Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Human Nutrition

OVERVIEW
A Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Human Nutrition programme is the academic qualification required for registration as a dietitian with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The degree, which is offered only on the Pietermaritzburg campus, equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in clinical nutrition, community and public Health nutrition, food service management, and research. The qualification extends over eight semesters of full-time study, integrating coursework in biological, nutritional, and food sciences with practical training and professional exposure. The programme includes structured clinical and community placements to ensure graduates meet the professional and ethical standards required for practice.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  • English
  • Life Orientation
  • Mathematics (Level 4)
  • Agricultural Science (Level 4) or
  • Life Sciences (Level 4) or
  • Physical Sciences (Level 4)

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is subject to space and discipline requirements.

CURRICULUM
Level 1

Semester 1

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
BIOL101Smaller side of life16
CHEM110General Principles of Chemistry16
NUTR114Introductory Nutrition & Community Resources16
FSCI120Introduction to Food Science16
EDSJICSCritical Social Justice and Citizenship0

Total credits: 64

Semester 2

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
CHEM120General Reactivity16
STAT130Introduction to Statistics16
NUTR124Human Nutrition 1: Lifecycle & Macronutrients16
ZULN101 OR ELECTBasic isiZulu Language Studies16

Total credits: 64

Total credits for Level 1: 128

Level 2

Semester 1

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
BIOC201Introduction to Biomolecules16
DIET251Counselling Principles and Ethics in Dietetics16
HPHY210Introduction to Human Physiology16
NUTR224Micronutrients, Nutritional Assessment, SA16

Total credits: 64

Semester 2

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
BIOC212Signal Transduction and Metabolism16
DIET237DIET1: Weight, Diabetes, Heart Disease16
MPHY210Introduction to Pathophysiology16
FSCI210Further Concepts in Food Science16

Total credits: 64

Total credits for Level 2: 128

Level 3

Semester 1

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
NUTR343Community Nutrition16
FSMT332Food Production, Systems & Plans16
DIET382Diet Therapy – Medical II16
DIET380Diet Therapy – Surgical16

Total credits: 64

Semester 2

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
NUTR312Research and Nutritional Epidemiology16
NUTR342Nutrition & Communication16
FSMT333Management Theory & Practice16
DIET381Diet Therapy – Medical I16

Total credits: 64

Total credits for Level 3: 128

Level 4

Year Modules

Module CodeModule DescriptionCredits
NUTR410Community Nutrition Internship in Dietetics32
DIET410Therapy Internship in Dietetics48
DIET420Research Project in Dietetics32
FSMT410Food Service Management Internship in Dietetics32

Total credits for Level 4: 144

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
  • Nutrition Researcher
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Health Coach / Wellness Consultant
  • Public Health Nutritionist

Programme Type:

Undergraduate

SAQA ID:

108864

NQF LEVEL:

07

APS RANGE:

48 -28

DURATION:

4 Years

CAMPUS:

PMB Campus

CAO CODE:

KN-P-BSD

CLOSING DATE:

30 September

ENQUIRE NOW

Have Questions about this programme?

Contact: +27 (0)31 260 2203

Interested in this programme? Submit your application here.