Welcome to the UBC Dietetics Program
The Dietetics Program at UBC has two options – the undergraduate Dietetics Major (BSFN) and the graduate Master of Nutrition and Dietetics (MND). Both are professional programs designed to meet national accreditation standards for entry to practice in the dietetics profession. Dietitians work in a variety of roles, including those in nutrition care, management, population and public health, and much more.
Program Vision, Mission, and Values
| Vision | Mission | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Inspiring learners to advance dietetic practice and food systems. |
To prepare learners for varied entry-to- practice roles in dietetics. |
Community-focused Collaboration Inclusion Integrity Justice |
Program Objectives
Upon program completion, students will be able to:
- Assess food and nutrition needs of individuals, communities, and populations as part of inter-professional teams
- Use an equity lens to promote and advocate for the health needs of individuals, communities, and populations
- Provide culturally-safe dietetic service to people from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples
- Lead, organize, monitor, and evaluate food provision services to support the health of groups and organizations
- Communicate nutrition information to a variety of audiences using effective communication skills
- Contribute to dietetic practice using evidence and practice-based research skills (BSFN); Lead dietetic practice using evidence and practice-based research skills (MND)
Dietetics Program Streams Comparison
| MND (Graduate) | BSFN (Undergraduate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Program (once admitted) | 28 months | 32 months |
| Admission #s Per Year | 12 students (2022 entry) | 34-36 students |
| Type of Professional Program | Fully integrated entry-to-practice; “registered” for accreditation with EQual | Accredited, fully integrated entry-to-practice |
| Prerequisites | Undergraduate degree + prerequisite courses | 54 credits + prerequisite courses |
| Admissions Requirements | Minimum GPA, supplementary package & interview | Minimum GPA, supplementary package & interview |
| Curriculum difference | Lead applied research capstone project
Unique courses: Indigenous Health and Dietetics; Leadership in Dietetic and Health |
Contribute to practice-based research
Land and Food Systems Core Series 9 credits Restricted Electives |
| Practice Education Placements | Year 1 (12 weeks) Year 2+ (25 weeks*) |
Year 3 (6 weeks) Year 4 (6 weeks) Year 5 (25 weeks) |
| Tuition** (CAD) | Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies – MND Program | Academic Calendar – Fees |
*There will be additional practice education hours during the Capstone research project in Year 2.
** Other program-related fees and relocation costs can be expected.
The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health (BSFN), Dietetics Major
The Dietetics Major comprises five total years of study for all admitted students:
- Two prerequisite years
- Three program years (Including over 1300 hours of the practice education courses based in BC)
The program is intended for individuals who wish to become a registered dietitian. The curriculum includes general biological and social science courses and specialized dietetics courses, such as basic and applied human nutrition, food and food systems management, and professional dietetic practice.
In contrast to other nutrition-related majors offered by the faculty, the Dietetics Major has specific applicant selection procedures geared to the needs of the dietetics profession and includes courses and practicum placements to assist students to develop skills for professional dietetic practice.
Years 1 & 2 involve pre-program foundational courses, including biology, chemistry, and general nutrition. This coursework may be completed at UBC or at other universities or colleges.
See the Undergraduate Admission Requirements for a more comprehensive list of the prerequisite course requirements and where they can be completed.
Years 3 & 4 involve a range of courses that provide foundational knowledge to prepare students for nutrition care, population and public health, and management roles in dietetics. This coursework must be completed at UBC.
Years 3, 4 & 5 include practice education placements in a variety of practice areas and settings across British Columbia.
Practice education includes multiple 6-week placements focusing on various domains of dietetics practice in a variety of practice settings: 6 weeks (Year 3), 6 weeks (Year 4), and 24 weeks (Year 5).
After completing an accredited dietetics program, graduates are eligible to to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) in order to use the protected title of Registered Dietitian or Dietitian in BC.
Note: Students will complete the Dietetics Major following the UBC Calendar for the year in which they were admitted.
- Students in the graduating class of 2024 (admitted into the program in September 2021): Students will participate in their Year 3 practice education course starting in Summer Term 2022 (May 2022).
- Students in the graduating class of 2023 (admitted into the program in September 2020): Students will have all of their practice education course placements in Year 5 only, starting in Winter Term 2022 (September 2022).
The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics (MND)
The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics (MND) graduate degree comprises of 28-months of full time study, including academic coursework and over 1400 hours of practice education across BC. This entry-to-practice graduate program is designed for individuals who wish to become a registered dietitian, and who have previously completed an undergraduate degree. Students are required to have an undergraduate degree and meet other admissions requirements to be eligible for this program.
See the UBC Calendar page and MND Admissions page for more information on pre-requisites for admission into the MND program.
Years 1 & 2 involve a range of courses that provide foundational knowledge to prepare students for nutrition care, population and public health, and management roles in dietetics. This coursework must be completed at UBC.
Years 1 & 2+ include practice education placements in a variety of practice areas and settings across British Columbia.
Practice education includes multiple placements focusing on various domains of dietetics practice in a variety of practice settings: a total of 12 weeks (Year 1) and 25 weeks (Year 2+).
The MND program is currently “Registered” for accreditation with Accreditation Canada/EQual, and listed on their website as so. Once the program is accredited, it will be listed on the CDBC list of accepted programs, and graduates will be eligible to register to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) in order to use the protected title of Registered Dietitian or dietitian in BC.
Practice Education (BSFN and MND)
Practice education placements are full-time experiences in varied practice settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community organizations. Under the supervision of preceptors, students apply their academic knowledge and develop confidence and proficiency in performing professional duties and responsibilities. While the dates vary between the BSFN and the MND, the roles and responsibilities of program partners, all students, and preceptors are the same; these expectations can be found in our Program Policies. The UBC dietetic practice education has been designed to prepare students to achieve the entry to practice requirements of the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice.
No two students will have an identical practice education schedule, but all experiences are designed so that each student will meet national standards for dietetic education and practice. Although student placement site preferences are considered, they cannot be guaranteed. As a result, all students can expect to relocate for practice education placements at least once during their program experience. Note: Students can expect there will be additional costs associated with relocation for practice education. See the Resources and Support page for more information