Nutrition and dietetics

Learn about nutrition in a broad context, ranging from metabolic studies and food science to social and behavioural nutrition.

You will develop an understanding of the role of nutrition and diet in the health of individuals and groups.

Graduate snapshot

Shane Bilsborough
Master of Human Nutrition, Deakin University, 2000
Employed: Director, Global Corporate Challenge

'Deakin was a clear standout - the quality of the lecturers did it for me.'

Shane Bilsborough, who completed a postgraduate research degree in nutrition at Deakin, is one of Australia's most sought-after nutritionists. The author of three international best-selling books, Shane makes regular media and public speaking appearances for his expertise in diet, exercise and fitness and is the Director of Global Corporate Challenge.

He says that when considering postgraduate study, he researched a range of institutions and courses.

"Deakin was a clear standout - the quality of lecturers did it for me. I wanted to study nutrition because it has always interested me and, like most people, I had many questions but very few answers. Given that everyone is concerned about various aspects of nutrition, which includes fad dieting, fat metabolism and how these relate to heart disease and diabetes, I thought seeking a knowledge of this complex interaction was worthwhile."

What can I study?

Public health nutrition
Human nutrition
Food and nutrition

Health promotion
Dietetics

Honours
Research degrees

Why study nutrition and dietetics at Deakin?

Get a career, not just a job

There is increasing community interest in the issues of nutrition and health, and a growing demand for specialists in these fields. Deakin's nutrition and dietetics courses provide you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of occupations in private, business or community settings.

Largest nutrition course in Victoria

Deakin's Bachelor of Food and Nutrition is the largest nutrition course in Victoria. Based at our Melbourne Burwood Campus, this course offers the largest number of Commonwealth Supported Places of all Victorian universities with a nutrition program, and provides a pathway to postgraduate study in dietetics for those interested in a career in this area.

Nutrition without VCE chemistry

Deakin's Bachelor of Food and Nutrition provides you with greater flexibility, while reducing the need to study VCE chemistry as a prerequisite for entry. That's great news if you're interested in a career in nutrition but aren't so enthusiastic about studying chemistry at school.

Teaching and research excellence

At Deakin we are committed to providing excellence in all our courses, so we employ key clinicians and researchers who are qualified, enthusiastic teachers with broad international links and experiences. This ensures teaching is current and based on contemporary research and evidence based practice.

Flexible delivery

Postgraduate nutrition courses are taught online, allowing you to fit your studies around your work and lifestyle commitments. The courses are available entirely off campus, requiring no attendance at Deakin.

Practical experience

An industry placement lets you enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience in the area of food and nutrition.

Career opportunities for nutrition and dietetics graduates

Career opportunities for graduates include but are not limited to:

state and local government and community settings
private consulting
research institutes or universities
food and retail industries

health programs with local councils
schools and community health centres
state and federal health departments
sports nutrition

health services management
corporate nutrition
health/nutrition journalism, media and communication

Study overseas

Give yourself the competitive edge after graduation. Discover and live in a new country and make friends all around the world. With a Deakin Education Abroad program, your degree can take you where you want to go.

Exchange and Education Abroad programs are available to all students, including international, postgraduate and off-campus students.

More information

Undergraduate: Health careers booklet (PDF, 1.8 MB)
Postgraduate and research: Nutrition and dietetics study area booklet (PDF, 1.6 MB)
School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
School of Health and Social Development