A Deakin postgraduate human nutrition students speaks to a young person in a clinic.

Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition

#1 in Australia for nutrition science research 

I am a domestic student ?Domestic students are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Domestic International
I am a domestic student ?Domestic students are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Domestic International

Check the entry requirements below to confirm your eligibility for this course, including academic qualifications and English language requirements.

View entry requirements
Campus
  • Online
Duration 1 year part-time
Intakes Trimesters 1, 2, 3 View how to apply
Fees $15,800 - Full-fee paying place View fees and scholarships

Top 150 worldwide for food science and technology

#1 in Australia for nutrition science research

Recognised by the Nutrition Society of Australia

Why choose human nutrition at Deakin

Build a foundation in advanced nutrition studies with the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition. You will explore human nutrient requirements across the lifespan, including macro and micronutrients, while developing skills to interpret and apply evidence-based nutrition knowledge.

Drawing on disciplines such as food science, physiology, epidemiology and public health, you will examine the complex relationship between diet and health from multiple perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you to confidently evaluate nutrition information and respond to growing demand for credible, evidence-based advice.

Backed by Deakin’s #1 ranking in Australia for nutrition science research, this course supports both career progression and further study. You may be eligible to apply for Associate Nutritionist registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia and pathway into the Master of Human Nutrition.

  • #1 in Australia for nutrition research

    Study with a university recognised for leading nutrition science research and evidence-based teaching.

  • Evidence-based nutrition focus

    Develop the skills to interpret and apply nutrition science across health, wellbeing and population contexts.

  • Pathway to professional recognition

    Graduate with a qualification that may support Associate Nutritionist registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

  • Progress to advanced study

    Choose to progress into the Master of Human Nutrition to deepen your expertise and expand career opportunities.

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.

A smiling postgraduate student walks down stairs on the Burwood campus.

Get more from postgraduate study at Deakin

Learn from industry experts, build valuable professional connections and develop the expertise to progress your career or take it in a new direction.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Develop nutrition and population health expertise for careers shaping healthier communities, systems and policy.

Nutritionist

Support individuals and communities to make informed food and nutrition choices that improve health, wellbeing and disease prevention.

  • 16.6%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

  • $90k

    Typical annual salary in Australia

Industries you may work in

  • Food industry
  • State and federal health departments
  • Non-government organisations
  • Media and communications
  • Education and community programs
  • Private business and consultancy

Key dates

Direct applications

Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026

Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.

Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.

Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.

The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.

Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.

Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.

Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.

Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.

*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.

Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.

What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition?

This graduate certificate builds advanced nutrition knowledge for professional practice in health, wellbeing and related settings. Study focuses on evidence-informed nutrition science and its application to contemporary diet and health challenges.

Advanced nutrition science 

Human nutrition principles

Analyse macro- and micronutrient metabolism and requirements across life stages.

Nutrition and chronic disease

Evaluate dietary strategies in prevention and management of major conditions. 

Evidence-informed practice

Interpret contemporary nutrition research to inform dietary guidance and health contexts.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition, you must pass 4 credit points.

Most units are equal to one credit point.

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

Students must enrol in the online offerings of all units

Trimester 1

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
Principles of Nutrition (also available in Trimester 3)
Biochemistry and Physiology for Human Nutrition

Trimester 2

Lifespan Nutrition

plus one elective

Professional recognition

There is growing public interest in the relationship between diet and health, and as a result there are increasing demands from the public for reliable, evidence-based and trustworthy information. In response, the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) has developed a ‘Register of Nutritionists’ to establish a list of appropriately qualified nutrition professionals.

As a graduate of this course, you may be eligible for registration as an ‘Associate Nutritionist’. Following three years of relevant work experience, Associate Nutritionists are able to apply for ‘Registered Nutritionist’ status. Registration with NSA does not authorise registrants to obtain provider numbers with Medicare or Private Health Insurers. Please refer to the NSA website for further information or queries about registration.

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What to expect while studying

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.

As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.

Work Integrated Learning principles are embedded within all units.

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.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
Online

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 key principles, concepts and evidence-based knowledge of nutrition and health to nutrition related health problems.

Select and use appropriate modes of communication to obtain and share evidence based nutrition knowledge.

Select and use appropriate technologies to analyse and interpret nutrition information, and to share knowledge, skills and ideas.

Analyse and synthesise information and problems in nutrition, to inform high level independent judgements.

Apply best practice and evidence to identify problems and generate practical solutions to a range of nutrition issues.

Employ personal accountability and demonstrate effective work practices, responsible judgement, adaptability to new situations and responsibility as a nutritionist.

Establish, contribute and maintain a key role in relationships with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes to advance nutrition sciences.

Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates a high level of personal autonomy, within diverse contexts in nutrition sciences.

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
H511
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher
  • two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)

Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Working in a nutrition-related field, or have a food-focussed role. Regardless of the nutrition-related role, to qualify they also must be supervised by a qualified nutritionist or dietitian.

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

Get credit for your experience

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.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$15,800

- Full-fee paying place

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.

Check your eligibility or learn more about a FEE-HELP loan.

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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.

Browse scholarships

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 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026

Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027

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 Deakin

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.