Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics Pathway) offers guaranteed entry into our Master of Dietetics if you achieve a 75 weighted average mark or above. The course develops your understanding of human nutrition and its impact on health. Learn how to tackle challenges facing our society including disease prevention, obesity, the spread of misinformation, and the social and physiological effects of food on our wellbeing.
Put theory into practice in our state-of-the-art food sensory labs located within our Consumer Analytical Safety Sensory (CASS) Food Research Centre. Designed just like those found in industry settings, our labs provide hands-on experience that prepares you for the workplace. With more than 7% of the total burden of disease in Australia due to poor diet,* graduate with the practical skills to improve health and wellbeing through food and nutrition.
Want to have a real impact on population health and improve the wellbeing of communities?
This course offers the same structure and units as our Bachelor of Nutrition Science, while ensuring dietetics prerequisites are incorporated as core units, to fulfil the entry requirements for the Master of Dietetics. Graduates will receive an offer to study in the Master of Dietetics after completing the necessary units and meeting the weighted average mark (WAM) requirement.
In this course, you will study a broad range of subjects that unlock a variety of career opportunities across health and nutrition industries. Gain a comprehensive understanding of:
- the role of food in disease prevention
- nutrition education and research
- food choice and intake
- food regulation
- nutritional physiology
- lifespan nutrition
- sustainable food systems
- the science of food.
To add diversity to your degree and expand your career opportunities, you can choose elective units in complementary areas such as food innovation, health promotion, psychology, physical activity and health or exercise science.
A major in food innovation will prepare you for a career in the food industry, where your knowledge of nutrition and food composition will facilitate the creation and marketing of food products that help to improve health.
You will also have the opportunity to gain 75 hours of valuable practical experience through the Food and Nutrition Practicum unit in your final year. This allows you to build industry experience and connections while applying your skills alongside established nutritionists.
*Australian Government, Department of Health: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/food-and-nutrition/about
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics Pathway)
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510671 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- H318
- CRICOS code?
- 0101098 Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetic Pathway), students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points, you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects') over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:
- 18 core units (these are compulsory)
- Completion of 4 HSN coded (nutrition and food) elective units.
- 2 elective unit(s) which can be selected from any faculty (you can choose which ones to study)
- No more than 10 credit points may be taken at level 1 and at least 6 credit points must be taken at level 3
- Students must enrol and pass HAI010 – Academic Integrity.
- Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety prior to the first laboratory based unit in this course.
- Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prior to the first SLE coded unit.
- Completion of HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety prior to commencing HSE208.
- Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
18
Compulsory units
4
HSN selective units
2
elective units
24
Total units
Core units
Students who commenced prior to 2022 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. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus 2 HSN-coded units - recommended at level 2
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus 1 HSN-coded unit- recommended at level 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus 1 HSN-coded level 3 unit
plus 1 elective unit - recommended at level 2 or level 3
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit - recommended at Level 2 or Level 3
Major sequences
It is recommended that students that commenced in first year in 2022 take the Food Innovation major sequence.
As there are only 2 elective spaces in this course, other major options are not available, however you may choose to undertake the units within other majors, as electives.
Elective units
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
For your 2 elective units, you can choose to undertake units from any area of the university. You may wish to use the Advanced Unit Search function in the unit handbook to search for elective units.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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
Approximately 150 hours of learning and assessment activities per credit point
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, 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
Students are required to complete laboratory safety modules and a compulsory zero credit point Academic Integrity unit.
Deakin’s standard holiday breaks are listed here.
This course allows you to select elective units that may include placements, work based training, community-based learning and collaborative research training arrangements. Before you enrol in units, please check the unit specification to understand these compulsory learning experiences.
Placement may occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks, upon discussion with host organisation.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience in HSN311 Food Science and Nutrition Practicum in your final year.
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE 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
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your secondary education and subsequent academic records as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish experience to be considered should include this information on their personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Entry information
There is a quota on places in this course and meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the course.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Food Studies or Health and Human Development 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 Biology, any English, Food Studies or Health and Human Development equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you are from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
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.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
We strongly recommend that any students wishing to apply for this course complete the approved Master of Dietetics prerequisite units at Deakin, rather than applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) after completing similar units from other universities. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics here.
The reason for this is that the process for assessing eligibility of a unit for RPL is different to assessing the eligibility of a unit to meet prerequisites. There may be instances where a student receives RPL for one of the approved Deakin prerequisite units, however the unit is not considered to have met the Master of Dietetics prerequisites.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in 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.
Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE study
- applicants with higher education study.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics Pathway) with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Career skills are developed throughout the course. Specific work integrated learning is provided through HSN311 Food and Nutrition Practicum. This unit will enable you to gain hands on experience, and a potential pathway to your future career. Upon graduating from H718 Master of Dietetics (subject to course rules) you will be well placed to pursue careers in all areas of dietetics. You can visit our nutrition and dietetics careers page for more information.
If you don’t elect to continue with the Master of Dietetics pathway, your career outcomes will mirror those of Bachelor of Nutrition Science graduates.
As a nutritionist, you will have the knowledge and skills to confidently provide evidence-based advice to communities regarding food and its impact on our health. Graduates of the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics) will be well prepared for careers requiring knowledge surrounding:
- nutrition
- individual and population health
- food analysis
- food sustainability
- food policy
- nutrition for disease prevention
- assessing and evaluating food intake.
If you have completed the food innovation major, you will be prepared for careers requiring knowledge of:
- consumer behaviour
- education and research
- the food industry
- food policy and regulation
- sensory analysis
- product development
- food quality and safety
- food manufacturing.
You will gain the skills required to perform a range of roles across:
- advocacy
- nutrition promotion
- nutrition media and marketing
- quality assurance
- self-employment and consulting
Visit our nutrition careers page for more on the different pathways available to you.
Professional recognition
While studying this degree, you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates who elect to not complete the Master of Dietetics can apply for ordinary membership of NSA and apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
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).
Graduates are eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:
- Nutrition Society of Australia
- Hong Kong Nutrition Association
- UK Association for Nutrition.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives. |
| Communication | Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities. |
| Critical thinking | Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field. |
| Problem solving | Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues. |
| Self-management | Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to nutrition sciences. |
| Teamwork | Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of nutrition sciences. |
| Global citizenship | Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in nutrition sciences. |
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