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Mature Student Applying For Nutrition/ Dietetics

I am a 23 year old who finished her economics degree last year but has decided to change the course of her life and train up to become a dietician.

I realise that the Jan 15th UCAS Appl. deadline has passed but I'm still going to give it a shot...

I haven't got the conventional high grade chemistry and biology A' Levels required: I have A' Levels in English Lit (A), History (A), Economics (C) and Biology (E) but I have spent time working in a health food shop, gained 98% in the progression test which covered areas on physiology and nutrition.

I know that my lack of high grade A' Levels may pose a problem for some universities, but to be honest I don't wish to spend an extra year of my life studying for a foundation year/ A' Levels.

I live in London, and would prefer to study Dietetics rather than Nutrition as I believe I'd gain NHS Bursary help with paying my fees.

This is where I ask you the people with zee knowledge- which universities shall I apply to?

Plymouth with it's 3 year degree seems like an excellent option, I like the look of Surrey as well. Has anyone out there visited these universities?

I would be extremely grateful for your advice!

Reply 1

Juno

20

It would be a good idea to contact the unis you're interested in and see if they will consider you, as you are applying late and don't have the normal qualifications. Then when you do apply you can pick 6 who will, and not waste any spaces

Reply 2

Sasuke!

14

where did you get your economics degree from. there is no money in NHS go for finance! no one listens to dietics look at britiain lol you think they follow??? but on the other hand its your passion, i think that with your grades you will get in to most unis, but the thing is with things to do with science Chemistry is a MUSH HAVE and you dont have any, i guess you need to do foundatio or a-levels!!! and you do have HIGH GRADES!!!

Reply 3

booraad

OP

14

This is very true, the best thing would be to get first hand experience of these unis by visiting them. I guess I would just like to collect a few opinions before venturing out there. I feel a little rusty when it comes to selling my good points. I studied Economics at SOAS.. it wasn't really for me. I didn't do very well and felt relieved when the whole experience was over. The course and university was fine! The problem was with me, as I didn't want a career in finance. I've changed my mind so often in my academic lifetime, but this is something I know I want to pursue. I had work experience aged 16 at St. Georges Hospital, London shadowing dieticians... but for some reason I ended up applying for dentistry, and flunking my science A' Levels because I didn't really want to be a dentist.

I then decided to steer clear of science and pursue English, History and Economics. I met the requirement of SOAS for Economics and there I went.. but that wasn't what I really wanted to do.

So here I am, all of 23 years.. I guess I'll call the years between 18-23 'Life Experience'!

I am committed but I really don't want to have to do more preliminary studying only to set myself back another year. If there's a way to get around this, I'd grab it.

Reply 4

Sasuke!

14

we can only give our opinions, you really should ask the unis that you are interested in. what class of degree did you obtain?

Reply 5

Sasuke!

14

and i though that SOAS needed maths a-level for economics?

Reply 6

booraad

OP

14

SOAS has changed its requirements over the years, it asked for BBC grades when I studied there.

Reply 7

Jess123

3

I study nutrition and dietetics at King's and they asked for BBB at A level including biology and chemistry so i don't think they would let you in because you have no science background. There is quite a lot of it on the course which you may struggle with.
I think that UWIC, coventry, London met, chester, plymouth have lower entry grades so might be more likely to accept you with a lack of science. If I was you I wouldn't bother to apply till next year as you are late. Why would they accept you over someone else who applied on time and has a science background? Most of the interviews this year were january/february.
you may be able to get on a nutrition course as the grades are often lower and i don't think you have to have chemistry.
I love King's but really liked surrey when i visited. the other best course is Nottingham.
sorry bout the rant!

Reply 8

PJ

14

Jess123

I study nutrition and dietetics at King's and they asked for BBB at A level including biology and chemistry so i don't think they would let you in because you have no science background. There is quite a lot of it on the course which you may struggle with.
I think that UWIC, coventry, London met, chester, plymouth have lower entry grades so might be more likely to accept you with a lack of science. If I was you I wouldn't bother to apply till next year as you are late. Why would they accept you over someone else who applied on time and has a science background? Most of the interviews this year were january/february.
you may be able to get on a nutrition course as the grades are often lower and i don't think you have to have chemistry.
I love King's but really liked surrey when i visited. the other best course is Nottingham.
sorry bout the rant!

nice negative response.....

"If haven't anything nice to say, say nothing at all" :wink:

OP

ho hum

pjamesg

nice negative response.....

"If haven't anything nice to say, say nothing at all" :wink:

The OP wanted opinions, and they got them! Whats the point in being nice if it is of no use at all?

To the OP, i understand that you don't want to spend another year studying, but you have to be realistic. Your economics degree will give you transferable skills which is good, and working in a healthfood shop will look good on your PS, but there will be people applying with all that and more, plus the required science background. By all means apply, but don't be surprised if you don't get onto the course this year.

Reply 11

Juncture

16

I don't know if you'll have found this site/list but I'll post it anyway, it's a list of all the degree courses in the UK that include Registration (so basically you become a "proper" dietician if that makes sense)

http://www.bda.uk.com/edqualify.html

Reply 12

Greenmile

9

If you have a degree and good grades at A level (which you do) then you shouldn't have a problem getting a place.
Top ranking unis may want you to have chemistry, but quite often the rules are different for mature students.
It is imperative that you contact the unis you are interested in, perhaps by email if you don't want to ring, with a list of your qualifications and ask if you qualify for entry. They are the only people who can tell you if you meet the entry requirements.

You don't have to be in a rush. I decided 3 years ago that I wanted to go to uni. I spent 1 year doing biology GCSE and last year I did AS levels. I am now doing A2 and will be going to uni in September. I will be 34 when I start.
If you need chemistry, you could do the full A-level in a year.

Other than that, someone mentioned a few places that would probably take you without the science. Give them a call and see if they will consider a late application from you.

Good luck. I hope you get in. NHS will pay fees and you will get a means-tested bursary (it's not much though). You won't be eligible for any support from the LEA.

Mature Student Applying For Nutrition/ Dietetics

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