B Sc Dietetics
BSc Dietetics
What is Dietetics?
The term “diet” stems from the Greek word “diata” meaning the way of life. Dietetics is a profession. It is the science and art of Human Nutrition – of individuals and groups – for the promotion, maintenance and improvement of health, and the control of nutrition-related diseases in all sections of the population.
Our graduates understand that nutrition is the single most important factor in determining a person’s health, and they are equipped to translate and use scientific nutrition information in the development of programmes to improve the nutrition of individuals and groups according to needs dictated by age, preference, culture, finances and facilities.
What do Dietitians do?
Community Nutrition: Dietitians help people in communities maximize their available resources to achieve the best possible nutrition, thus optimizing health and preventing disease.
Food Service Management: Dietitians ensure that patients receive their best possible nutritional intake whilst in hospital.
Therapeutic / Clinical Dietetics: Dietitians counsel patients (both in and out of hospital) to ensure that they are able to make the best food and lifestyle choices for their health and condition.
What career opportunities are available to Dietitians?
The term “diet” stems from the Greek word “diata” meaning the way of life. Dietetics is a profession. It is the science and art of Human Nutrition – of individuals and groups – for the promotion, maintenance and improvement of health, and the control of nutrition-related diseases in all sections of the population.
Our graduates understand that nutrition is the single most important factor in determining a person’s health, and they are equipped to translate and use scientific nutrition information in the development of programmes to improve the nutrition of individuals and groups according to needs dictated by age, preference, culture, finances and facilities.
What do Dietitians do?
Community Nutrition: Dietitians help people in communities maximize their available resources to achieve the best possible nutrition, thus optimizing health and preventing disease.
Food Service Management: Dietitians ensure that patients receive their best possible nutritional intake whilst in hospital.
Therapeutic / Clinical Dietetics: Dietitians counsel patients (both in and out of hospital) to ensure that they are able to make the best food and lifestyle choices for their health and condition.
What career opportunities are available to Dietitians?
- Private and Public Health Facilities
- Public Health Nutrition
- Research and Education
- Sports Nutrition
- Private Practice
- Food and Food Service Industry
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Local Health Authorities
- Consultancy
- National and Provincial Health Services
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Biology 101, Chemistry 110, Nutrition 114, Zulu 101 or Elective. |
| Semester 2 | Chemistry 120, Food Science 120, Statistics 130, Nutrition 124 | |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Biochemistry 201, Food Science 210, Mammalian Physiology 200, Nutrition 224 |
| Semester 2 | Biochemistry 212, Dietetics 237, Human Physiology 200, Microbiology 214, Nutrition 260 | |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Dietetics 311, Diet Therapy 350, Food Service Management 332, Nutrition 343 |
| Semester 2 | Dietetics 351, Diet Therapy 360, Food Service Management 333, Nutrition 342 |
B Sc Dietetics Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics-Applications for
Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics will qualify candidates for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to perform Community Service as a Dietitian.
1. Prerequisites for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma
BSc Dietetics or a graduate of another recognized university who has been admitted to the status thereof
2. Application details
Closing date for applications: 31 August of any given year
3. Syllabus
The Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics consists of four modules: Community Nutrition Internship(NUTR711), Food Service Management Internship (FSMT711), Therapeutic Dietetics Internship (DIET711) and the Research Project (NUTR741).
4. Examination and attendance requiremts
The Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics is awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed the internship of eleven months at accredited institutions approved by the University, and who have passed the prescribed examinations at the year end. The oral examination is based on the literature reviews and written papers on Normal and Community Nutrition, Therapeutic Nutrition, and Food Service Management are taken at the end of the year of study. The pharmacology mark is obtained from the test at the end of the pharmacology module.
5. Course details
The Diploma spans 46 weeks and is currently divided as follows:
Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics will qualify candidates for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to perform Community Service as a Dietitian.
1. Prerequisites for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma
BSc Dietetics or a graduate of another recognized university who has been admitted to the status thereof
2. Application details
Closing date for applications: 31 August of any given year
3. Syllabus
The Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics consists of four modules: Community Nutrition Internship(NUTR711), Food Service Management Internship (FSMT711), Therapeutic Dietetics Internship (DIET711) and the Research Project (NUTR741).
4. Examination and attendance requiremts
The Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics is awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed the internship of eleven months at accredited institutions approved by the University, and who have passed the prescribed examinations at the year end. The oral examination is based on the literature reviews and written papers on Normal and Community Nutrition, Therapeutic Nutrition, and Food Service Management are taken at the end of the year of study. The pharmacology mark is obtained from the test at the end of the pharmacology module.
5. Course details
The Diploma spans 46 weeks and is currently divided as follows:
| 7 weeks | Lecture Block |
| 8 weeks | Food Service Management Practical |
| 8 weeks | Community Nutrition |
| 12 weeks | Therapeutic Nutrition |
| 7 weeks | Research Project |
| 2 weeks | Revision and Examinations |
| 2 weeks | VacatioN |
B Sc Dietetics Post Graduate Diploma in Community Nutrition
The Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition which follows the undergraduate degree contains courses which give you grounding in community work, policy and programme development. The second half of the year involves a community placement and a research project. You will work in the community with trained nutritionists and apply your nutritional expertise to the benefit of the community.
Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition-Applications for 2013
Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition will qualify candidates for registration as a Nutritionist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
1. Prerequisites for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma
BSc Human Nutrition or a graduate of another recognised university who has been admitted to the status therof (p109 College Handbook)
2. Application details
Closing date for applications: 31 August of any given year.
Graduates from a foreign university, please submit the SAQA assessment of the degree together with course (module) outlines and course (module) contents to the College Office. SAQA evaluations of foreign qualifications can be obtained by logging on to the following website: http://www.saqa.org.za/
3. Syllabus
The Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition consists of two semesters with a midyear vacation. The first semester of lectures comprises the following modules: Public Policy Analysis (PODS701), Food Security Studies (FDSC730), Food Storage and Food Security (FDSC720) and Food Access for Food Security (FDSC730). The second semester involves fieldwork and comprises the following modules: Community Nutrition Case Study (NUTR730), Community Nutrition Internship (NUTR711) and a Research Project in Nutrition (NUTR741).
Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition-Applications for 2013
Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition will qualify candidates for registration as a Nutritionist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
1. Prerequisites for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma
BSc Human Nutrition or a graduate of another recognised university who has been admitted to the status therof (p109 College Handbook)
2. Application details
Closing date for applications: 31 August of any given year.
Graduates from a foreign university, please submit the SAQA assessment of the degree together with course (module) outlines and course (module) contents to the College Office. SAQA evaluations of foreign qualifications can be obtained by logging on to the following website: http://www.saqa.org.za/
3. Syllabus
The Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition consists of two semesters with a midyear vacation. The first semester of lectures comprises the following modules: Public Policy Analysis (PODS701), Food Security Studies (FDSC730), Food Storage and Food Security (FDSC720) and Food Access for Food Security (FDSC730). The second semester involves fieldwork and comprises the following modules: Community Nutrition Case Study (NUTR730), Community Nutrition Internship (NUTR711) and a Research Project in Nutrition (NUTR741).
B Sc Dietetics Postgraduate Information
Postgraduate Programmes Offered
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Community Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Security are offered within the School
Masters Programmes Offered
- Master of Science,
- Master of Science in Agriculture,
- Master of Science programmes are offered, whereby students engage in full-time research under the supervision of an academic staff member. Applicants must have a credit-weighted average of at least 60% at Honours level or equivalent must be achieved to be considered for this programme. This degree takes a minimum of one year. The application date is open.
PhD Programmes Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy,
- Doctor of Science in Agriculture,
- A Doctoral programme is offered where students engage in novel research supervised by academic members of staff. This is typically involves three years of study. The application date is open.
Postdoctoral study
- Remunerated, postdoctoral research positions are available on application.