The MSc Dietetics is a professionally focused postgraduate programme designed for graduates seeking to progress into a career in nutrition and dietetics. This intensive two-year master’s degree specialises in the science of nutrition and its impact on health, equipping students with the knowledge, clinical skills and professional competence required to assess, diagnose and manage dietary and nutritional needs using evidence-based practice.
Career Pathways in Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietitians play a vital role in preventing and managing chronic disease, improving patient outcomes and supporting long-term health and wellbeing. Graduates are prepared to work across a wide range of settings including hospitals, community health services, private practice, public health initiatives and the food industry. The programme develops graduates who can confidently translate complex nutritional science into practical, person-centred care for individuals, families and communities.
Learning Approach
The MSc Dietetics is delivered through a structured blend of academic learning, clinical skills development and supervised placement. Teaching methods include seminars, workshops, clinical skills classes, problem-based learning, manual and practical skills sessions, peer and expert observation, and supported online learning. Both in-person and blended learning delivery mode options are available. Read more and see provisional delivery schedules for these here.
Practice and Placement Experience
Students gain hands-on experience through supervised practice sessions, including access to on-site clinical facilities, alongside placement opportunities that support the development of professional confidence, clinical reasoning and real-world competence. Read more about these real life learning opportunities here.
What You Will Study
Over the two years, students develop a strong foundation in nutrition science and clinical practice, covering areas such as food science and food safety, nutritional and patient assessment, acute and chronic disease, meal planning, public health nutrition, physiology, team working and professional communication. You can read more about the modules you will study here.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Students also build essential research skills, learning research methods and how to critically apply research evidence to dietetic practice, ensuring graduates are prepared for modern, evidence-informed healthcare environments.
Academic Guidance and Expert Teaching
Teaching is delivered by expert tutors who are practising clinicians and experienced educators, ensuring the curriculum remains current, clinically relevant and aligned with professional practice. Students receive personalised academic support from a dedicated tutor throughout the programme, helping them to achieve their best academically and professionally.
Professional Registration
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be awarded an MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration). This is awarded by Health Sciences University and is aligned to level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This programme follows the standards of proficiency set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the curriculum framework of the British Dietetic Association.
Professional Registration in Ireland
Graduates of HCPC-approved programmes can follow an established route to apply for professional registration through the “Qualified Abroad” route with CORU and gain professional registration in Ireland. This route will be available to graduates of this programme pending HCPC approval. Following registration with CORU, graduates can apply to become members of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (INDI). HCPC approval is pending, similar to that in place for our approved MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) and MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) programmes.
| College | Portobello Institute |
| Course ID | 202209 |
| Course Location | Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 1 |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Masters Degree |
| Awarding Body | Health Sciences University |
| Awarding Body Details | MSc |
| Course Start Date | 10th October 2026 |
| Course Duration | Two years |
| Course Fee | €16,896.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute. An up-to-date CV outlining academic qualifications and relevant experience is required. A minimum of a 2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant science-based subject or equivalent demonstrating evidence of sufficient biological science content. Examples of relevant subjects include but are not limited to biochemistry, biomedical science, nutrition, physiology, human biology, health science, sports and nutrition-related degree. Entry is interview based with a 15-minute interview conducted via MS Teams. We will look holistically at each applicant’s undergraduate degree, experience to date, interest in the subject and commitment to completing this programme and working in the space in the future. Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate ability to communicate in English to the standard required by HCPC. Equivalent to level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no element below 6.5 is required. |
| Career Path | Graduates of the MSc Dietetics (pre-registration) at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities across healthcare, public health, and community services in Ireland, the UK, and internationally. The programme prepares you to work as a dietitian (subject to professional registration), applying evidence-based nutrition to support health, manage disease, and improve outcomes for individuals and populations across the lifespan. Dietetics Career Opportunities This programme prepares you for roles across clinical, community, and public health settings. Typical career pathways include: Dietitian within public healthcare services such as the HSE and NHS Clinical Dietitian in acute and specialist hospital settings Community Dietitian within primary care and community health teams Dietitian in private clinics and multidisciplinary healthcare practices Roles in public health, health promotion, and preventative services Dietitian in mental health, older persons’, and residential care services Roles in paediatric, disability, and early intervention settings Specialist roles in areas such as diabetes, oncology, renal, gastroenterology, and eating disorders These roles involve assessing nutritional needs, developing treatment plans, and supporting individuals and populations to improve health outcomes. Employers Recruiting Our Graduates Graduates work across a range of healthcare and nutrition-focused settings, including: Public healthcare services (HSE, NHS) Hospitals and specialist clinics Primary care and community health services Private healthcare and multidisciplinary practices Public health and health promotion organisations These employers value professionals who can apply clinical knowledge, support patient care, and contribute to preventative healthcare. |
The Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Health Science is designed to provide a rigorous academic foundation for graduates seeking progression into allied health professions at Master’s level.
The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute is a professionally recognised postgraduate programme for graduates seeking to progress into a career as a physiotherapist.
The MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) at Portobello Institute is a professionally recognised postgraduate programme for graduates seeking to progress into a career as a physiotherapist.
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