The Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at NWU is a four-year Potchefstroom programme that trains students to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems across diverse clinical and community settings. Dietitians are the only nutritional health professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), giving graduates a recognised scope of clinical practice. Students study medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, food service management, and research methods, with clinical placements in hospitals and community health centres. South Africa faces a dual burden of malnutrition and obesity-related chronic diseases, making registered dietitians essential to improving population health outcomes.
Mathematics: Level 5 (60-69%)
Physical Sciences: Level 5 (60-69%)
Language of tuition: Level 4 (50-59%)
APS: 30
Clinical Dietitian – Provide medical nutrition therapy to patients with chronic diseases at South African public or private hospitals, working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Community Nutrition Specialist – Design and implement nutrition programmes to address malnutrition, stunting, and diet-related disease in underserved South African communities.
Nutrition Policy Adviser – Contribute to the development of national nutrition guidelines and food policy for the Department of Health or international organisations operating in South Africa.
Sport Dietitian – Develop nutrition plans for professional and amateur athletes at South African sport academies, clubs, or the national sports science institute.
Food Industry Nutritionist – Advise South African food companies on product formulation, nutrition claims, and regulatory compliance with DAFF and SAHPRA guidelines.
