MSc Dietetics (pre-registration)

Course Handbook

2020/2021 Content Slide Number Welcome 3 Attendance expectations 4 Course aims 5 What should I be able to do by the end of my course? 6 What will I learn in 1st and 2nd semesters of the course? 8 What will I learn in 3rd and 4th semesters of this course? 9 What will I learn in final semester of the course? 10 Who do I contact if I need support? 11 How will I learn? 12 How will I be assessed? 14 What happens if I do not pass a module at first attempt? 15 Assessment regulations 16 Assessment schedule 17 How do I feedback my views on the course? 18 Key dates 19

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx Welcome to your course

On behalf of the course team, we would like to welcome you to the MSc This Course Handbook should be reviewed in conjunction with the University dietetics (pre-registration) course at University. The awarding of this Student Handbook course will provide eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Full membership of the British Dietetic For international learners additional information may be found here. Association (BDA) will also be available on successful completion. You’ll find that we are keen to help you to make the most of your time here. The MSc dietetics (pre-registration) course at Teesside University will enable This Handbook is intended to give you an overall idea of what to expect from you to undertake a journey of personal and professional development in a your course, especially in your first year. supportive, learner-centred environment. Your pre-registration experience is a transitional phase through which you will develop to become an independent Any questions, please just ask one of your tutors. practitioner who can work autonomously and take professional responsibility for your own standards of practice.

The course is delivered over five university semesters, three taught semesters in the university and two semesters of practice-based learning Ruth Boocock Professor Amelia Lake within the North East of England. University-based modules will be delivered Course Leader (Dietetics) Module Leader at campus. Room H1.47 Room M9.07 Tel 01642 738753 Tel 01642 342485 This Course Handbook is designed to give you specific information relevant to [email protected] [email protected] the course. Dr Naomi Burn Steven Barr You will also receive Module specific Guides for each module and a Practice Module Leader Module Leader Placement Handbook. Room H2.21 Room H1.47 Tel 01642 384134 Tel 01642 384296

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Jan2021\Course Handbook.pptx Attendance expectations You are expected to attend all taught sessions and practice based learning in order to ensure that you develop the knowledge and skills required to be Fit for Practice. Registers will be taken in all sessions and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have signed the register. If you are unable to attend for whatever reason, then you must advise the Student Records Office on 01642 384100 or email [email protected] by 10.00am. If you are on placement, you must also advise your Practice Educator. You must also inform the Student Records Office of your return to study or placement. If you are absent for more than five days (including a weekend) due to illness, you are required to submit a self-certification of sickness. If you are absent for more than seven days you will need to produce a Doctor’s Certificate. You should be aware that attendance is closely monitored and data is used in references for future employers. Frequent unauthorised absence may lead to Fitness to Study or Fitness-to-Practise proceedings. For further details on attendance and absence please refer to your course blackboard site.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx This Course aims to:

Provide opportunities for you to develop the attributes, knowledge and skills required to be an autonomous, reflective, person-centred and compassionate dietetics practitioner, able to challenge conventional thinking and initiate change.

Facilitate the development of your ability to be able to undertake a comprehensive assessment of individual and group dietary and nutritional needs, which meet their physical, psychological, social and cultural health and wellbeing.

Create learning experiences through which you will become safe, competent and confident in the delivery of dietetic interventions, which promote health, prevent and treat disease.

Foster a culture of active engagement in continuous professional development in the context of ongoing self and professional regulation.

Enable you to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of research, leadership, service improvement and audit to support the continued development of the dietetic profession.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx What should I be able to do by the end of my course?

In terms of your Personal and Transferable In terms of your Research, Knowledge and Skills Development, you should be able to: Cognitive Skills, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate motivation, self-direction and the skills • Demonstrate a critical and integrated knowledge and requisite for career and lifelong learning within a understanding of nutrition, food sciences and food professional dietetic care context. systems management and apply these to dietetic practice. The intended Learning Outcomes of the MSc • Engage confidently in professional and academic debate • Demonstrate a critical and integrated knowledge and Dietetics (Pre-registration) course are listed here. within the health and social care context. understanding of the biomedical sciences underpinning • Reflect critically on your own practice and academic contemporary dietetic practice. These have been mapped to the HCPC Standards performance in order to enhance own learning. • Evaluate the impact of disease processes on the of Proficiency for Dietitians and BDA Curriculum • Collect, record and evaluate evidence and information individual and groups and the effects of clinical medicine from a wide range of sources and apply these to different and pharmacology as applied to dietetic practice for the Framework. settings. treatment of disease. • Demonstrate effective team working and reflect critically • Reflect critically on the role of dietetics for the promotion on own strengths and weaknesses as a team member. of health considering the principles underpinning • Demonstrate competency in ICT and numeracy behaviour change. necessary to underpin effective learning and competent • Reflect critically on your role as a dietitian within the dietetic practice. multidisciplinary team with due consideration of scope of • Communicate research findings to specialist and non- practice. specialist audiences through the use of visual and oral • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of media. contemporary health and social care structure and policy and analyse critically their relationships to dietetic practice. • Discriminate, synthesise and integrate relevant concepts from a wide knowledge base to address the needs of the individual and groups in the promotion of their health and wellbeing. • Demonstrate competence in the interpretation and application of primary and secondary research data. • Evaluate the theories, concepts and principles underpinning leadership, mentorship and coaching and apply these to contemporary dietetic practice.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx What should I be able to do by the end of my course?

The intended learning outcomes of the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) course In terms of your Professional Skills you should be able to: are listed here. These have been mapped against the HCPC’s Standards of Proficiency for Dietitians. • Practise autonomously, effectively and safely within the legal and ethical boundaries of the dietetic profession with due regard for own personal conduct and limitations. • Communicate sensitively and work effectively within and across professional boundaries of health and social care, including the appropriate use of referral and delegation. • Adopt a compassionate and holistic approach to the assessment, management, and education of individuals that is culturally sensitive and considers and respects their rights and individual needs. • Evaluate critically information from a wide of variety of sources to identify nutritional needs and develop a diagnosis. • Prioritise problems, set realistic goals and develop interventions to meet individual health care needs in the context of a person-centred and evidence-based approach to their dietetic practice. • Undertake suitable dietetic diagnostic or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy, interventions or other actions safely and effectively. • Evaluate nutrition and dietetic interventions using a variety of appropriate tools, techniques and outcome measures. • Demonstrate and promote inclusive practice through person-centred, inter-professional and inter-agency partnerships. What will I learn in 1st and 2nd semesters?

In the first two semesters of the course you will study three academic taught modules at Level 7 and one practice placement at Level 5.

On successful completion of these modules you’ll have gained 60 Level 7 credits and 30 Level 5 practice placement credits:

Dietetic Management Clinical Correlations of Food and Nutrition 20 credits at Level 7 20 credits at Level 7 Within this module you will develop the underpinning knowledge and This module aims to further develop your knowledge of food and skills to be able to assess and safely apply effective dietetic nutrition and how this applies to your dietetic practice. interventions. Here you will explore the relationship between the food, biomedical You will also evaluate effectiveness of the dietary management sciences and dietetic practice. strategies for individuals across a range of conditions affecting the major body systems.

The Practising Dietitian Dietetics Practice Placement 1 20 credits at Level 7 30 credits at Level 5 Within this module you will explore the role and scope of the dietitian You will undertake 13 weeks of practice-based learning in your 2nd within the multidisciplinary team. You will develop your semester within the North East of England region. You will be understanding and awareness of the principles underpinning closely supervised by a Lead Practice Educator and assessed by a professional behaviour in practice, and critically reflect on your own Registered Dietitian. A uniform is provided. personal and professional attitudes, values and beliefs, and how they might impact upon the dietetic / patient relationship. Within this placement you will apply and develop dietetic knowledge, skills, values and behaviours. Practice-based learning sites reflect Within this module you will undertake 75 hours of practice the breadth and diversity of the working environments of entry level experience. dietitians including NHS, public health, research and third sector.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx What will I learn in 3rd and 4th semesters?

You will study a further three academic taught modules at master’s level and undertake another 13 weeks of practice placement. You will build upon your knowledge and skills with a focus on the management of individuals and groups with complex needs. You will also undertake a research, innovation and development module which will prepare you for your Major Project in the 5th Semester of the course. On successful completion of these modules you will have gained another 60 Level 7 credits and 30 placement credits at Level 6:

Advanced Dietetic Management Research, Development and Innovation for Dietetic Practice 20 Credits at Level 7 20 credits at Level 7 This module has been designed to enable you to develop a Within this practical research methods module learners will develop systematic and detailed knowledge and understanding of integrated a critical understanding of the evidence used within dietetics, with dietetic management to promote the health and wellbeing of people particular focus on evidence-based practice. with long-term or life-limiting conditions. An understanding of primary and secondary research methodologies This will include children, older people, people with a learning is offered to assist in the development of a research proposal which disability or mental health problem, and people requiring end-of-life you will take forward to your Major Project in the final semester. care. Promoting Health in Dietetic Practice Dietetics Practice Placement 2 20 credits at Level 7 30 credits at Level 6 The module has been designed to explore a range of concepts and You will undertake a further 13 weeks of practice-based learning in issues relating to public health and the promotion of health for your 4th semester within the North East of England region. Practice- individuals and groups. based learning sites reflect the breadth and diversity of the working environments of entry level dietitians including NHS, public health, You will explore the principles underpinning behavioural change and research and third sector. how this applies to dietetic practice. You will also design a digital resource aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of a chosen Within this placement you will demonstrate greater autonomy in population. relation to your practice and learning, with due consideration of your dietetic scope of practice and own limitations.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx What will I learn in the final semester?

In the final semester of the course you will undertake the Major Project; a substantive piece of independent research. This encompasses the final 60 credits of this master’s level course.

On successful completion of this semester you will have gained another 60 master’s level credits.

Major Project 60 credits at Level 7 You will undertake a substantive piece of research developed from the research, development and innovation module in your 5th Semester.

This will primarily be an independent piece of research in a dietetics or related area with guidance from academics and researchers from the School of Health & Social Care.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx Who do I contact if I need support?

Academic support If you are experiencing difficulty coping with the material in any module, please explain the problem to the Module Leader. It is primarily the module team’s responsibility to deal with these difficulties. If you cannot resolve the problem in this way, then you should contact your Personal Tutor or the Course Leader.

Course Leader Personal Tutor Student Support Officer

The Course Leader has At the start of the course you will be allocated a There is a designated Student Support Officer overarching responsibility Personal Tutor who will give individual support and within the School of Health & Life Sciences who for the running of the monitor your progress during the course. can support you if you are having problems which course. If you are having are impacting upon your studies. any difficulties which are Together you will review the evidence in your e- impacting upon your Portfolio and formulate action plans to facilitate studies then you would be achievement of learning outcomes. advised to discuss these with the Course Leader who can discuss the support mechanisms in place. The Course Leader also would welcome any feedback in relation to the course.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx How will I learn?

Project-based Learning Seminars Individual Tutorials Individual tutorials take place Projects form the basis of your learning and Seminars enable structured discussion and with one learner discussing their work or their provide a wide range of experience in various analysis to take place between groups of learners general progress and pastoral situation with one areas of the discipline. This is the basic form of and a tutor. member of staff. staff/learner contact and the projects vary in Seminars are interactive and they facilitate the free length and focus, depending on the material exchange of ideas through which you learn the being covered. Staff will monitor, encourage, process of argument and reason. At times you may advise and guide you through your work and be asked to present a short, researched talk on a there are many opportunities for peer particular subject, after which the group will discuss discussion. the matters raised

Lectures and Briefings Skills Workshops Group Tutorials Group tutorials consist of small Lectures and briefings are used to impart You’ll be introduced to essential techniques and groups of learners and a tutor discussing knowledge to larger groups. These tend to be processes during workshops that include individual learner’s project work or team efforts. tutor-led and aim to inform, inspire and engage. demonstrations and the opportunity to practice new These are interactive, and are intended to promote But don’t expect just to sit and listen! These types skills in the context of project briefs. the exchange of ideas, brainstorming, analytical of learning are not passive and include note- skills and feedback on project work. Group taking, question and answers and/or small group tutorials normally occur at regular intervals during debate. They are usually illustrated by a wide the course of a project. range of media.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx How will I learn?

Presentations Inter-professional Learning (IPL) Individual Tutorials The confidence and skills required to give effective At key points within your course you will undertake Individual tutorials take place with one learner presentations are acquired over the duration of formalised inter-professional learning with discussing their work or their general progress and your course. These skills are useful in many walks colleagues from disciplines such as Occupational pastoral situation with one member of staff. of life and contribute greatly to the usefulness of Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography, Physiotherapy, your degree in many areas of employment. Nursing and Medicine. You will also encounter these professional groups during practice placement.

Independent learning Portfolio Reviews Personal and Professional Development This is a very important part of your master’s level At key points throughout your course your e- Planning (PDP) work. Your success will depend on your ability to Portfolio will be used as a framework for One of the great strengths of your course is the develop the skills that will enable you to learn discussion with your Personal Tutor. They will way that it enables you to make sense of your independently, using your own initiative and provide advice and guidance on your personal learning through personal and professional resourcefulness to achieve your goals. and professional development and provide development planning. Personal and professional formative feedback on the evidence within your development planning sessions are embedded at portfolio. every level of learning. Your e-Portfolio allows you to upload a wide variety of evidence towards this, in a range of formats including multimedia files. University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), accessed through the internet: https://eat.tees.ac.uk

You will be introduced to the VLE early in your first academic year. It will be used during your course in various ways; for example keeping you in touch with course and module information, pre-session learning, useful links, online assessment. Copies of module handbooks may be accessed there.

To gain the most from this course, it is essential that you actively engage with the VLE environment. You will be expected check for postings on a daily basis.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx How will I be assessed?

We have a variety of different formative and Written Assignments Clinical Assessments summative assessments within the course aiming to We have a variety of different types of written In the 1st Semester module Dietetic Management appeal to different learners’ strengths and to foster assignment within the course including a critical you will undertake a simulated clinical assessment. the development of key transferable skills. reflective assignment in your 1st semester based on This will assess your process of dietetic assessment your experiences of practice-based learning; and and skills of clinical reasoning. Summative assessments are marked and the research proposal in your 3rd semester which you mark counts towards the final module mark. will take forward to the development of your Major You will also receive ongoing feedback on the Project and subsequent research paper. development of your dietetic skills throughout both of Formative assessment is used to aid your learning. the dietetic management modules. This is where you are set an assignment, task or Posters and Viva Defence presentation that receives feedback but does not In the Promoting Health in Dietetic Practice module Assessment of Practice Placement count towards the final module mark. in your 3rd Semester you will develop a digital You will have a summative assessment by your resource for a particular group of service users. Practice Educator at the end of each 13 week You will then justify the development of your practice-based learning. They will be assessing your resource based on the underpinning evidence. communication and interpersonal skills, ability to assess and develop appropriate problem lists and In the Major Project module you will design an deliver effective and safe interventions to a variety of academic poster to present your research. You will service users across the lifespan. then defend your research during a viva examination. You will also receive formative written feedback mid- way through your practice-based learning on your It is hoped that the development of your poster will performance and how this could be further assist you in the dissemination of your research to enhanced. external audiences.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx What happens if I do not pass a module at first attempt?

Hopefully you will succeed in your module assessments at the first attempt. However, if you are unsuccessful you may be offered another attempt at an Assessment Board. The individual details will be in your Module Guides.

If you refer a practice placement you can be offered a further four weeks of placement-based learning in order to address any of the criteria that you have not achieved.

If you refer Dietetic Practice Placement 1 your reassessment would normally be in place of the first four weeks of Dietetic Practice Placement 2 (at your Practice Placement 1 venue). Practice placement 2 would normally be deferred until successful completion at re-assessment.

If you refer Dietetic Practice Placement 2 your reassessment will normally be at the end of the Major Project Module in your final semester (at your Practice Placement 2 venue).

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx Assessment regulations

Regulations External Examining The course is covered by University standard regulations for undergraduate Learners often ask questions about how we know that their degree is broadly and postgraduate study with MSc Dietetics (pre-registration) variances. of the same standard as degrees awarded for similar courses by other universities. In the UK we have a system called External Examining which is All modules are non-compensatable which means that you must achieve a one of several ways that we confirm that standards are met. An External minimum overall module mark of 50%. Course variance does not permit re- Examiner is generally an experienced lecturer from another University / study of practice-based learning modules. Higher Education Institution, who offers an independent view as to whether the work of learners on the course is of the correct standard. The External To be awarded the MSc Dietetics (pre-registration) with eligibility to Examiner does this by looking at a sample of work (e.g. assignments, exam apply for HCPC and BDA registration, you must have achieved: answers, dissertations), discussing the work with your lecturers and normally • 180 credits at Level 7 attending the assessment boards to endorse results. They then produce an • 60 practice placement credits at Levels 5 / 6 annual report which highlights any good practice they have seen and allows • A minimum of 1,000 hours of practice-based learning. them to report any concerns they may have. They also confirm in their Report that academic standards and achievement are comparable with the UK This is the only award which will provide eligibility to apply for HCPC Higher Education sector. The External Examiners’ reports are made available and BDA registration. to learners via the ‘courses’ tab in e-vision and are also considered annually at relevant Course Boards. All other awards will include the title ‘…in health & social care.’ The main External Examiner for your course is Carla Phillips and she works at If you are struggling with meeting an assessment deadline, please talk to your . Sometimes, your modules may have a different External Personal Tutor, Module Leader or Course Leader who will discuss the Examiner and your Module Leader can provide details on request. possibility of an extension with you or advise you to apply for mitigating circumstances. Further details are available in the School Student Guide. Please note that learners are not permitted to contact External Examiners directly and External Examiners will not respond to any communication from individual learners. If you have any concerns about your course, please speak to your Course Leader.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx Assessment schedule

Semester Module Module Name Formative Assessment Summative Assessment Date of Re-assessment Strategy Submission / Examination 1 DTC4000-N The Practising Dietitian 1,000-word written 4,000-word reflective account Formative: Week 5 Reflective account undertaken assignment Summative: Week for second time 13 1 DTC4001-N Dietetic Management - 45-minute unseen, fictional case study-based Week 14 Same type of assessment with clinical assessment different unseen case 1 SCI4000-N Clinical Correlations of - 3,000-word written assignment Week 13 Re-development with Food & Nutrition amendments based on feedback 3 DTC4002-N Research, - 4,000-word primary or secondary research Week 14 Same proposal amended based Development and proposal on feedback Innovation for Dietetic Practice 3 DTC4003-N Advanced Dietetic - Academic poster [20% of marks] Week 13 Same type of assessment but Management 20-minute oral defence of the learner's Week 14 different complex group findings [80% of marks] explored in academic poster 3 SCI4001-N Promoting Health in Digital resource designed with 20-minute oral Week 14 Redevelopment of the digital Dietetic Practice defence resource and defence with amendments based on feedback 5 DTC4004-N Major Project for Pre- 6,000-word article in style of journal paper Week 14 Re-assessment on any Registration Dietitians [60% of marks] individual component that is 30-minute oral defence, presented with referred academic poster [40% of marks] How do I feedback my views on this course?

The School Student Guide gives information about how we seek and value your feedback about your course.

The Course Leader will arrange termly staff / learner meetings to discuss your experiences of the course.

In addition there will be learner representatives who will be invited to attend our twice yearly Student Voice Forums which includes representatives from the course team and practice.

Individual learners are encouraged to feedback their ongoing experiences of the course and how this could be enhanced.

You will also be invited to complete individual module evaluations. We do actively seek your feedback and ways in which modules and the course can develop for the benefit of current and future cohorts.

S:\PARA-PHYSIO-ODP-Dental\Dietetics\Updated Course Documents\Dec 2019\Course Handbook.pptx Key dates Dates (inclusive)

Semester 1 (including induction week and module assessment weeks) 18/01/2021 – 21/05/2021

Semester 2 (including pre-placement week and 13 week placement 1) 24/05/2021 – 27/08/2021

Semester 3 (including module assessment weeks) 27/09/2021 – 21/01/2022 (provisional university yet to publish)

Semester 4 (including pre-placement week and 13 week placement 2) 24/01/2022 – 29/04/2022 (provisional university yet to publish)

Semester 5 (including module assessment weeks) 23/05/2022 – 26/08/2022 (provisional university yet to publish)

Holiday weeks Academic Year 2020 / 2021 Spring break 29/03/2021 – 18/04/2021

Summer break 30/08/2021 – 26/09/2021

Academic Year 2021 / 2022 Winter break 20/12/2021 – 09/01/2022

Spring break 02/05/2022 – 22/05/2022 Disclaimer

The information contained in this handbook is, as far as possible, accurate and up to date at the time of printing.

The express permission of Teesside University must be obtained to reproduce any, or all of this publication, other than for personal use or for those purposes permitted by law

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