could do differently to improve your experience through feedback to your Course Director, at the School Forum or through the module evaluation and surveys.
I wish you every success for this academic year!
Dr Duncan Sharp, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
You will be allocated a personal tutor/academic advisor at the start of the course to make sure that academic counselling and support is available to you. A system of vertical tutoring operates, and this means you will keep the same personal tutor throughout the course. This helps you to get to know your tutor well and ensures strong support particularly at transition points between academic and practice settings. The personal tutor/academic advisors can review academic progress and guide students towards developing personal learning strategies for professional development as appropriate. You will meet with your personal tutor/academic advisor at least once each semester and within the first four weeks of the course. Please email your personal tutor/academic advisor to make contact in the first instance and/or to arrange an appointment.
Claire McCann
Phone: 0113 8125925
Email: C.McCann@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Office location: Portland Building, room 513, City campus
Details of course representatives will be provided when appointed.
The Academic Librarians for this course can be contacted at: sohlibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online form for help with academic and research skills: Get Help form
Freedom to Speak up Guardian
See details here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/freedom-to-speak-up/
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff.
Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Student IT Support page http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This is usually done through My Beckett announcements and we endeavour to do this as soon as possible. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
The Nutrition and Dietetics Group has a Twitter account and we encourage you to follow it: Nutrition&Dietetics@NDLeedsbeckett
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are:
- To offer Postgraduate entrants with a strong science background a fast-track route to eligibility to apply for registration in Dietetics with the Health and Care Profession's Council.
- To produce Postgraduates with a sound knowledge of the evidence base which underpins nutrition and dietetics, who can apply enquiry and research to continually progress their learning and practice in new areas and situations that present to them.
- To enable Postgraduates to work effectively across acute, primary care and Public Health settings and organisational structures to progress quality, innovation and enterprise in dietetic service provision within a changing health and social care sector.
- To develop autonomous, reflective learners at the point of graduation who have the foundation for life-long learning and professional development to enhance evidence-based practice and professional standards and advance career aspirations.
- To develop to a high level, the professional skills and competencies essential for Postgraduates to integrate theory and practice and work collaboratively to deliver safe and effective care within Professional, Regulatory and Statutory Body standards and Governance frameworks.
- To enhance and embed effective communication skills enabling Postgraduates to demonstrate core practitioner qualities and work using a patient centred approach to support behaviour change with individual service users, groups and communities.
- To produce postgraduate learners who have sound research skills and the ability to undertake an independent piece of research at Master's level.
At the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Integrate and synthesise the research evidence, theory and principles underpinning Human Nutrition and Dietetics; clinical sciences, pharmacology, sociological and psychological issues, with the professional and diet therapy knowledge and skills to inform the holistic and effective care of service users with acute, lifestyle and long-term conditions.
- Apply an enquiring, systematic, problem solving; self-evaluative approach with the commitment to use research, clinical guidelines and policy in the evaluation and improvement of evidence based dietetic practice.
- Adopt a holistic and critically evaluative approach to the application of dietetic practice in lifestyle and long-term conditions working through collaborative, multidisciplinary and multi-agency professional relationships and across care pathways throughout health and social care.
- Demonstrate competent practice in the application of the dietetic care pathway in a range of therapeutic conditions including nutritional assessment, calculating requirements, adaptation of diet, and consideration of psychosocial and ethical issues in implementing the professional skills needed to justify and apply diet therapy.
- Integrate theoretical principles within a patient centred approach with the communication skills and professional practice required to facilitate behaviour change in individuals, groups and communities to promote health, employing a range of strategies to overcome barriers.
- Demonstrate the research acumen, professional skills and abilities, values and behaviours of a registered dietitian working autonomously within the complex framework of accountability, ethical and legal boundaries to meet Employer frameworks and Professional, Regulatory and Statutory Body Standards.
- Critically apply leadership and enterprise skills to develop interventions and business plans, to promote public health nutrition and which are inclusive of Stakeholder needs and address the wider health and social care context.
- Work strategically within Governance frameworks affecting the organisation and delivery of care as part of integrated teams to innovate and lead highly reliable systems that span health economies to improve patient outcomes and deliver high quality nutritional care.
- Critically reflect in and on practice to progress professional development, meet, Professional Standards and evidence competencies to Employers supporting transition into the work place, post-registration learning and career aspirations.
- Critically appraise areas of dietetic practice and contribute to relevant bodies of research and evidence-based practice through the delivery of an independent high-quality piece of research at Master's level.
- Apply the relevant skills and knowledge in a Practice Dietetic environment to demonstrate the competencies required to be eligible to apply for HCPC Registration as a Dietitian.
Assessment & Feedback
On this course, students will be assessed using a variety of different methods. For example, written exams, oral exams, online portfolios, group work, reports, coursework, practical exercises and performance on practice placement. Students must also complete an independent research project culminating in a written dissertation. Full details of the summative assessments for each module will be illustrated in the Module Handbooks.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. There may be assessment scheduled outside the usual academic calendar and further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides. Please note re-submission dates and submission dates following mitigation will fall outside the usual assessment period and students will be advised accordingly.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/public-information/academic-regulations.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You will be required to submit your written work via Turnitin and information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. Students may undertake formative assessment in advance of their summative assessment. This provides an opportunity for students to use the formative feedback constructively to improve their subsequent work.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study or award (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/
Results will appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt, you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your module leader or Academic Advisor for any clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Teaching takes place in multi-purpose rooms with additional specialised facilities for technical, clinical and interpersonal skills development. In addition, the course has access to a purpose-built catering laboratory.
Teaching approaches include staff-led lectures and workshops, student-led seminars and workshops, practical work, tutorials, clinically-based teaching, case studies, problem solving exercises, reflective learning techniques, computer-assisted learning, simulated practice and inter-personal group skills.
Hand-outs and booklets are used occasionally however, we do utilise a more diverse range of online tools to support student learning. We use a considerable amount of computer-based learning (flipped classroom) that enriches the versatility of delivery.
Problem solving exercises and case studies enable students to integrate their knowledge and increase their interest in the subject matter. Oral communication and the ability to work effectively in groups are developed by assignments such as group presentations and seminars. Interpersonal skills and interviewing techniques are developed in workshops. During the practice placements, students are required to develop portfolios and learning logs of work experience.
This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable. All modules are core.
Delivery outside normal academic year
This two-year professional vocational course operates outside the academic calendar. This is to enable students enough time to accommodate practice placement and to carry out a supervised independent piece of research. There may be assessment scheduled outside the usual academic calendar and further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released.
Year 1
Semester 1
Nutrition Advances in Practice, 20 credits
Lifestyle and Long-term Conditions, 20 credits
Research Methods for Nutrition, 20 credits
Professional Development for Practice, 20 credits
Semester 2
Applied Nutrition Support, 20 credits
Enterprise in Public Health Nutrition, 20 credits
Professional Development for Practice continues
Research and Practice Development, 40 credits
Practice Placement A (Practice Based Learning)
Year 2
Semester 1
Reflection and Consolidation, 20 credits
Practice Placement B (Practice Based Learning)
Semester 2
Reflection and Consolidation continues
Research and Practice Development continues
Practice Placement C (Practice Based Learning)
A standard 20 credit module equates to 200 notional learning hours, comprising teaching, learning and assessment, placement activities and independent study. The standard notional hours for the course have been exceeded due to the placement hours requirement.
Overall Workload | Hours |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 351 |
Independent Study | 1449 |
Placement | 1050 |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Health Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Regulatory body: Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/meeting-our-standards/
Professional Body: British Dietetic Association (BDA) - https://www.bda.uk.com/
British Dietetic Association (BDA)
The course has been mapped to the British Dietetic Association (BDA) curriculum. Accreditation is a robust process providing assurance to the profession, students and the public that universities meet the standards of the professional body, the BDA. The curriculum for pre-registration dietetic education should therefore support learning such that graduates will:
- be competent to practise at entry level to the profession;
- be able to practise autonomously from a sound evidence base, using clinical reasoning, problem solving skills and reflective practice;
- be able to practise independently and autonomously within the legal and ethical frameworks of the profession;
- be prepared to realise their full potential through lifelong learning
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
The course has been mapped to the HCPC Standards of Education and Training with review of the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Dietitians (2013 and revised 2023 for 2023-24 onwards) and the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2016).
University HCPC Approval is a robust process providing assurance to the profession, students and the public that courses meet the standards of the HCPC. The HCPC holds responsibility for the standards for education and training which describes what is expected of a newly-qualified dietitian and provides the framework for universities to deliver programmes that are responsive to the demands of dietetic employment.
Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC. It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practise using the title dietitian is on the HCPC register.
As this is a professional course, students are expected to act in a professional manner in line with the University Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure relating to professional suitability or fitness to practise: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/policies/student/ups_fitness_to_practise_policy_procedure.pdf
British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Students must obtain at least 50% in each module. In addition, students must obtain at least 45% in each component of assessment within a module. A mark of between 45% and 49% may be compensated by the other components of assessment within the module.
Students will usually be expected to undertake not less than 1000 hours of practice learning.
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
80% minimum attendance is required for all modules, except Professional Development and Reflection and Consolidation where 90% minimum attendance is expected, to comply with Professional Expectations and in line with HCPC Standards for Education and Training, section 3.15. Students will be expected to retrieve any attendance below these requirements through reflective pieces of work which will be evidenced in their portfolios within the Professional Development module.
HCPC Standards that you must be aware of while undertaking this course: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/education/learners/while-i-am-studying/how-hcpc-standards-apply-to-learners/
- Standards of conduct and ethics: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/resources/guidance/guidance-on-conduct-and-ethics-for-students/
- Standards of education and training: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-relevant-to-education-and-training/set/
- Standards of proficiency, dietitians: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/dietitians/
'In Year' Work Placement Information
The BDA Curriculum Framework (2020) recommends that a student should normally experience 1000 hours in practice learning. Students undertake 3 blocks of practice placement in the NHS or an alternative quality assured provider. This equates to 28 x 36-hour weeks of placement. Practice Placements are approved, quality assured and allocated within arrangements established by the Health and Social Care Practice Learning Team and where appropriate agreed with NHS England and practice partners. The course must comply with this system to maintain professional and regulatory body approval and meet the requirements of Education commissioners.
Placements are interspersed by periods of teaching at the University as follows:
Practice Placement A (Practice Based Learning): This is a practice placement of 3 weeks at the start of January in year 1.
Practice Placement B (Practice Based Learning): This practice placement of 13 weeks at the start of September in year 2.
Practice Placement C (Practice Based Learning): This practice placement of 12 weeks commences in March/April in year 2.
There is a practice based learning strategy that enables allocation of opportunities in a fair and clear way for all learners. In addition this document guides learners on the expectations for practice based learning.
The three practice placement components: practice placement A/Practice Based Learning (3 weeks), practice placement B/Practice Based Learning (13 weeks) and practice placement C/Practice Based Learning (12 weeks) take place in various locations across the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber. Students have the opportunity to state their preferred location, but this cannot be guaranteed. Students who are considered to have priority needs will be allocated their choice of placement in advance of those students who do not meet these criteria.
Travel and accommodation expenses will be incurred as a result of the placements undertaken Please note that if you are a UK student you may be eligible to claim this back and if you are an International student you are not able to claim back expenses.
Uniforms should be worn (where applicable) and all placements are subject to DBS, mandatory training and occupational health checks prior to commencement of any placement.
Reporting absences for placements
See details in your practice learning handbook. The absence reporting web page is here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/absence-reporting/
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
Many personal and transferable skills are developed through the process of learning in Higher Education. Increasingly employers seek a range of transferable skills and qualities which students need to demonstrate in the job application process, and it is widely acknowledged by Government, professional bodies, sector skills councils and, by students that transferable skills and qualities play an important role in the context of a managed career.
This course aims to develop a range of transferable, inter-personal and employability skills as well as encouraging independent learning. The Course focuses on critical thinking and evaluation, communication skills, presentation skills, team working and interpersonal skills. Key skills will be embedded within the curriculum.
All students go through a process of skills analysis and professional development including communication skills before embarking on a practice placement.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
The course is accredited by the Heath and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and graduates are eligible to apply to become a Registered Dietitian upon successful completion of the course. Registration with the HCPC is necessary in order to use the title 'Dietitian' in the UK.
Skills in relation to continuous professional development and lifelong learning are fostered as part of the course and the materials (portfolio of evidence) with which to demonstrate this continued commitment to the profession provided.
Students also complete 28 weeks in various practice placement settings to develop their practical skills. Practice Placements are approved, quality assured and allocated within arrangements established by the Health and Social Care Practice Learning Team.
Additionally, our students are signposted to a variety of volunteering opportunities available through the Students' Union and the volunteering and partnerships offices which enable them to gain further work related learning and employability skills. Our students also have access to the careers service and online employability resources (EROL) which help to prepare them for job applications and interviews and critically evaluate their employment prospects and identify potential opportunities.
On qualification the new graduate should be capable of contributing to clinical governance through the delivery of evidence-based, client-centred healthcare. The provision of healthcare is no longer the sole responsibility of the NHS, therefore graduates are introduced to working within multi-agency settings such as local authorities and voluntary organisations throughout the course.
While graduates of MSc Dietetics predominantly work in the NHS, increasingly, dietitians work in a broader variety of settings for example, public health nutrition, research and industry. They are well placed to be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and be able to interpret new scientific evidence translating this for lay members of the population.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
There are a wide range of resources available to support the delivery of your course and enhance your student experience. For more information about the Library, Skills for Learning and 'My Beckett' please see the Library and IT Support section.
When scheduled you will have access to a range of flexible teaching spaces at city campus as well as a range of specialist teaching spaces are available that may be used to support learning on your course: Nutrition Laboratory, Communication Skills Suites and Biomedical Science Laboratories.
Module handbooks provide guidance to module timetables, learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, assignment guidelines, and assessment criteria and marking schemes together with reading/resource lists. Additionally, handbooks signpost academic regulations relating to learning and assessment. All students have a university email account and access to Dietary Analysis software to support dietary/nutritional analysis is available via the library computers.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Non-professional contained awards
Postgraduate Diploma Nutritional Studies
Postgraduate Certificate Nutritional Studies
Leeds Beckett University
Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 180 credit points at Level 7 of the Higher Education Credit Framework for England
The course is delivered full-time only.
Plus practice placement locations
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The course follows the Academic Regulations except where noted below.
Fitness to Practise
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA). Dietetics is a professional competency-based course preparing learners to work with the public and therefore, learners are expected to act in a professional manner at all times and learners should adhere to the University Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/policies/student/ups_fitness_to_practise_policy_procedure.pdf
All modules must be passed to achieve the award
Learners must obtain at least 50% in each module. In addition, learners must obtain at least 45% in each component of assessment within a module. A mark of between 45% and 49% may be compensated by the other component of assessment within the module. The placement modules are non-credit bearing and must be passed.
Pre-requisite module
Learners must successfully complete Research Methods for Nutrition module prior to undertaking the Research and Practice Development module.
Provision for the recommendation of merit and distinction
The course follows the standard Academic Regulations for awards of merit and distinction.
The course follows the University's Academic Engagement Policy and learners are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. Additionally, to comply with HCPC Guidance on conduct and ethics for students section 2 (you should communicate effectively and co-operate with members of staff at your education provider and practice placement provider to benefit service users and carers) learners must attend a minimum of 80% across all modules and 90% within the Professional Development for Practice module and reflection and consolidation module and successfully complete the associated assessment. Learners will be expected to retrieve any attendance below these requirements through reflective pieces of work which will be evidenced in their portfolios within the Professional Development module.
Progression to practice based learning
Practice based learning is approved and allocated by the Dietetics Placement Team in collaboration with the Health Partnerships and Practice learning team and the course must comply with this system to maintain professional accreditation. Progression through placements is outlined in the placement strategy which learners sign up to on commencement of the course. For progression onto practice based learning in year two, all year one modules (other than the Research Methods for Nutrition module) must be passed with a minimum mark of 50% overall. Practice based learning experiences are attended at various times throughout the two years of the course and learners must meet progression requirements outlined in the placement strategy. Learners must also undertake mandatory training in preparation for practice based learning experiences.
Contained awards
-Postgraduate Diploma Dietetics: Achievement of 120 credits and successful completion of practice placements A, B, and C. All modules must be passed as required for the MSc Dietetics with the exception of Research Methods for Nutrition and/or Research and Practice Development modules.
The following are non-professional contained awards, with no eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC and follow the standard Regulations:
-MSc Applied Nutrition: 180 credits (unsuccessful completion of practice placements). To achieve the MSc Applied Nutrition learners must undertake an additional 20 credit module in place of the post Practice Placement Reflection and Consolidation module.
-Postgraduate Diploma Nutritional Studies: 120 credits.
-Postgraduate Certificate Nutritional Studies: 60 credits.
Aegrotat award
An Aegrotat award does not lead to eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC.
This professional course operates outside of the standard academic calendar to accommodate placements.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
Fiona Moor, Assistant Professor, Coventry University
Appendices
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