Centre for Education and DevelopmentThe British Dietetic Association (BDA) has developed its open/flexible learning programme for dietitians who, for varying reasons, have been out of the mainstream of dietetic practice.

If you have been out of practice for more than two years and you were previously registered as a dietitian in the UK you are required by The Health Professions Council (HPC) to undertake a period of updating your skills and knowledge before you can become re-registered with the HPC.

The following updating is required, depending on the length of time you have been out of practice:

  • 0-2 years - no requirements
  • 2-5 years - 30 days of updating your skills and knowledge
  • 5 years or over - 60 days of updating your skills and knowledge

The updating of your knowledge and skills can be made up of any combination of supervised practice, formal study or private study.  For further information regarding the HPC re-admission requirements, please visit the HPC website.

The BDA programme provides up-to-date information on current professional practice and participants have found the programme useful in building on communication skills and life experiences.  In particular, the opportunities for networking and the increase in confidence resulting from undertaking the programme have been greatly valued. 

The programme is an open learning programme that consists of one attended introductory day in Birmingham, seven core modules and one optional module.  Participants will need to seek the support of a practice-based facilitator within their local dietetic department in which to work through each self-contained module of the programme and to complete the directed activities and practical elements. 

Please take a look at the following documents for further information about the programme:

The last Introductory session for the programme was the 26 May 2010.  This day is run on an annual basis.  Please note that the programme can be started before attending the introductory session.

Please contact the Centre for Education and Development if you have any further questions or if you would like to register for the programme.

T: 0121 200 8080
E: cpd@bda.uk.com