Interview with Iain Scott —
BSc (Hons) Dietetics
About you
“I am a father of four wonderful children
and a lot of my spare time is spent
watching them grow, learn and develop.
Aside from doing this course, I also
volunteer some of my time to help out
with community-based projects such as
Support from the Start, promoting
improvements in the health and
education for 0-8 year olds, and the
Dadswork charity, which works with male
parents and guardians to provide
support, opportunities and tips to
develop their skills and improve their time
with the children under their care. My
main project is the development of a
community-based parent cooking skills
group within Prestonpans, working with
other interested health promotion
providers. This involves providing help
and support in the practice of cooking
family meals in a relaxed and enjoyable
environment.
“Before coming to QMU, I worked for the
NHS in a variety of support working roles
over the past decade, with the most
recent working in schools and nurseries
promoting oral health and the basics of
healthy eating. The experiences of
working with patients and the promoting
of healthy eating, both within my work
and that of my voluntary work in the
community, gave me the confidence and
interest in applying to QMU to study as a
dietitian.”
How did you come to choose this
course and why QMU?
“Throughout my career within the NHS,
meeting student nurses over the years I
was always interested in finding out their
views on the universities in which their
studies took place. QMU was always
credited with a good reputation from
their graduates and it gave me
confidence that when I decided to apply
for my chosen course of Dietetics that
this was the university for me.”
What’s it like to live in the Edinburgh
area?
“Edinburgh is bursting with potential.
There is something to interest everyone!
Where I live in Prestonpans, just a few
miles from the QMU campus, is a relaxed
and enjoyable countryside environment.
Within a half hour journey in any direction
you can go visit beautiful sandy beaches,
hidden ancient woodlands, castles and
even Rapunzel’s tower (well that’s what I
convinced my six-year-old daughter it
was).”
What’s it like to study at QMU?
“Attending the open days is vital with any
place you wish to apply for!! When I
came to QMU’s open day, I saw a
wonderful modern university which felt
safe and comforting. The University
offers both enough space to be able to
work in peace, yet has a small
community feel which encourages and
supports your learning journey.”
What’s been the highlight of the
course so far? What have you learnt,
or which particular activity has been
the most interesting?
“The highlight of my course so far has
been the amazing support and
encouragement from both staff and
fellow students. I have learnt a lot about
my own potential and abilities, surprising
myself with how much I have enjoyed
and coped with studies as a mature
student. It also amazes me the
opportunities that are offered to students
within QMU: they are plentiful and if you
are willing to embrace these, your
experience and enjoyment of university
life will be greatly enhanced.”
Any advice for students who might
be interested in this course?
“Dietetics is a specialised healthcare
profession course. It is essential to know
what it is that you are wishing to gain
before applying. Get some experience
behind you — whether it is a shadow
experience or volunteering. Knowing
what a dietitian does in the working
world is key to applying and participating
in this course.
“As a mature student, however, my
advice is that if you are offered a place,
have the confidence that you are good
enough to be here and deserve your
chance to enjoy the learning
opportunity.”
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Any future plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I hope to become a
qualified dietitian, working within the
NHS. However, I don’t think I plan on
leaving QMU anytime soon! At this point
in time I have the ‘QMU Bug’ (his name
is Bertie). What I mean to say is that I am
enjoying university life and I would like to
work towards becoming a lecturer and
share my experiences and the amazing
knowledge I am gaining as a student.”
Life as a student at QMU
“For a time I felt isolated as a mature
student but joining a society made the
transition into university a lot easier.
Societies allow the social interactions
between people with similar ideals and
interests. After joining a society I felt
much more settled and comfortable in
student life.
“If, as I found, there is not a society that
suits you, the Students’ Union allows you
to create your own. I decided to do this
after realising there was not a dietetic
society. Within my first year at QMU, I set
up a society for dietetics and now have
over 38 members! I am happy and
settled and frequently have the
opportunity to speak with other dietetic
students from all levels, enhancing my
learning journey and my day to day
activities.”
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the
most of being a student?
“My top tip for being a student at QMU
would be enjoy your learning journey,
relax into university life and be proud in
the fact you have been accepted into a
wonderful and supportive university!”
NB Ian is studying towards a BSc (Hons)
Dietetics. The course is currently being
redevelopment and will become a Master
of Dietetics (MDiet).