Otago’s Master of Dietetics (MDiet) programme has suspended new enrolments because they have lost their accreditation. Students who are already enrolled in MDiet will be able to complete this degree.
The NZ Dietitians Board notified Otago Uni that they would lose their accreditation status if they did not meet accreditation requirements by 2020. A University spokesperson said that following long-standing discussions with the board and challenging requirements, MDiet would no longer accept new students.
A number of concerned students have brought their concerns to OUSA Academic Representative, Emily Coyle. Emily said OUSA was “made aware of the situation 24 hours before the students”.
“It is our understanding that no student consultation was undertaken prior to any decision or announcement being made,” said Emily. “We recognise that for these students this is incredibly frustrating and has major implications for their future study plans. We (myself and the affected students) are yet to fully understand why/how the MDiet accreditation has lapsed however the students are in the process of formulating a list of questions they expect to be answered by the Department and those responsible for this decision.”
Otago Uni said the primary challenges were the requirements for their programme to be “largely taught by research-active staff” and that the leaders of the Dietetics programme “be registered dietitians”.
“Recruiting suitable academic leadership has proven difficult and is virtually impossible in the current recruiting environment with the disruption to international travel.”
To become a registered dietician in New Zealand, you need to complete a course like MDiet following a human nutrition undergraduate course. The competitive programme only accepts 18 students a year. Now that Otago is no longer accredited, students who want to become registered dieticians must attend the University of Auckland or Massey University’s Auckland campus. A spokesperson said Otago Uni will support any student who wants to apply for these Auckland programmes.
For students who want to remain at Otago for postgrad, the alternatives include Master of Science and the Master of Applied Science in Advanced Nutrition Practice, but neither will qualify you as a dietician.
The Otago University Nutrition Association has set up a Google Doc for students who had planned on enrolling in the MDiet programme. Their aim is to take it to the Department of Human Nutrition to “share the impact this decision has had on students in an already incredibly stressful year”, said Emily.
Otago Uni is currently conducting a review of the programme “to determine its future and are engaging with staff who are potentially affected”. A spokesperson said Otago is “committed to providing students with the best advice and crafting solutions”.