Who Is an MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) For and How Is It Delivered?

For many prospective students, choosing a master’s degree brings questions not only around programme content, but also eligibility criteria, the application process, course delivery, and what it is really like to return to study at postgraduate level.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, coming back to education after years in industry, or considering a career change, it’s not too late to embark on a career in dietetics, a regulated healthcare profession with growing demand and diverse employment opportunities.

With Portobello Institute’s practice-focused, flexible MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme, you can develop your existing health science knowledge and prepare for a rewarding future as a dietitian.

MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) at a Glance

The MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree designed to support graduates on their path to becoming dietitians. Awarded by Health Sciences University and delivered by Portobello Institute in Dublin, the programme covers nutrition science, evidence-based practice, clinical skills training, and supervised placement experience.

Available through either in-person or blended learning delivery, the master’s is led by Dr Roberta Mendes, RD, PhD, a practising CORU-registered dietitian with over 25 years of experience.

The programme prepares students for professional practice and, subject to HCPC approval, enables graduates to apply for registration as dietitians with CORU in Ireland and HCPC in the UK.

Denise Flood, Executive Dean at Portobello Institute, regularly speaks with individuals from all walks of life who are interested in dietetics careers. Her message to prospective master’s students is: “You can move forward with confidence”.

“Dietetics is a new and exciting programme area for Portobello Institute, joining our successful health science faculty and creating a clear route for graduates who want to go on to practise as dietitians,” Denise explains.

“Applicants are not expected to navigate the pathway alone. Our admissions and academic teams are there to guide you from enquiry through to application, interview, and securing your place.”

Who Is MSc Dietetics For?

If you have a health science background and are looking to specialise in dietetics at master’s level while preparing for professional practice, the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme could be for you.

Throughout the two-year programme, students balance academic learning with clinical skills development and supervised placement experience, helping them apply evidence-based nutrition in real-world settings and build the confidence and competence needed to work as dietitians.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

To apply, you will need a minimum of a 2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant science-based subject or equivalent.

Subjects may include, but are not limited to:

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical science
• Nutrition
• Physiology
• Human biology
• Health science
• Sport and nutrition-related degrees
• Other appropriate science-based disciplines

What If You Don’t Have a Science Background?

Just because you don’t meet the science-based entry requirements yet doesn’t necessarily mean dietetics is out of reach. Flexible study pathways are available to help you work towards the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) and achieve your goals.

BSc (Hons) Applied Health Science

If you do not already have a relevant undergraduate qualification, you can apply for and complete Portobello Institute’s BSc (Hons) Applied Health Science. This three-year honours degree provides a strong academic foundation for progression to postgraduate health science study, including the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration).

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science

Perhaps you have an undergraduate degree, but it is in another discipline. If so, you may be eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science. This programme helps students develop the scientific knowledge and skills required for entry to the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme.

Progression Scholarship

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science and progress to an eligible health science master’s programme will receive a €2,000 progression fee reduction. This is applied as €1,000 towards first-year master’s tuition fees and €1,000 towards second-year tuition fees, where applicable.

Every applicant's background is different, so the best next step is to speak with a Career Pathway Consultant. They can review your existing qualifications, discuss your career aspirations, and advise you on your eligibility and the most appropriate route.

How Is the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) Programme Delivered?

At Portobello Institute, flexible education is a key part of our ethos. The MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) is available in two delivery modes: in-person and blended. Small class sizes allow for a more personal learning experience, supported by individual guidance from tutors and academic teams. 

You can choose the learning experience that best fits your life, while helping you balance study with work, family, and other commitments.

As part of the two-year degree, placements take place in the second semester of each year. Across both delivery modes, placements are full-time and in person, running Monday to Friday for 35 hours per week. 

What Does ‘Pre-registration’ Mean?

The name ‘pre-registration’ means the master’s has been developed to provide a pathway towards regulated professional body registration. The MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) is currently awaiting approval from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and will only commence once approval has been granted.

Portobello Institute has experience in this area, having successfully secured HCPC approval for its MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) and MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) programmes.

For a full explanation of professional registration, HCPC approval, and the CORU registration pathway, read this article: MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration): The Professional Registration Pathway Explained.

Securing Your Place During HCPC Approval

Portobello Institute has introduced a new optional holding deposit process for applicants as the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) awaits HCPC approval, available until 25^th September 2026. Learn more here.

Start Your Application or Speak to an Expert

Apply for MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) and visit the official course page to find out more about the programme, including modules, fees, delivery options, and the application process.

It is natural to have questions about studying at master’s level. Portobello Institute’s Career Pathway Consultants can talk you through your eligibility and study options, helping you decide whether this programme is the right fit for you.