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Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND)

College of Medical & Health Sciences​
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The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) offers an innovative blend of general education and specialised coursework. This four-year programme equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities needed for careers in nutrition, dietetics, and food management. Graduates are prepared to excel in diverse fields, including clinical dietetics, nutrition research, food service management, public health, and wellness programmes.

The curriculum addresses both current and future industry needs through a multidisciplinary approach that develops lifelong learning skills. It integrates life, health, and social sciences to explore the deeper relationship between food, nutrition, and health.

Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art laboratories, guided by highly qualified and experienced faculty members, ensures a comprehensive educational experience. Since 2003, the College has been committed to excellence, training skilled health professionals ready to lead as clinical nutritionists and dietitians in Bahrain and beyond.

Programme Aims

  • To be equipped with critical knowledge and understanding in nutrition and dietetics as described by the academic, professional, and statutory bodies.
  • To be equipped with applied knowledge to exercise professional and ethical judgment in the practice of the nutrition and dietetics.
  • To be equipped with critical evaluation skills develop to evaluate current trends in the practice of the profession based on the latest evidence and health-care research methodology.
  • To be equipped with digital competence and lifelong learning skills, including research and sensitivity to ethical issues and social responsibility to transform sustainable practices.

Employability and Career Pathways

  • Clinical Dietician
  • Licensed Clinical Nutritionist
  • Nutritionist
  • Dietician
  • Food Science Technician
  • Academic Research
  • Teaching Assistant

Study Plan

First Year

During the first year, learners are expose to range of foundation courses with generalized and some detailed knowledge and understanding related to general physiology, general chemistry for health sciences, general anatomy, and English for health and sciences that allows the learners to capture academic writing for medical reports and clinical self-reflection.

Second Year

In the second year, learners are provided with detailed knowledge and understanding related to Fundamentals of Nutrition, General Microbiology, Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Foods & Food Science, Food Microbiology and Sanitation, Psychology & Sociology in Nutrition and Food Production and Service. The learners will be exposed to applied knowledge through basic practice that is conducted in the medical laboratory.

Third Year

Within the third year, learners will be provided with advanced applied knowledge and understanding and will be equipped with critical evaluation skills for diagnostics. Topics will include Nutritional Status Assessment and Intervention, Fundamentals of Food Technology, Food Processing and Preparation, Life Cycle Nutrition, Nutrition Counselling & Education and apply the gained knowledge through Clinical Nutrition Practicum in the Food Service & Industry.

Fourth Year

In the last year of the study, learners will be equipped with critical knowledge and understanding as well applied knowledge related to Advanced Nutrition & Dietetics, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition and Clinical Practicum in Medical Hospital. Learners will be required to produce a research project in Nutrition and Dietetics as a graduation requirement with a consideration of Ethics in Health care practice.

Entry Requirements

Admission to Ahlia University (AU) is selective based on academic achievements. Applications are welcomed from all students regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, nationality, physical or learning disability. Admission is purely based on merit.

General Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission to the undergraduate programmes, applicants must meet the following entry requirements set by the university in-line with Bahrain Higher Education Council (HEC) requirements. The applicant must hold a recognised and endorsed secondary school certificate or its equivalent.

Programme Specific Requirements

In addition to satisfying the general admission requirements, applicants are expected to meet the following programme-specific admission requirements for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND).

English Proficiency Skills Requirements Applicants who fulfill one of the following English proficiency skills will be exempted from English orientation courses:

Foundation Courses:Incase applicants require foundation courses in English or Mathematics, applicants will be required to complete successfully the foundations courses to join the BSND programme.

Academic Scores (Tawjihi or CGPA). Specialization / Tracks
  • Minimum academic score (Tawjihi) required is ≥ 80% or it is equivalent.
  • Applicant specialization in Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihi) or its equivalent is Science Track.
Passing an Interview
  • All applicants must pass an interview conducted by the department.
  • Applicants will be subjected for an interview based on interview rubric; applicant must score minimum of ≥ 60% to be accepted.
Medical Fitness and Immunization Form – upon initial acceptanceApplicant must submit a completed Medical Fitness and Immunization form.
English Proficiency Skills Requirements

Applicants who fulfill one of the following English proficiency skills will be exempted from English orientation courses:

CriteriaScore
Overall Score in Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihia) or its Equivalent≥ 85%
Average Score in English Language Courses studied in the Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihia) or its equivalent≥ 85%
Private Schools – where English Language is used as a medium of instructionExempted
TOEFL ibt 46
IELTS≥ 5.5 or its equivalent
Pass Ahlia English Placement Test70%
Mathematics Proficiency Skills Requirements

Applicants who fulfill one of the following Mathematics proficiency skills will be exempted from the mathematics orientation courses:

CriteriaScore
Overall Score in Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihia) or its Equivalent≥ 85%
Average Score in Mathematics Courses studied in the Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihia) or its Equivalent≥ 85%
Pass Ahlia Mathematics Placement Test70%
Placement Test:The university administers placement test in English language and mathematics. Applicants who pass the placement tests are exempted from the foundation courses.
Foundation Courses:Incase applicants require foundation courses in English or Mathematics, applicants will be required to complete successfully the foundations courses to join the BSND programme.

Undergraduate Tuition & Fees

Application Fee BD 20
Registration Fee BD 200
Placement Tests Fee ( if applicable ) BD 40
Orientation Courses ( if applicable ) BD 1200
First Year Courses BD 3,600
Second Year Courses BD 4,130
Third Year Courses BD 5,000
Fourth Year Courses BD 5,550
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