#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Top 150 worldwide for food science and technology
75+ hours of industry placement
Why choose nutrition science at Deakin
Study Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Australia's #1 university for nutrition research and the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Help tackle society's biggest challenges, from disease prevention and lifespan nutrition to sustainability, misinformation and the psychological and social impacts of food. Modelled on commercial laboratories, our food preparation, analysis and sensory labs provide hands-on experience. You'll also complete at least 75 hours of industry placement, developing in-demand practical skills to improve health through food and nutrition.
Graduate with industry knowledge, hands-on experience and an advanced understanding of the role of nutrition and diet in the health of individuals and the population, allowing you to work in a range of health-related roles. This course can also lead to Deakin's Master of Dietetics, with around 60% of places typically offered to Deakin graduates who complete the prerequisite elective units.
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#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Learn from leading experts and graduate with evidence-based skills shaped by world-class discovery and impact.
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Practical learning in specialist labs
Build practical skills in purpose-built, state-of-the-art food preparation, analysis and sensory labs modelled on commercial environments.
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Industry experience is built in
Complete 75+ hours of elective placement to apply your nutrition knowledge in professional settings.
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Connected to leaders
Study alongside researchers at Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), advancing nutrition and public health.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build the skills to apply nutrition science across health, food, community and education settings, improving wellbeing, supporting healthier choices and contributing to better population health.
Nutritionist
Apply nutrition science to support the health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities. You may develop nutrition programs, create education resources, assess nutrition needs and help people make informed food choices.
- $90k
Average annual salary in Australia
- 16.6%
Projected job growth for nutrition professionals by 2030
Health promotion officer
Help communities improve health by planning and delivering programs that raise awareness of healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and wellbeing.
- $90k
Average annual salary in Australia
- 18.4%
Projected job growth by 2030
Other jobs
- Nutrition promotion officer
- Nutrition media officer
- Quality assurance officer
- Nutrition consultant
- Food policy officer
- Food technologist
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
#1 university in Australia for nutrition science research. Source: The Australian's 2025 Research Magazine
What will I study in the Bachelor of Nutrition Science?
This degree examines how food influences human health, from nutrient metabolism to population health and chronic disease prevention.
Scientific foundations
Chemistry and human biology
Establish core knowledge of physiological systems and biochemical processes that underpin nutrient metabolism and human health.
Introduction to nutrition
Explore nutrient digestion, absorption and utilisation and examine how dietary patterns influence health outcomes.
Nutrition in context
Analyse how scientific evidence informs dietary guidelines, food policy and public health recommendations in contemporary settings.
Applied nutrition science
Nutritional biochemistry
Investigate metabolism and nutrient interactions, examining how biochemical processes influence health and disease outcomes.
Food systems and public health
Analyse environmental and policy influences on diet using contemporary case studies and population health data.
Start your major
Choose from areas such as health promotion or disability and inclusion, or pursue food innovation and explore product development and regulation.
Integration and application
Nutrition across the lifespan and in populations
Apply knowledge to varied health contexts. Examine chronic disease prevention and health promotion across diverse communities and health settings.
Practical learning
Build industry connections and apply your skills alongside established nutritionists or food industry professionals on a placement of at least 75 hours.
Advanced nutrition studies
Synthesise your scientific learning in a final project that addresses a complex nutrition issue requiring integrated analysis.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, you must pass 24 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus two elective units (recommended at Level 1)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus 2 HSN-coded units
plus 1 elective unit (recommended at Level 1 or Level 2)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus 1 HSN-coded unit
plus two elective units (recommended at Level 2)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus 2 HSN-coded units
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus 1 elective unit
Students who want to complete H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites must enrol in ALL the following elective units. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics.
If an exercise physiology unit has been completed at level 2 (e.g. HSE201 Exercise Physiology, it must be combined with one of these units to meet H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites:
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
It is recommended that students take the following major sequence:
Alternative major sequences can be undertaken from undergraduate courses offered by any faculty at Deakin University (subject to unit and course rules).
Other major sequences available include:
- Disability and Inclusion
- Exercise Science
- Family, Society and Health
- Health Promotion
- Physical Activity and Health
- Psychology
Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available for you to undertake.
Please ensure you discuss your request with your Course Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules
Professional recognition
While studying, you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science can apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
Graduates are also eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:
Additionally, if you have completed this degree with a major in food innovation, you may also seek membership into the Australian Institute of Food, Science and Technology (AIFST).
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
Police Record Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings
Geelong students can choose 1 from the below 2 options:
- A. Online unit offering: Attend 2 x 2 day intensive practical classes (one day for HSN104 and 1 day for HSN106). These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus
- B. Burwood unit offering: attend 4 practical classes at Burwood. Geelong students who choose to enrol into Burwood offering can only do so if there is capacity and via manual enrolment.
Work Integrated Learning
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience, you are encouraged to consider undertaking an industry placement or volunteering experience in HSN311 Food and Nutrition Practicum in your final year.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives. |
| Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals. |
| Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities. |
| Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field. |
| Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues. |
| Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to nutrition sciences. |
| Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of nutrition sciences. |
| Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in nutrition sciences. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400514961 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- H315
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$10,006
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Indigenous Access Scheme
If you’re an Indigenous student, you can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme. We recognise achievements beyond your ATAR and academic results, considering your skills, experience and community work as preparation for university study.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.