PgDip/ MSc Dietetics (Pre-Registration)

Lisa Williams

I initially studied for a BSc in Biology. Having enjoyed the modules which looked at the biochemical changes that occur during illnesses and the mechanisms behind metabolic diseases, I was keen to progress my career in the area of dietetics. I saw dietetics as a career that would allow me to combine my interest in science with a wish to help people.

QMU is one of only a few places in the UK to offer an MSc Dietetics. I had heard from dietitians through my work experience that the QMU course was excellent. I really enjoyed the course, particularly the opportunity to go on clinical placements. I went on one in Aberdeen, one in Edinburgh and one in Dundee – my favourite as it was in a large, acute hospital. Module-wise, I really enjoyed ‘Therapeutic Interventions’ where we learned all about the dietetic process and how to assess and treat patients, covering a wide range of clinical conditions and working through patient scenarios.

The support at QMU was really good. The lecturers are friendly and approachable, and a personal tutor was always on hand to help with any problems. The support that I received during my final project was great. My supervisors even helped me submit abstracts of my work to the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) with the possibility of presenting them at a big malnutrition conference which was a great opportunity.

On graduation, I was immediately offered a job as a dietitian at a large, acute hospital in Cambridge where I have been working since. I work across the hospital in a vast variety of wards as well as covering outpatient clinics and cardiac rehabilitation sessions. I really love working here and I have great training opportunities in a wide range of different clinical areas. I enjoyed the acute hospital work most on placement, so working here is just right for me. I am very glad I chose to do the course to enable me to get this job. In order to work as a dietitian you need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council which you can only do if you complete a course which confers eligibility to register with them, which this one does.