What is Dietetics?
Dietetics is the science of applying the principles of nutrition to the diet. It therefore includes the nutritional planning and preparation of food in the prevention and treatment of disease for both individuals and groups of people at a public health level. This includes the promotion, maintenance and improvement of health, and the control of nutrition-related diseases.


What is a dietitian? 
Dietitians are qualified health professional registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) with training in all aspects and fields of nutrition. They are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition-related problems. Dietitians use the most up-to-date evidence on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidelines to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. 

Our graduates understand that nutrition is the single most important factor in determining a person's health, and they are equipped to translate and use scientific nutrition information in the development of dietary and lifestyle interventions to improve the nutrition of individuals and groups according to needs dictated by age, preference, culture, available finances and facilities.

What do Dietitians do?
Dietitians work in various areas including clinical dietitians, community dietitians, food service management dietitians, consulting dietitians and private practicing dietitians, while a number also work in research and management.

What career opportunities are available to Dietitians?
Due to the various areas dietitians work in, they find employment in private and public health facilities, conduct research and education, work in sports nutrition, the food and food service industry, pharmaceutical companies, local health authorities, as well as national and provincial health services.

The BSc Dietetics and Human Nutrition curriculum consists of the following subjects: