Master of Science in Dietetics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train dieticians who are in possession of post-graduate level scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to conduct dietetics related research in order to provide research solutions for Southern Africa and globally. Learners will be proficient in the following aspects:

• Production of inquisitive and intuitive information analysis.
• Development of research projects.
• Development of research operational plan.
• Development of research monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Use of research to generate clarification of Dietetics problems.

The qualifying learner will have the competency to do independent scientific research, analysis and interpretation of scientific dietetics information, as well as to communicate, promote and advance Dietetics information, in both the private and public sectors. These competencies are crucial for development and advancements in the Dietetics sector.

The purpose of the Master of Science in Dietetics is to equip learners with knowledge and skills to identify a relevant research problem within the field of nutrition. The learners will also be able to plan and execute a suitable quantitative and qualitative research topic scientifically and ethically, using suitable research methods, techniques and procedures. Furthermore, the qualification teaches learners to interpret the research findings in a scientifically responsible way, as well as to compose a research report on it in the form of a mini-dissertation or dissertation, in chapter or article format. On completion, learners will play a leading role in nutrition care in South Africa.

Rationale

Nutrition researchers have a crucial role in bridging the gap between disease prevention and disease treatment by fostering clinical research, providing innovative education for caregivers and patients, and delineating best practices for medical nutrition in primary care settings. Nutrition plays a central role in health care services, as it covers both the field of preventative and curative practices. Nutrition is linked to culture, with each country having a unique spectrum of diseases that could either directly be associated with food (non-communicable diseases, stunting, wasting, obesity, etc.), or indirectly as part of a treatment regimen where food is not the cause but part of the treatment (i.e. HIV/AIDS). In both instances, the role of diet should be better understood using research in order to understand better the contribution of food intake and disease (prevention), and the case of treatment, improve prognosis. A Masters in Dietetics could, therefore, assist in:

• Advancement: Registered dietitians with a Master's qualification can find employment or promoted to management, research and specialised clinical positions. Research experience is more important than ever in healthcare. Registered dietitians are required to conduct outcomes research and utilise evidence-based practise to translate research findings to clinical practice;
• Satisfaction: Participating in research and applying research findings to dietetics and nutrition practice are useful and valued skills. Advanced knowledge of social, biochemical, pathological and physiological processes of disease builds a better understanding of disease prevention and treatment;
• Competence: The role of the dietetics professional is continually evolving. Individuals must ethically take responsibility for determining their competency to provide a specific service. Characteristics of dietetics professionals who seek advanced qualifications are those who seek to acquire an expert knowledge base and develop complex decision-making skills for expanded practice.

The benefits of research in Dietetics/Nutrition varies. Scientifically sound nutrition research is the foundation for the basis of the dietitian's information and advice. The information and advice must be trusted; there must be credibility in the conduct and quality of the underlying nutrition research and in the accuracy of interpretation and translation of that research. Nutrition research varies in type and quality and is often too complex for the public to understand. Thus, dietitians must be able to critically evaluate nutrition research, understanding its strengths and limitations and identifying potential sources of bias, and accurately communicate its results and implications. Results could potentially:

> Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

> Improve the quality of life.

> Improved treatment outcomes/patient care.

> Improved nutrition education qualifications.

> Improved community health.

> Reduce child mortality.

• Improve maternal health.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The university has no formal RPL Policy. However, for the BSc Dietetics qualification, learners must have a four-year qualification or an Honours qualification in nutrition/dietetics. Otherwise, learners must receive status from the Senate according to the rules and regulations regarding such Admission. Also, students can apply for such recognition from the professional board for Dietetics and Human Nutrition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Dietetics Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to assess, critically review and apply relevant scientific information, in order to identify research needs. Within the dietetics disciplinary area.
2. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.
3. Assess, critically review and apply relevant information, in order to identify research needs.
4. Initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of the research process.
5. Communicate effectively regarding topics with the medical sciences, particularly the field of specialisation.
6. Make decisions on ethical values and practices, work within the ethical norms of the field of specialisation and be accountable for all decisions made.
7. Engage in lifelong learning for the development and advancement of the field of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Be familiar with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field of Dietetics.
• Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus within the disciplinary area.
• Be competent in the usage of computers for assessing, processing and retrieving data and literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Debate complex issues orally and in writing using facts, theories and advances within the dietetics field of practice.
• Competently defend opposing views, bringing forth valid solutions and theories.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, on a professional and academic level through the accurate reporting of information and publication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ability to plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
• Study the literature to identify a research problem.
• Pose the identified problem in a relevant manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a research proposal and conduct the research under minimum supervision.
• Select the appropriate research design for the research problem.
• Use appropriate methodologies with accuracy and care in order to generate data.
• Capture, clean, organise, evaluate and analyse research data.
• Use basic statistical procedures required for a particular problem.
• Critically discuss the findings of the study and to be able to compare them with similar studies.
• Evaluate the results of a research study and be able to translate them into appropriate and feasible recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate research to a variety of audiences in different formats such as: article, oral presentation or poster.
• Reasoning skills should include the ability to express own opinions clearly and coherently, justify a position and present it logically, systematically using properly substantiated arguments.
• Communication should show an awareness of audience, and capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions.
• Utilise different techniques and strategies for communicating results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Use knowledge critically to make sound ethical judgements without prejudice and to the benefit of mankind and the environment.
• Take accountability for all decisions taken and implemented.
• Be aware of the necessity regarding ethical and professional conduct within the dietetics profession and adhere to such conduct at all times.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Accumulate knowledge through self-directed work within the discipline.
• Stay abreast of important innovations in the field of dietetics by means of continuous education.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is conducted via research dissertation only. Formative assessment is done through the production, acceptance and ethical clearance of a research proposal and through presentations. Assessment will take place across all exit level outcomes in an integrated manner to ensure that the learner meets all expectations of an NQF Level 9 learner, as well as meeting the expectations of a Dietetics professional with this qualification.

Completion of the qualification relies exclusively on examination of the written dissertation. The dissertation is examined based on whether a learner has managed to achieve the learning outcomes. The examiner uses the generic rubric to examine all Master of Science qualifications at the institution.