Course Overview
MSc Dietetics (pre-registration) is a two-year postgraduate programme preparing graduates for a career as a professional dietitian. Focusing on the science of nutrition and evidence-based practice, the course combines academic study, clinical skills training and supervised placement to prepare students for roles in healthcare, community, public health and industry settings.
Subject to HCPC approval, graduates may pursue the “Qualified Abroad” registration route in Ireland through CORU. Following registration with CORU, graduates can apply to become members of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (INDI).
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.
Teaching, Learning and Clinical Training
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.
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.
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.
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 Support 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 Accreditation and Registration
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be awarded an MSc Dietetics (Pre-reg.). 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.
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).
This programme is intended for delivery in October 2026 subject to validation.
Modules Include:
- Dietetic Practice Learning
- Foundations of Dietetic Practice
- Nutrition and Food Science
- Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology in Dietetics
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Concepts in Public Health Nutrition for Dietetics
- Research & Knowledge Exchange Project
- Research and Evaluative Methods
- Essentials of Professional Practice
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing through Collaborative Practice
- Leadership and Innovation
Please note these modules are provisional and subject to change.
Roberta Mendes
Roberta Mendes, RD, PhD is the Programme Lead for MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute, bringing 25 years of experience spanning clinical nutrition, public health, research, and higher education.
A CORU-registered dietitian in Ireland and originally from South Brazil, she specialises in maternal health, paediatric nutrition, diabetes, and cardiovascular health.
Industry Experience & Career Outcomes
- 25 years’ experience spanning clinical nutrition, paediatrics, maternal and child health, public health, research, higher education, and private practice
- Worked in hospitals, paediatric services, and community healthcare settings supporting patients across a range of clinical areas
- Held academic and research roles with institutions including University College Dublin, Children’s Health Ireland, and universities in Brazil
- A CORU-registered dietitian in Ireland with specialist expertise in maternal health, paediatric nutrition, diabetes, and cardiovascular health
- Owner of a private nutrition practice supporting women, babies, and families
Roberta’s Pathway in Dietetics
Some people know what they want to do in life from an early age. For Roberta, that passion began with healthcare. Originally from South Brazil, she grew up surrounded by healthcare professionals, including her mother and aunt, and quickly realised she wanted a career that combined science, health, and helping people.
“I came from a healthcare professional family, so it was my life since I was very small,” says Roberta. “My mother is a dentist, and I was always seeing her help people and working closely with clients. Becoming a dietitian felt like a very natural way for me.”
Roberta’s early career combined clinical hospital work with sports nutrition consultations after qualifying in Nutrition and Dietetics. As her interest in research and education developed, she went on to complete both a Master’s and PhD in Physiology, focusing on areas including diabetes and cardiovascular health, before progressing into university teaching and research roles.
Throughout every stage of her career, she continued working directly with patients through clinical practice and consultancy.
“My education gave me the scientific background to work in clinical practice, research, and teaching,” Roberta explains.
“Dietetics is a well-recognised profession with many different career paths. I have been able to work in hospitals, universities, clinical research, and private practice, and I have always found opportunities to continue developing professionally.”
Teaching & Supporting Students
With over 25 years of clinical, research, and teaching experience, Roberta brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the classroom, helping students connect academic theory with real-world dietetic practice.
Her teaching style is practical, discussion-led, and designed to keep students engaged throughout the programme. She encourages learners to develop strong communication, critical thinking, and behavioural change skills – all essential for supporting patients effectively.
“I bring as many examples as possible from my day-to-day clinical practice,” says Roberta. “Real-world experience and patient interaction help students connect the academic content with their future professional roles.”
She adds that one very important area for dietitians today is protecting people from misinformation on social media, with a strong movement within the profession focused on ensuring people have access to trustworthy nutrition advice.
“We aim to provide students with the best scientific evidence and prepare them to become serious dietitians committed to evidence-based dietetics.”
Career Opportunities in Dietetics
Currently, Ireland and the UK have a shortage of healthcare professionals, including dietitians. Roberta notes that there are strong employment opportunities for graduates, and the profession offers a stable and secure career.
Students completing the programme will gain practical experience and placement hours that prepare them to work across different healthcare settings.
Roberta explains: “You can work in hospitals supporting patients with disease treatment, in community settings offering consultations in areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular health, and paediatrics, or within research, public health, education, and private practice.
“There are also opportunities to specialise in areas such as sports nutrition, maternal nutrition and paediatrics, or even run your own clinic and work alongside GPs.”
Professional Impact
While dietetics offers strong career prospects and professional stability, the real reward comes from the impact dietitians can have on people’s health and wellbeing.
“You can completely change someone’s life because many diseases are connected to health and nutrition,” says Roberta.
“A healthy diet can help prevent conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Even during pregnancy, nutrition can have a significant impact on a baby’s future health and development.”
Being a dietitian, she reflects, is very rewarding because sometimes a very small change in the diet can make a huge difference.
“It’s amazing to see that your work and your advice can really help people and improve their health.”
Advice for Students
Roberta’s most valuable advice is: “Bring your passion for dietetics and for people, your social skills, and lots of dedication and organisation to get the best from your Master’s.”
She encourages students to stay curious, continue engaging with scientific evidence, and remember the importance of empathy, communication, and supporting people throughout their health journey.
“Dietetics is not just about food – it’s about people,” Roberta emphasises. “It’s a rewarding profession for those who want to help others improve their health and wellbeing.”
Why Portobello
Portobello Institute passionately believes that there is more than one route into professional careers. Inspired by its innovative approach to creating a new pathway into dietetics within the Irish education landscape, Roberta was keen to support the development and launch of the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme in a modern, flexible learning environment.
She recognises that the institute offers students a highly practical learning experience, supported by a diverse team of experienced lecturers who bring real industry expertise into the classroom.
“The MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) course is very practical. We have many opportunities for learning in practical settings, with registered dietitians from different backgrounds and lots of placement experience for students.”
Explore Dietetics at Portobello
Ready to pursue a future in dietetics? Discover how Programme Lead Roberta Mendes and the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme help you progress into the profession.
Option A: – Autumn ’26 Intake
Semester 1 – 5th October 2026 – 22nd January 2027
Semester 2 – 25th January 2027 – 7th May 2027
Semester 3 – 10th May 2027 – 21st August 2027
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
Option B: – Spring ’27 Intake
Semester 1 – 8th February ’27 – 28th May ’27
Semester 2 – 1st June ’27 – 10th September ’27
Semester 3 – 13th September ’27 – 17th December ’27
These dates are subject to change and offer a broad illustration of the semester calendar. A similar schedule will run for year 2 of the programme.
This MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) utilises a mix of learning environments including online lectures, practical work experience, problem-based learning, common and complex case studies.
You are normally expected to attend all elements of the course and will require a minimum of 80% attendance across all modules.
Formal teaching methods will vary depending on the relevant learning outcomes of specific units, but will include the following activity types: Lectures (Scheduled) Seminars (Scheduled) Tutorials (Scheduled) Project Supervision (Scheduled) Practical Classes and Workshops (Scheduled) Guided Independent Study (Independent).
Work Placement
As part of this MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme you will complete a number of mandatory practice placement modules to put your learning into action and gain confidence while building a network in a variety of settings.
Compulsory placements (1000 hrs/minimum 350 hrs clinical setting) are required. Placements will be sourced from clinical settings, public and community settings, industry, government and research organisations.
Graduates of the MSc Dietetics 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.
Why Dietetics Graduates Are in Demand
There is consistent demand for qualified dietitians due to increasing rates of chronic disease, ageing populations, and a growing focus on preventative healthcare.
Dietitians play a key role in supporting health, managing conditions, and improving quality of life across healthcare systems.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Clinical skills in nutritional assessment and intervention
- Knowledge of medical nutrition therapy across a range of conditions
- Experience working with individuals and diverse population groups
- Understanding of public health nutrition and health promotion
- Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making skills
This prepares you to work as a dietitian across clinical, community, and public health settings.
Career Development and Specialisation
With experience, you may progress into specialist and advanced areas such as:
- Clinical nutrition and complex case management
- Paediatrics and maternal nutrition
- Gastrointestinal, renal, and oncology nutrition
- Sports and performance nutrition
- Eating disorder services
- Public health and population nutrition
Dietetics also offers opportunities in areas such as research, education, leadership, and service development.
Wider Career Opportunities
Graduates may also pursue roles beyond traditional clinical practice, including:
- Nutrition policy and advocacy
- Food industry and product development
- Corporate wellbeing and workplace health
- Media, education, and nutrition communication
- Digital health and telehealth
- NGO and global health roles
International Opportunities
Dietetics is a regulated and internationally recognised profession, offering opportunities to work in countries such as Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
This provides strong career mobility across global healthcare systems.
Industry Partners
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1Applications for the 2026 October start are open from April 22nd - May 8th. Interviews will take place in May and June.
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2Complete the online application form.
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3An interview will be conducted via MS Teams to verify suitability for this programme.
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4Confirmation of the interview outcome will be given within 7 – 10 working days. To confirm acceptance of offer, successful applicants will be required to formally accept their offer and pay the required deposit – there will be a 14 day time allowance to complete this part of the process.
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5Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received. We are unable to hold places open for applicants unable to complete the final stage of the process.
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Course: €16,896
*Please note that additional costs will apply to students who undertake this course including but not limited to costs associated with equipment, placement, clothing requirements and health checks. More information is available from the course advisor upon request.
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€5,706.03), followed by 4 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.
- €2,896.24 due in month 1
- €2,896.24 due in month 2
- €2,896.24 due in month 3
- €2,896.24 due in month 4
Option 2
40% deposit payment (€6,758.40) due on application of your course. Final balance (€10,137.60) due before the course start date.
Option 3
30% deposit payment (€5,307.30), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €795.
- €1,238.37 due in month 1
- €1,238.37 due in month 2
- €1,238.37 due in month 3
- €1,238.37 due in month 4
- €1,238.37 due in month 5
- €1,238.37 due in month 6
- €1,238.37 due in month 7
- €1,238.37 due in month 8
- €1,238.37 due in month 9
- €1,238.37 due in month 10
