Education

Dietetic education in Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland there is only one degree course on offer which will allow you to become a Dietitian. It is a cooperation between the University of Dublin (Trinity College) and the Dublin Institute of Technology. The undergraduate undertaking this degree is registered at both colleges and receives integrated education in the science of nutrition and practice of dietetics and their application to human health at both individual and community level.

In Northern Ireland you can follow a course in Dietetics at the University of Ulster. The programme provides training for careers in dietetics.

Both courses includes the study of the science of nutrition and dietetics, the supportive sciences of chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, biology, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, pathology, food science, epidemiology and statistics, as well as inputs from the social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, communication and management.

The course programme is very similar to the Dutch course curriculum.

The number of places available on the dietetics courses is limited due to the limited availability of dietetic clinical placements. 25 undergraduate places will be offered for the B.Sc. in Human Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of Dublin (Trinity College) and Dublin Institute of Technology in 2014.

The course at the University of Dublin (Trinity College) and at the University of Ulster is at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications whereas the Dutch Diploma of Higher Professional Education is at level 7.

The difference between the levels is stated as follows on the website of The National Framework of Qualifications
The national framework https://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/index.html

The Ordinary Bachelor Degree is typically awarded following completion of a programme of three years duration (180 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution and is included in the NFQ at Level 7.

The Honours Bachelor Degree is typically awarded following completion of a programme of three to four years duration (180-240 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution. In addition, there are typically programmes of 1 year duration leading to Honours Bachelor Degrees for holders of the Ordinary Bachelor degree. The Honours Bachelor Degree is included in the NFQ at Level 8.

The level 7 recognition to the Dutch Higher Professional Education is not explained on the website. The Dutch course is rewarded with 240 ECTS credits which would mean a level 8 course on the National Framework. But no further information about this is available. It is expected that the appropriate level is awarded in the validation process..

University of Dublin https://www.tcd.ie/courses/undergraduate/az/course.php?id=DUBMD-HNDI-2F09

University of Ulster https://study.ulster.ac.uk/prospectus/course/201415/402

Sources: National Framework of Qualifications, University of Dublin and University of Ulster