Entry Start date: September 2014 Closing date: Home/EU Applicants Friday 13 th December 2013 International Applicants Monday 2 nd June 2014

Transcription

1 Application Information Post-Graduate Diploma Dietetics Course Entry Start date: September 2014 Closing date: Home/EU Applicants Friday 13 th December 2013 International Applicants Monday 2 nd June 2014 Dietetics, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences Leeds Metropolitan University City Campus Leeds LS1 3HE United Kingdom Web: direct-admissions@leedsmet.ac.uk

2 The Course This course is designed to enable graduates from science backgrounds to gain eligibility to practice dietetics through the study of a two year postgraduate programme. This is an accelerated programme building on prior knowledge and transferable skills to fast track you towards a career as a dietitian in the NHS working in acute and community settings. Academic and practice learning is embedded throughout the course enabling you to: develop an evidenced based and critical approach to dietetic practice; work effectively in teams and; develop the communication and professional practice skills required to interpret nutritional science and facilitate individuals, groups and communities to change eating behaviour, improving diet to benefit health. A range of assessment, teaching and learning activities are embedded across the course to enable you to develop an integrated, patient centred approach and to equip you with the range of competencies required for autonomous professional practice as a dietitian. The course is a very intensive, full-time course with contact time and independent selfdirected study spread across 5 days each week. The majority of students will be funded by the NHS. This means that the course fees are paid by the NHS and eligible applicants can also apply for a means tested bursary for living costs. The NHS will give successful applicants who meet their requirements precise details of funding arrangements. General information about NHS bursaries is available via the link NHS Student Grants. This Course is open to International applicants who meet entry requirements on a self-funded basis. Entry Requirements The online prospectus provides an outline of the entry requirements. Applicants should have BSc Honours degree in an appropriate science subject, normally class 2.1 or above, and containing a substantial amount of Human Physiology and Biochemistry to a minimum of level 5 and evidence of a final year research project which demonstrates a critical approach to the subject area. Other equivalent qualifications and experience are considered. Please include details of the biochemistry and human physiology you have studied in each year of your degree. It would be helpful if you could send a copy of the relevant published course outline or prospectus which describes the content of your course. Applicants with a more limited background in human physiology and/or biochemistry who fulfil other entry criteria may still be considered, but would be required to complete further directed learning in these areas before entry onto the course. Students on the course are not permitted to apply for exemption from any modules on account of prior learning due to the integrated nature of the delivery of the course. Further information In addition to academic ability it is also important that you consider the skills and behaviours needed to work as a Dietitian and, where possible, provide evidence that you have started to develop these skills, reflecting on your learning and current strengths and weaknesses. To fulfil this applicants are required to submit a personal statement with their application using the guidelines in the following document entitled; WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT GUIDANCE FOR CANDIDATES You can also provide a separate CV with details of qualifications attained and experiences gained or use the relevant sections of the application form. It should be noted that a significant element in the academic course is personal and professional development and reflective learning and practice. If you are offered a place you will be required to complete a Health check and Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS) check. International students will be required to complete an in-country police check some four-six weeks prior to the course start date. References It is the applicant s responsibility to ensure that two references are provided before the closing date for applications. One of these must be a suitable academic reference. Applications will not be considered until references have been received and it is the applicant s responsibility to provide these references, before the closing date of application. It is therefore

3 advisable to check beforehand that selected referees are available and willing to support your application within the deadline. Making your application Your application should be submitted via our online application system. All supporting documentation (certificates, transcripts, module outlines, references, application checklist, and personal statement) can be uploaded to your online application before submission. If you experience any difficulties uploading attachments, please contact us for assistance. The deadline for submission of applications and all supporting documentation is Friday 13 th December 2013 for Home/EU students & Monday 2 nd June 2014 for International students. Should you require any further advice please contact the Admissions Office as per the contact details on the online prospectus. Please note that we do not interview applicants for this course. Successful applicants and waiting list candidates will be invited to an Information Day which they will be expected to attend. This is an important component of the admissions process to help you make an informed decision about whether dietetics and this postgraduate course is the right course for you. Successful International applicants are welcome to attend the information day or alternatively may speak separately to the Admissions Tutor. We wish you every success with your application and look forward to hearing from you. Please appreciate, however, that places are very limited, and the course is heavily oversubscribed, so we regret a significant proportion of applicants will be unsuccessful. Most applicants do meet the academic qualification requirements and, therefore, successful candidates will normally be those who score highest in the personal statement. We do endeavour to give feedback on request to those who are unsuccessful but, in view of the large number of applicants, this may take some time.

4 APPLYING FOR THE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DIETETICS DATE UP TO 13TH DECEMBER 2013 END OF DECEMBER 2013 TO MARCH 2014 APRIL 2014 MAY 2014 TO JUNE 2014 JUNE /JULY 2014 WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT STAGE OF THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS APPLICATIONS Closing Date: Home/EU Applicants Friday 13 th December International Application closing date is Monday 2 nd June 2014 Ensure we receive the completed: Application (including personal statement) References - It is essential we receive these before the deadline Application Checklist form (N.B. It is your responsibility to meet the deadline for all of the above) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS Your application will be considered once the deadline has passed. We will aim to inform Home/EU/International applicants on the outcome of their application from the end of March onwards. OFFERS/INFORMATION DAYS If you have been successful you will receive a conditional offer. We do not interview applicants for this course but if you have been selected for an offer of a place or are on the waiting list you will be invited to attend an Information Day. Waiting list applicants will be informed of where you are in the waiting list e.g. top/middle or bottom so you can decide whether to attend the information day. DISCLOSURES AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) CHECKS/HEALTH CHECKS You will be sent a DBS application form to complete and return and invited to complete a health screening questionnaire. We require clearance from these checks before you can start the course, so please ensure you complete and return these forms promptly as this may delay your enrolment. If you have lived overseas you will need a DBS equivalent e.g. Police check from your country of origin some 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the course. If you have a previous conviction or caution through the DBS you will be invited to attend an interview to discuss this. The University is required to satisfy itself that the nature of your conviction is low risk and will not affect progression to placement and/or eligibility to register with the HCPC. EXAM RESULTS If you have an offer conditional on your academic performance you will need to write to us as soon as possible with your exam results. We will then write to confirm your position. UP TO AUGUST 2014 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ONLY ACCEPTANCE OF UNCONDITIONAL OFFERS Unconditional offers will be issued once all academic conditions have been met and DBS and health checks have been completed and are satisfactory. Successful candidates must confirm acceptance of a place on the course in writing as soon as possible. SEPTEMBER 2014 The course begins with an induction week in September CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS 13 TH DECEMBER 2013 (HOME/EU STUDENTS) AND 2 ND JUNE 2014 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

5 APPLICATION CHECKLIST FORM Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics Entry 2014 Please Complete and Return With Your Application Name: Address: Proposed Year of Entry: D.O.B. Have you applied to any other colleges/courses? If YES please give brief details in box below: YES NO Please check you have fully completed and enclosed the following: * Application form (including personal statement) * References either a) completed and enclosed FOR OFFICE USE Y N Y N b) to follow from referee 1 2 (N.B. It is your responsibility to ask you referees to provide references and ensure these reach us by the Closing date for applications (13/12/2013 Home/EU students and 02/06/2014 International students) * Application Checklist Form *Essential Items - application will not be considered until these are received. INTIALS

6 WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT GUIDANCE FOR CANDIDATES Background Each year we receive more applications then we have places available for the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics course. This means that we use selection criteria to help us identify who, from the large number of highly qualified candidates meeting our academic requirements, should receive an offer of a place on the course. We do this by asking you to complete a personal statement which enables the Admissions Team to consider the vocational relevance of all your experiences so far as well as your academic achievement in consideration of your application. The assessment criteria have been developed in partnership with students on the course, NHS Dietetic Service Managers/Employers, academic and administrative staff. The criteria focus on aspects considered highly desirable for candidates to a professional dietetic course. The personal statements are assessed by the Admissions Team which includes registered dietitians currently working in the NHS. Completion of the personal statement in itself will enable you to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and help you to make an informed decision about whether the course is for you and so progress your application. You should read the information carefully in this guidance document to help inform your personal statement. To make it fair for all candidates the Admissions Team are unable to offer any further guidance on an individual basis. Guidance on Completing the Personal Statement You should complete the personal statement evidencing your experiences and what you have learnt from these for each of the assessment criteria, in no more than 1000 words. You are expected to seek out appropriate learning opportunities to help you with this and which are relevant to dietetic practice in your home country. You may wish to write a personal statement as a continuous piece of writing or you may wish to organise your statement under each of the six assessment criteria, how you do this is your decision. To help you manage the statement within the word count you are advised to make use of cross referencing. This means you may wish to use the same example to demonstrate more than one criterion, enabling you to provide more depth in your writing. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Commitment to dietetics and working in the NHS Displays an awareness of the role and duties of a dietitian and provides evidence to demonstrate this Developing communication skills and evidence of experiences where communication skills have been used and adapted with people from a range of backgrounds GUIDANCE NOTES FOR CANDIDATES We are interested in your reasons and justification as to why you are applying to the Postgraduate diploma in dietetic course. This is not just another postgraduate course but one which prepares you for particular end point. You need to demonstrate that you have carefully considered your reasons for studying this vocational course. You need to be able to make an informed decision about whether working as a dietitian is the right job for you. You need to seek out opportunities in the broadest sense to find out more about what is involved in dietetic practice and evidence what you have learnt from your experiences. Communication skills and working with people are essential skills for a practising dietitian and will be further developed on the course. Communicating with people forms a substantive part of what dietitians do. You need to evidence your experiences and learning so far in developing your communication skills.

7 Demonstrating an interest in and ability to work with people in a care setting and recognise own strengths and weaknesses for working in this environment Basic food preparation and cooking skills and exposure to the diversity and enjoyment of food in a multi-cultural society Dietitians work with people in care settings. You will be well prepared for this on the course working in academic and practice settings in the NHS. You need to reflect on what is needed for dietitians to work effectively in a care setting and your own strengths and areas for improvement based on your experiences and learning in this setting so far. Working as a dietitian involves talking about food, eating and body weight on a regular basis and you need to feel comfortable talking about these issues. On the course students develop skills to adapt meals and recipes to meet individual patients therapeutic, cultural and religious needs building on basic food preparation and cooking skills. You need to reflect on your experiences and learning in this area so far. Evidence of overcoming obstacles or challenges in either your personal or professional life Postgraduate study is challenging. This reflects not just the volume or work and independent study but also the academic level at which you will be working as well as the stresses and strains of starting a new course, usually in a different university and city. Learning takes place in academic and practice settings and you may need to live away from home during the week whilst you are completing your placements*. You need to critically reflect on how you have responded to other challenges or obstacles you have faced in either your personal or professional life and the strategies you may use to support your learning on this course. * Please note there is an allocation policy in place to meet the needs of students with priority for local allocation for placements and students in receipt of the means tested component of NHS bursary will be eligible for second accommodation and travel expenses. A note on reflective practice You are asked to critically reflect on your learning. This means not just describing what you did but presenting this as a more critical discussion of what you have learnt as a result of your experiences/opportunities The following prompts based on a reflective model developed by Graham Gibbs, may help you to think more deeply about your experiences. You may use these or another approach that you find useful to help guide your reflection. Describe what happened (but only briefly) Try to analyse what were the strengths and weaknesses of the learning experience? Evaluate the experience. What sense can you make of your learning? What conclusions can be made and what are your next steps to progress your learning/experience? This type of critical reflection usually goes on in your head and at first it may feel a bit strange to write this in a personal statement. The emphasis needs to be on you, your experiences and your learning and your personal statement should be written in the first person to reflect this. Word Count You should complete the personal statement in no more than 1000 words and state the word count. Please note that text over and above 1000 words will not be considered. Feedback Candidates who have been unsuccessful with their application may receive written feedback on how to strengthen their application. If you would like to receive feedback please indicate this on your personal statement.

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Here are some of the questions frequently asked by potential students. If your particular question is not covered here please visit our website or contact the Admissions Team on What if I have a 2:2? You would need to undertake higher qualifications such as a post graduate certificate/ diploma or Master s degree in related subject areas in order to apply. You can usually access Masters level modules via your local university. If you are in a health related role e.g. NHS, then these maybe free. If you have a nutrition degree than areas such as leadership, behaviour change, mentoring etc can be useful. How much biochemistry and physiology do I need to apply? We expect you be competent in the following to academic level 4/5 Essential: Biochemistry (structures and properties and roles of amino-acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, enzymes; effects of temperature, energy change, reaction rates) Biomolecules/cells (structures, membranes, control, communication & functions of molecules, viruses & cells/cell organelles) Human physiology & anatomy (homeostasis and feedback; neural and endocrine systems; muscles and movement; immune system; endocrine system; cardiovascular physiology; CNS; respiratory physiology; renal physiology; gastrointestinal system; hepatic physiology; reproductive system) Genetics and biochemistry ( DNA/RNA, inheritance, gene activity and regulation, mutation) Desirable: Immunology Pharmacology Microbiology Nutrition Research methods and statistics Ageing / disease Health Health promotion How can I top up my degree to obtain the level I need for entry? If you have a degree that is not science based, or lacks specific science areas, then you will need to supplement your current qualification by studying biology, biochemistry and physiology etc. Some examples of study options are given below. You need to consider that you will be in competition with others who hold pure biochemistry and physiology degrees. For those with little science over A level and need a foundation, as a starting point you could consider : Local universities May offer enrolment on single modules in subject areas such as biochemistry and biology. E.g. University of Chester distance learning modules: Anatomy & physiology (level 4) 20 credits Essential biological chemistry (level 4) 20 credits Cell & tissue science level 4) 20 credits Open University- you will need to study 60 credits to level 2 as a minimum (Level 1 at the OU is equivalent to level 4 at University) Open university Exploring science (S104 )- level 1 (60 credits) and Introduction to Health Science level 1 (30credits)

9 You will need to build on these with level 5 study e.g Level 2 (equivalent to level 5 at university) for those with science based degree but limited physiology/biochemistry/biology) Human biology - level 2 (30 credits) Cell biology level 2 (30 credits) Masters or post graduate Cert/ Diplomas This is a good option if you can find one that has a good amount of the foundation subjects such as physiology usually nutrition or public health nutrition are good options. What sort of work experience would help? Most successful candidates have experience in health and/or social care or nutrition/food settings, and some experience in working with vulnerable groups. All will have strong communication and interpersonal skills evidenced by reflection on these experiences. These could include working with learning disabilities, volunteering in hospitals/care homes, meal on wheels, working with children or older adults. Do I need to shadow a Dietitian before applying? Ideally yes, but we understand this can sometimes be difficult, so are able to accept application where the candidate has shown strong evidence of seeking to find out about the role, scope and breadth of dietetic practice and has critically reflected on this and their own skills. We recognise that there are lots of different ways to find out more about the skills and behaviours involved in dietetic practice and encourage you to find out more about this in a way that is accessible to you. Is it advantageous to get Masters before applying? Demonstrating that you are capable of level 7 (masters) work is very useful, but a whole masters is not necessary, some modules at this level would be sufficient. However, we also consider other evidence from other areas: overcoming challenges, working to high standards, to tight deadlines and in a demanding circumstances, and these can come from personal, academic or occupational areas. What is the timetable like? The Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics Course is full-time in year one and year two. This year the first year Semester one timetable is as follows but please note the University automated timetabling works on a best fit basis for student cohorts, staff and room capacity and there are no guarantees that next years timetable will be the same as this one:- Monday- all day (one in every three weeks for afternoons) Tuesday morning Wednesday- all day Thursday - all day (one in every 2 weeks mornings) Friday- mainly self-directed study (although attendance at three practicals during the Semester) Will I be able to commute? We do have students commuting from Manchester and Sheffield regularly on the Course commuting by train on the 4 days they are here. Year two you are mainly on placement. There are two placements (13 weeks starting Sept year 2 and 12 weeks starting Feb/Mar year 2 respectively) this is interspersed by a reflective block in January for 4 weeks and July for 2 weeks. We do have a priority system to ensure the needs of priority students are met. All placements are allocated on a Cluster basis and our placements are located in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire & the Humber and the North East. If you are a postgraduate student at Leeds Metropolitan University you will undertake placements in our Cluster and there is no possibility of you undertaking a placement in another Cluster as these places form part of the placement capacity for other universities. Therefore if you would like to undertake a placement in the North West for example you would be best placed to apply to University of Chester these placements are linked to the Chester Course.

10 Will I be able to work at the same time? Several students do work regularly on Tuesday pm, Fridays, at week-ends and in the holiday period. The emphasis on postgraduate study means that there is considerable work to do to prepare for teaching sessions and to follow up/extend learning after the sessions. Critical reading around topics, key guidelines and standards is fundamental. Most students undertake part-time work in year one and in the summer. Some year 2 students seek career development loans to support them in year two which are available to support PG study. It is tight but possible however you may wish to consider working for a year before coming on the course so you have some resources behind you. Employment prospects remain good and particularly so for graduates from this course. Students on placement will have second accommodation costs and travel expenses although if you receive an NHS Bursary (i.e. the means tested living expenses component in addition to course fees) you may be able to claim back these costs. NHS Bursary's will be able to advise. Hospital accommodation is usually available on placement and at a competitive cost. Students may not be placed locally and working throughout placement is not practical as you will be very focused on practice learning and related activities.