How to Become a Dietitian in the UK
Dietitians use nutrition science to assess and treat diet-related problems and medical conditions. In hospitals they plan tube feeding and nutrition support for patients with cancer, kidney disease or after surgery. In the community they support people with diabetes, allergies, eating disorders and weight problems, and they also work in public health, sport, industry and private practice.
Dietitian is a protected title in the UK. To use it, you must complete an approved dietetics degree, master's or degree apprenticeship and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Most newly qualified dietitians start in the NHS.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £31,049 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £75,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 3 - 4 years (BSc)
- Degree required
- Often required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
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What a Dietitian does
Use nutrition science to treat medical conditions - in hospitals, clinics or private practice.
- Acute Dietetics - Hospital wards including ICU and surgery.
- Diabetes and Endocrine - Specialist diabetes clinics.
- Paediatric Dietetics - Children's dietetics in hospital and community.
- Public Health and Industry - Industry, public-health and food policy roles.
How to become a dietitian in the UK
Take an HCPC-approved BSc in dietetics or nutrition and dietetics, usually three or four years including clinical placements. If you already have a relevant science degree, an approved pre-registration MSc takes around two years. A Level 6 dietitian degree apprenticeship lets you train while employed, usually by an NHS trust. Once you qualify you register with the HCPC and keep your registration through continuing professional development. Most dietitians also join the British Dietetic Association (BDA). Students in England on these courses may be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund.
- Take A levels or equivalent including chemistry or biology, which most approved dietetics degrees require, and check each university's entry requirements.
- Get experience of health or care settings, such as volunteering in a hospital or care home, to strengthen your university application.
- Apply for an HCPC-approved dietetics degree through UCAS, or a pre-registration MSc if you already have a relevant science degree.
- Look for dietitian degree apprenticeship vacancies with NHS trusts if you want to earn a salary while you train.
- Complete your clinical placements, then register with the HCPC before applying for Band 5 dietitian posts on NHS Jobs.
- Join the British Dietetic Association and choose an area to develop, such as diabetes, paediatrics, renal or critical care.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCPC-approved BSc in dietetics | 3-4 years | Tuition fee loan | School leavers |
| Pre-registration MSc in dietetics | About 2 years | Postgraduate fees | Science graduates |
| Level 6 dietitian degree apprenticeship | About 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | Earning while you qualify |
How long it takes
Expect three to four years through an undergraduate degree, or around two years through a pre-registration MSc if you already have a science degree. If you want nutrition work without a clinical degree, the nutritionist route is shorter but does not allow you to use the dietitian title.
Dietitian salary in the UK
Newly qualified dietitians start on NHS Band 5, given in our salary data as £31,049. Band 5 rates are reviewed most years, so check the current Agenda for Change table before you apply. Experienced and specialist dietitians earn around £35,000 to £48,000, and advanced, team lead and consultant dietitians earn about £55,000 to £75,000. London weighting adds to NHS pay. Private practice, sport and food industry roles vary more, and self-employed dietitians set their own fees.
Key skills
- Nutrition science
- Patient comms
- Behaviour change
- Reporting
- Empathy
Dietitian FAQs
How do I become a dietitian in the UK?
Complete an HCPC-approved dietetics degree, pre-registration master's or Level 6 degree apprenticeship, including clinical placements. Then register with the HCPC, which you must do before you can practise or call yourself a dietitian.
Do you need a degree to be a dietitian?
Yes. Dietitian is a protected title, and you need an HCPC-approved qualification at degree level or above. The degree apprenticeship lets you qualify while earning a salary, but it still leads to a degree.
How much does a dietitian earn in the UK?
Newly qualified NHS dietitians start on Band 5, given in our salary data as £31,049, though Band 5 rates are reviewed most years. Experienced and specialist dietitians earn about £35,000 to £48,000, and senior or consultant dietitians around £55,000 to £75,000.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
Dietitian is a legally protected title that requires HCPC registration, and dietitians treat medical conditions in clinical settings. Nutritionist is not protected, although qualified nutritionists can join the voluntary register run by the Association for Nutrition. Nutritionists mainly work in health promotion, public health and the food industry.
Is Dietitian right for you?
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