#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Top 150 worldwide for food science and technology
75+ hours of industry placement
Why choose Deakin
Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics Pathway) is your first step towards becoming a dietitian, with guaranteed entry into the Master of Dietetics when you achieve a 75 weighted average mark. Build a strong foundation in human nutrition and its impact on health, while addressing key challenges including disease prevention, sustainability and misinformation. Study disease prevention, nutritional physiology, lifespan nutrition, food regulation, sustainable food systems and the science of food.
Gain hands-on experience in commercial-standard food preparation, analysis and sensory labs, plus complete 75 hours of industry placement to develop job-ready skills. Choose electives such as food innovation, health promotion or exercise science to broaden your career opportunities and graduate ready to improve health through food and nutrition. The course units you will take in this course meet the prerequisite entry requirements of the Master of Dietetics.
-
Ranked #1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Learn from leading experts and graduate with evidence-based skills shaped by world-class discovery and impact.
-
Practical learning in state-of-the-art labs
Build practical skills in purpose-built food preparation, analysis and sensory labs modelled on commercial environments.
-
Industry experience is built in
Complete 75+ hours of elective placement to apply your nutrition knowledge in professional settings.
-
Connected to leading research
Study alongside researchers at Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, 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
Prepare for nutrition careers while building the academic foundation for further study in dietetics.
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
Dietitian
After completing further study, assess nutritional needs and provide evidence-based dietary advice to help people manage health conditions, recovery and wellbeing.
- 16.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $105k
Typical annual salary in Australia
Other jobs
- Nutrition promotion officer
- Quality assurance officer
- Food technologist
- Nutrition consultant
- Food policy officer
*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 (Dietetics Pathway)?
Study the core nutrition science curriculum. This course includes the units you need to apply for Deakin’s Master of Dietetics, with guaranteed entry if you achieve a 75 weighted average mark.
Foundations
Human biology and chemistry
Build foundational knowledge of human physiology and biochemical processes that underpin nutrient metabolism and health outcomes.
Nutrition and food fundamentals
Examine how dietary patterns, nutrients and food choices influence health across the lifespan.
Nutrition in healthcare contexts
Explore how nutrition practice operates within hospitals, community health and public health systems, including professional roles and responsibilities.
Building discipline depth
Deepen your knowledge
Investigate metabolic pathways and nutrient interactions and explore dietary influences on community health.
Research and evidence skills
Develop skills in research design, data analysis and critical appraisal to interpret nutrition evidence and inform practice.
Food innovation major
Choose to study the food innovation major and establish a career in the food industry, where your knowledge of nutrition and food composition facilitate the creation and marketing of food products that help to improve health.
Preparation for advanced study
Advanced nutrition studies
Integrate and extend your knowledge across metabolism, public health and nutrition in disease.
Nutrition in health and disease
Apply nutrition principles to chronic conditions and population health contexts.
Practical experience
Build your industry experience and connections while applying your skills alongside established nutritionists or food industry professionals in a placement of at least 75 hours.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetic Pathway), 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
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
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.
It is recommended that students take the
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Work Integrated Learning
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field 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 (Dietetics Pathway)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510673 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- H318
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 0101098 Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
$43,600
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points 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.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
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.