Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics equips you with a deep understanding of food science, biochemistry, and the relationship between diet and human health. You explore how nutrients affect the body across the lifespan, from infancy through to older adulthood, and learn to apply evidence-based practice in clinical and community settings. A significant portion of your degree involves supervised clinical placements in HSE hospitals and community health centres, where you assess patients, plan therapeutic diets, and work alongside doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Lectures and laboratory sessions are balanced with case-study work and practical skills training in dietary assessment and counselling. Some programmes offer opportunities for Erasmus exchanges with European partner universities in nutrition and health sciences.

Entry is through the CAO and is competitive, with points typically falling in the high range due to strong demand and limited places. You generally need a Leaving Certificate with at least six subjects, including Higher Level Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, with English and Irish meeting minimum grade thresholds. Higher Level Biology and Chemistry are particularly important, as the programme is strongly science-based. If you do not meet the points through the Leaving Certificate, a relevant QQI Level 5 or 6 FET/PLC award in Science or Health Science can provide a progression route, subject to meeting specific module requirements set by each institution. Mature applicants over 23 may apply through the mature student pathway and are assessed on relevant experience and aptitude. HEAR and DARE access schemes are available at both TU Dublin and University College Cork for eligible applicants.

Demand for registered dietitians in Ireland is strong and consistent, driven by rising rates of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which require specialist dietary management. HSE recruitment has been expanding dietetic posts across primary care and hospital services in recent years. Graduates who register with CORU are in a position to work in Ireland, the UK, and across EU member states, giving strong international mobility. Starting salaries in HSE Grade II Dietitian posts are in the region of €35,000–€42,000 gross per annum, with senior and specialist grades earning considerably more.