#1 Melbourne university for health course satisfaction
#1 Melbourne university for business undergraduate employment
Top 150 worldwide for food science and technology
Why choose nutrition science and commerce at Deakin
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.
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Proven employability
Graduate from a health discipline ranked #1 in the Australian state of Victoria for course satisfaction, paired with globally recognised commerce expertise.
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Practical learning in two industries
Gain hands-on nutrition placement experience and apply business knowledge to real challenges.
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State-of-the-art facilities
Learn in commercial-standard food labs and study commerce shaped by employers and current industry practice.
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Research-led and future focused
Study at a university ranked #1 in Australia for nutrition science research and business graduate employment, and build business skills that travel across markets.
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
Combine nutrition expertise with commercial insight for careers across health, food, wellbeing, marketing and business settings.
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
Marketing manager
Plan marketing strategies, manage campaigns and use audience insights to connect products, services and ideas with the right communities.
- 12.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
Other jobs
- Health promotion officer
- Food marketing coordinator
- Nutrition consultant
- Business analyst
- Financial planner
- Human resource manager
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
Related courses
*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.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce?
This four-year double degree integrates nutrition science with commerce. You’ll develop strong scientific foundations in food and health while building capability in your choice of commerce major.
Explore the foundations
Introduction to nutrition
Examine nutrient function, digestion and diet-health relationships across individuals and populations.
Human biology and chemistry
Build foundational knowledge of physiology and biochemical processes that underpin nutrient metabolism and human health.
Commerce foundations
Develop knowledge in accounting, economics, marketing and management to understand how organisations operate and make decisions.
Developing disciplinary depth
Nutritional biochemistry
Explore metabolic pathways and how nutrients interact, examining how biochemical processes influence health and disease outcomes.
Core commerce capability
Build knowledge in marketing, management and business analytics while strengthening professional insight and data-driven decision-making skills.
Research and quantitative skills
Develop analytical capability in interpreting scientific data and applying quantitative reasoning in business contexts.
Applied and strategic learning
Public health nutrition
Investigate food systems, dietary patterns and policy influences shaping chronic disease prevention and population health.
Start your commerce major
Begin specialised study in your selected commerce discipline, building focused expertise aligned with your career interests.
Industry-informed learning
Apply disciplinary knowledge through project-based learning that reflects contemporary business and health challenges.
Integration and professional preparation
Complex nutrition analysis
Critically evaluate scientific evidence to address multifaceted nutrition and population health issues.
Strategic business application
Apply major-specific knowledge to analyse organisational challenges and inform evidence-based business decisions.
Advanced commerce major studies
Complete higher-level units within your commerce major, including the major capstone that consolidates strategic and analytical capability.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce, you must pass 32 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
Students who commenced prior to 2027 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
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.
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings.
Core units
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
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:
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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.
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.
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.
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 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. |
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510113 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D378
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 095522K Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Apply directly through StudyLink Connect. Depending on your location, you may need to apply through a Deakin Authorised Agent, who can support and submit your application.
See our guide to applying to Deakin for application steps and requirements.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.
Pathways
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)