Course overview
Build your knowledge in nutrition science and learn how nutrition affects population health, disease and ageing, and gain a deep understanding of the commercial forces that guide Australia's $173 billion food industry. With Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce, you will graduate with highly transferable skills that allow you to work in either field, or where nutrition and business connect.
Get hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art food sensory labs that will prepare you for employment in the thriving health and food industries, with the advanced knowledge to provide evidence-based nutrition advice in community settings. Your commerce degree will build expertise in analysis and reporting to guide business decisions, analyse data, communicate insights and think strategically - foundational for success in the finance, marketing and nutrition industries.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400310111 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400311351 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - (Regional and Remote)
1400510111 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- D378
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
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Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety (0-credit-point unit) and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point unit) prior to your first laboratory based unit in this course
- 16 credit points from H315 Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- 16 credit points of core units
- 16 credit points from M380 Bachelor of Commerce
- 8 credit points of core units
- 1 commerce major that consists of 8 credit points
- a maximum of 12 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (H315) and Bachelor of Commerce (M380) must be satisfied.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
Please contact a Student Adviser for specific course planning by submitting an enquiry.
Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prior to your first laboratory- based units in this course.
Students may be able to complete their course in three years by undertaking units in Trimester 3, subject to availability of units in Trimester 3. Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.
All Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus enrolled students are required to attend seminars and practical laboratory classes (if any) at the Melbourne Burwood Campus for the units marked (#) below.
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings.
Geelong students can choose one from the below two options:
A. Online unit offering: Attend two x 2 day intensive practical classes (one day for HSN104 and one day for HSN106). These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus.
B. Burwood unit offering: attend four 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.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Core units
Students who commenced prior to 2027 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult your course enrolment officer.
Please refer to the unit guides for campus locations and enrolment modes *,**,#
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.
Please contact a Student Adviser for specific course planning advice by submitting an enquiry.
Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prior to your first laboratory- based units in this course.
Students may be able to complete their course in three years by undertaking units in Trimester 3, subject to availability of units in Trimester 3. Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
* Units are offered for Geelong students as either online or at Burwood (Melbourne) please read unit descriptions for details.
** Units may not be offered at Waurn Ponds campus and could involve inter-campus travel or online enrolment.
# Units are currently offered at Burwood (Melbourne) however future offerings will be available for Geelong students as either online or at Burwood (Melbourne).
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong) with Burwood campus intensives and possible inter-campus travel.
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong) with Burwood campus intensives and possible inter-campus travel.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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Alternative exits
Bachelor of Nutrition Science (H315)
Bachelor of Commerce (M380)
Course duration
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.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience in HSN311 Food and Nutrition Practicum in your third year.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in any Business, any English, Food Studies, Health And Human Development or any Information Technology equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, Food Studies, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology or Maths: General Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in Chemistry equals 2 aggregate points. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Elite Athlete Program
Student athletes may be eligible to receive 5 bonus aggregate points. Applicants wishing to be considered for an elite athlete bonus must complete a personal statement indicating how their studies have been impacted by participation in sport at an elite level. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of their participation in sport at an elite level to be considered for this. Learn more about the Elite Athlete Program eligibility and how to apply.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
Current year 12 students from regional and remote areas may be eligible for additional aggregate points to their selection rank through Deakin's Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Learn more about this scheme, eligibility and how to apply.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$13,499 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
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.
Scholarship options
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.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce with our pathways finder.
This course can be a pathway to:
Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) (H418)
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)
Career outcomes
Do you want to help shape the future of Australia’s food industry? This double degree offers a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the job market. By studying nutrition alongside business and commerce, you will not only develop an in-depth understanding of how nutrition impacts public health, but also acquire the essential business skills needed to critically analyse its relationship to the marketplace.
As a graduate from Deakin, the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, you will be highly sought-after by employers in a variety of industries. You will be prepared to pursue rewarding roles in areas such as:
- brand/product management
- consumer education
- consumer research
- food composition
- food policy
- food regulation
- management
- marketing and media
- quality assurance
- wholesale and retail.
With Deakin’s strong industry connections and a focus on practical experience, you will be equipped to enter the workforce with confidence, ready to contribute to the food and nutrition sector both locally and globally.
Professional recognition
This qualification allows you to receive recognition from both nutrition and business professional bodies.
Enrolled students and graduates may apply for membership of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates may apply for registration which will ensure you’re recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Our courses are developed and reviewed with industry and professional input.
Graduates are eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Deakin’s accounting major enables students to apply for the:
- CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Associate membership for the CPA Program
- IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
The financial planning major satisfies the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education standards, meaning students can provide financial advice in Australia and are eligible for financial planning certification programs including:
-
the Financial Adviser Association of Australia (FAAA);CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
Students should consult with a Student Adviser to identify any additional requirements for membership for each professional body, and also consult with the professional body.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Nutrition Science (H315) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce (M380) |
|---|---|
| Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives. | Evaluate broad knowledge of commerce, with depth in one or more business disciplines, and apply theoretical and technical expertise to inform financial, economic, and organisational decision-making. |
| Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals. | Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and effectively through written, spoken, and digital formats suited to the discipline and context, demonstrating the level of professionalism expected in business settings. |
| Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities. | Effectively use discipline-specific and general digital technologies to research, evaluate, synthesise, and communicate business-relevant information in a dynamic global environment. |
| Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field. | Analyse and evaluate academic, professional, and commercial information using relevant theories and methods to form reasoned judgements and support ethical, evidence informed decisions in commercial contexts. |
| Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues. | Apply creative, cognitive, and technical skills to identify, investigate, and solve complex, real world commercial problems using innovative and evidence-informed approaches. |
| Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to nutrition sciences. | Engage in independent and continuous learning across business disciplines to support personal and professional growth in a dynamic business environment; effectively manage resources, time, and constraints to deliver high-quality, timely outcomes. |
| Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of nutrition sciences. | Work and learn collaboratively with fellow peers, business professionals, and members of the wider community. |
| Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in nutrition sciences. | Develop an ethical awareness and a social responsibility by engaging respectfully and productively with Indigenous, local, national, and international stakeholders, and by applying knowledge and skills in ways that are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and informed by diverse worldviews and knowledges. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
