Education - Paediatric Dietetics - A modular course for dietitians

Our modular programme is designed for qualified dietitians to allow them to build on their existing knowledge of paediatric nutrition and dietetics. The programme provides a progressive path through paediatric training with the modular format allowing flexibility for dietitians who have differing levels of experience. The modules are of a very practical nature and learning is achieved through a mix of lectures, workshops, case studies, problem solving and informal discussion groups.

Each module is endorsed by the BDA upon completion of pre-course work and attendance at a four-day taught module. The modules are also incorporated into the MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Paediatric Dietetics) course, in partnership with the University of Plymouth. Each module has an award of 20 MSc credits attached, upon completion of pre- coursework, attendance at the four-day taught module and post-course assignment. View the Course Brochure for further information

The modules from 2024 will be held either solely on Microsoft Teams (Modules 1 & 2) or a mix of Microsoft Teams and face to face at the BDA offices in Birmingham (Modules, 3,4 & 5)

Cost

Module 1 and 2 - Virtual

  • £850 Paediatric Specialist Group Member)
  • £875 BDA Member
  • £950 Non Member

For Module 3, 4 and 5 - Blended Learning

  • £900 Paediatric Specialist Group Member
  • £925 BDA Member
  • £1,000 Non member

Cost are inclusive of tuition, workshops, welcome and tutorial sessions. For modules being held from May 2024 until April 2025.

The fee for each BDA paediatric module is the same, whether you choose to take the module as a stand-alone short course option (BDA certificate) or enrol with the University of Plymouth for 20 MSc level credits.

Due to the popularity of the modules we request delegates have funding arranged prior to booking a place.

Please check the module information and course dates tab below for modules which are currently open for bookings, if the module is not open UK and Ireland Dietitians can add themselves to the mailing list here or international students can do so here

Admission Requirements

  • Priority of places on all modules will be given to practising UK registered dietitians

  • Students must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

  • International applicants will be required to be Registered Dietitians in their own country. (Unfortunately, for the MSc programme, we are not able to accept application for the non-EU overseas students for this programme as it does not comply with the current Tier 4 VISA requirements)

  • Students must have funding in place prior to application

  • All places are allocated on a first come first served basis. When places have been allocated, a waiting list will be in operation (please note waiting lists do not overrun into the next module) Please direct any queries to [email protected]

Aims

  • To provide a planned programme which complements the skills of the Registered Dietitian, providing additional expertise necessary for advanced, evidence-based practice in the field of paediatric dietetics
  • To enable students to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to an increasingly complex caseload in order to provide the most appropriate advice for infants (including preterm infants), children and adolescents
  • To develop students’ ability to analyse, interpret and synthesise new and emerging scientific knowledge in the field of paediatric nutrition and dietetics
  • To give students confidence in handling a variety of paediatric cases of increasing complexity as they progress through the five modules
  • To encourage effective communication of paediatric dietetics to patients, healthcare professionals and other groups
  • To support students to critically analyse and interpret their own work to advance their practice

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the modules, students will be able to:

 

  • Demonstrate an extended knowledge of nutritional principles, growth, feeding, nutrient requirements and nutritional assessment in the field of paediatric dietetics
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of how psychosocial, financial and cultural factors affect families and children, and the importance of the multidisciplinary team in their management
  • Apply and synthesise theoretical knowledge in order to recommend the most appropriate and current dietary regimens for normal infants, children and adolescents, and those with particular needs, such as over- and undernutrition and clinical conditions requiring a dietetic input
  • Communicate their nutritional knowledge to groups or individuals and evaluate outcomes
  • Critically evaluate new scientific and other evidence which may impact on dietetic practice

Module Information, course dates and booking

Due to the high demand for places on all modules, international delegates (outside of the UK) are not eligible to apply for a place via the online application system. Priority of places will be given to practising registered UK Dietitians. Should you wish to register an interest as an international student, you can do so here UK Dietitians can express their interest here  Please ensure you check if a module is currently open for bookings below.

View the Course Brochure for further information

Due to the popularity of the modules we request delegates have funding arranged prior to booking a place. Please refer to the booking terms and conditions before booking your place

 

Module 1 (ADV741) Nutrition and Dietetics in Infancy and Childhood

For those starting out in paediatric dietetics. An invaluable introduction to childhood nutrition, growth, anthropometry, methods for concentrating feeds and common feeding problems seen in primary care. View Example Programme

20 February & 21 February and 27 February & 28 Febraury 2024

Module 1 in February 2024 is sold out. Please add yourself on the mailing list above to receive communication on the 2025 dates.


Module 2 (ADV742) Nutrition and Dietetics in Common Paediatric Disorders 

For those with some paediatric experience. Builds on knowledge gained in module1. Topics covered are commonly seen in acute secondary centres, with further follow-up care in the community. View Example Programme

23 April & 24 April and 30 April & 1 May 2024

Module 2 for April 2024 is sold out.

2 October & 3 October and 9 October & 10 October


Should you wish to register an interest as an international student, you can do so here

 

Module 3 (ADV743) Clinical Dietetics for Infants and Children 

International delegates can also apply.  International applicants will be required to be Registered Dietitians in their own country and are unable to register for MSc credits the course would be undertaken for CPD only. Certificate of attendance from the BDA will be provided at the end of the course

For the more experienced paediatric dietitian. Whilst the disorders covered are treated in the acute phase in tertiary settings, once discharged children require continuing care at home so this module is valuable for dietitians providing shared care in both secondary and community services. View Example Programme.

Part 1 - 18 June & 19 June (Virtual)

Part 2 - 24 June & 25 June (Alderhay, Liverpool)

Delegates are required to attend all four dates.

Bookings are now open for the 2024 course

 

Module 4 (ADV720) Dietetic Management of Inherited Metabolic Disorders 

International delegates can also apply.  International applicants will be required to be Registered Dietitians in their own country and are unable to register for MSc credits the course would be undertaken for CPD only. Certificate of attendance from the BDA will be provided at the end of the course

A highly specialised module for those working with children with inherited metabolic diseases. This module is a must for tertiary metabolic dietitians and will provide essential knowledge for those providing shared care in local hospital services. View Example Programme.

Module 4 will be running next in 2025 (Dates TBC)

Delegates are required to attend all four dates. 

 

Module 5 (ADV744) Neonatal Nutrition

A highly specialised module aimed at those working in level 3 neonatal intensive care units. This module will also be of interest to those working in level 2 local high dependency neonatal units. View Example Programme.

Please be aware that the pre coursework for this module includes the HEE neonatal modules & workbooks plus a reading list. This all need to be completed as a pre-requisite for the course. If you don't currently work on a neonatal unit you will need to arrange a visit(s) to the unit and neonatal out-patient clinic to assist in completing the workbook, in advance of the first day of the Module.

25 November & 26 November and 10 December & 11 December

Limited places remain on module 5!



 

Bursaries

The Vanessa Shaw award is made up of two separate awards up to £2,500 each. The award is to be used for an individual dietitian’s research project undertaken as part of the MSc Advanced Professional Practice in Paediatric Dietetics, or other MSc, MRes or PhD. The award can be used to fund research related equipment and activities, input from a statistician or dietetic assistant, travel necessary to conduct the research, and attendance at a conference relevant to the research. The award should not be used for the payment of module fees.

To access the application criteria and application form, click here.