Food, Nutrition, and Health — Dietetics

The Food, Nutrition, and Health — Dietetics program at the University of British Columbia is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in dietetics and nutrition. This program provides students with a solid foundation in biological sciences, food sciences, human nutrition, and health promotion, enabling them to understand the complex relationships between diet, health, and disease. Through a blend of theoretical coursework and practical clinical experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to assess nutritional needs, develop effective dietary plans, and promote healthy eating habits within diverse populations. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in nutrition and health promotion. Students have opportunities to engage in research projects, community outreach, and internships that enhance their understanding of contemporary issues such as chronic disease prevention, dietary interventions, and public health nutrition. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers as registered dietitians, nutrition consultants, public health educators, and researchers, or to continue their education through graduate studies. The program adheres to the standards set by accreditation bodies, ensuring that graduates meet professional requirements and are prepared to work in clinical, community, or industry settings. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty members who are leaders in their fields, students at UBC benefit from a supportive learning environment that encourages innovation, inquiry, and leadership in nutrition and health sciences. The program also emphasizes cultural competency and inclusivity, preparing students to serve diverse populations with respect and sensitivity. Upon completing the degree, students are eligible to undertake the registration process with the Dietitians of Canada, opening pathways to dynamic careers dedicated to improving health through optimal nutrition.

The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health — Dietetics at The University of British Columbia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in dietetics, healthcare, and community nutrition. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the science of nutrition, human physiology, and the cultural and societal aspects of food and health. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and improve the quality of life through proper nutrition interventions.

Throughout the program, students explore core topics such as biochemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and food science, forming a strong scientific foundation. They also study human nutrition across the lifespan, medical nutrition therapy, community and public health nutrition, and food service management. An essential component of the program includes practical, hands-on experiences, such as internships and practicum placements, which enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and food service operations.

The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to develop competencies in communication, counseling, and teamwork skills necessary for effective collaboration with healthcare professionals and diverse populations. Students are also trained in current dietary guidelines, nutritional assessment techniques, and evidence-based practice, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare and food industries.

As part of their training, students gain insight into contemporary issues such as sustainability, food security, and the impact of cultural diversity on dietary habits. The program also emphasizes ethical practices and professionalism, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

Graduates of the program are eligible to pursue certifications and registrations required to become registered dietitians, and many go on to work in hospitals, clinical settings, community health organizations, research institutions, or the food industry. The program reflects UBC’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and innovative professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes through optimal nutrition. With a strong foundation in scientific principles and practical expertise, students graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to individual and public health.

The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health — Dietetics at The University of British Columbia (UBC) is designed to prepare students for careers in dietetics, a health profession focusing on the integration of food, nutrition, and health sciences. The program requires completion of prerequisite courses including biology, chemistry, and foundational nutrition sciences to build a solid background for advanced study. Students must undertake coursework in human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and statistics to develop a comprehensive understanding of the biological and scientific principles underpinning nutrition and health.

In addition to core academic requirements, students are expected to complete specialized courses in nutrition assessment, community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, food safety, and dietetics practice. Practical training is an essential component, often involving supervised practicum placements, internships, and fieldwork designed to provide real-world experience in clinical, community, and foodservice settings. These placements aim to develop competencies in client assessment, dietary planning, counseling, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The program emphasizes the integration of research evidence into practice and encourages students to develop strong communication, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills essential for effective dietetic professionals. A capstone project or thesis may be required to demonstrate comprehensive understanding and application of dietetic principles.

To meet accreditation standards, students must achieve designated academic milestones and demonstrate proficiency in areas including nutritional counseling, public health advocacy, and dietary management. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as sports nutrition, adolescent health, and sustainable food systems. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates to apply for registration as a dietitian with the British Columbia College of Dietitians, which is necessary for professional practice in Canada.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay current with emerging trends and research in nutrition and health. Programs often promote engagement in community outreach programs and research initiatives to foster a well-rounded, socially responsible nutrition professional. Overall, the UBC Food, Nutrition, and Health — Dietetics program aims to equip students with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies needed to promote health and well-being through evidence-based nutritional interventions.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health — Dietetics program at The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. International and domestic students can access a range of financial aid opportunities, including merit-based scholarships, entrance awards, and need-based bursaries. UBC’s Scholarships and Financial Aid Office provides comprehensive information on available awards, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. Many scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement, encouraging a diverse and talented student body. The University also offers entrance scholarships that automatically consider applicants upon admission, as well as ongoing awards for continuing students based on academic performance.

In addition to university-specific awards, students may explore government grants and loans available at the provincial and federal levels. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the British Columbia Student Assistance Program (BC Access Grant and Canada Student Grant) provides financial support to reduce the cost of post-secondary education. International students can also access certain scholarships and are encouraged to seek external scholarship opportunities from organizations, foundations, and industry partners.

Many students finance their education through part-time work during their studies. UBC’s career services and work-study programs help students find on-campus employment opportunities that align with their schedules. Additionally, students are advised to plan their finances in advance, considering tuition fees, mandatory health insurance, textbooks, and living expenses.

UBC’s Financial Planning and Student Aid services offer workshops and personalized counseling to assist students in creating budgets and exploring funding options. For students facing financial hardship, emergency bursaries and hardship funds are available to provide temporary financial relief. Graduate students enrolled in the program may also be eligible for research assistantships, which provide stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for research responsibilities. Overall, UBC is committed to ensuring students have access to financial support mechanisms to help them successfully complete their Dietetics program.

The Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health with a specialization in Dietetics at The University of British Columbia offers students a comprehensive education in the science of food and nutrition, emphasizing its application to health and disease prevention. This program prepares students to pursue careers in dietetics, clinical nutrition, community health, food service management, and related fields. The curriculum includes foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physiology, and microbiology, providing a strong scientific background essential for understanding the role of nutrition in human health. Students also engage in specialized coursework covering dietary assessment, nutrition counseling, public health nutrition, food service operations, and medical nutrition therapy.

Practical experience is a key component of the program, with supervised placement opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings such as hospitals, community health agencies, and food service establishments. The program is accredited by the Canadian Dietetic Accreditation Board, enabling graduates to undertake the registration examination required to become a registered dietitian in Canada. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and volunteer activities to enhance their learning and professional development.

The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical standards necessary for effective practice in diverse environments. Students learn about current issues in nutrition and health, including sustainability, food security, and chronic disease management. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives and to work with multi-disciplinary teams. The curriculum is designed to foster lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field, preparing students for diverse career pathways or further graduate study in areas such as nutrition science, public health, or healthcare management.