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Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours)

Undergraduate degree

Take your understanding of nutrition to the next level. Enhance your skills by completing an original research project in your honours year.

#1 sport science school in Australia*

#1 university in Victoria for student satisfaction^

Put theory to practice in state-of-the-art food labs

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2025 close 29 November 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Take the next step in your understanding of the effects of nutrition on our population with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours). You will complete coursework alongside an original research project, and develop a unique perspective of research occurring within Australia’s $20 billion dollar food industry.

Are you ready to uncover research that could change society’s perception of food?

Discover more about your area of interest within nutrition sciences by completing an honours year. You will not only build on your foundation knowledge of nutrition, but also enhance your skills to confidently conduct an original research project.

Contribute to knowledge in your specialised area while gaining practical research experience among an ever-developing field.

Paired with a supervisor who is an expert in their field, you will complete an original piece of research under their guidance. Along the way, you will gain an understanding of research methods and design, as well as experience in project planning and implementation.

Examples of previous research projects include:

  • The political construction of obesity: a framing analysis of Australian parliamentary debates about junk-food advertising to children.
  • The role of visual cues on flavour perception and liking of rice.
  • Factors predictive of postoperative clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal surgical patients: A prospective observational study.
  • Some of the research being conducted within our research centres such as the Food and Mood Centre and Global Obesity Centre includes the impact of food on mental health issues, such as depression, and the cost effectiveness of obesity prevention policies in Australia.

Deakin is home to leading Australian research centres CASS (Consumer Analytical Safety Sensory (CASS) Food Research Centre) and IPAN (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition), whose studies are at the forefront of food and nutrition research. You will also have the opportunity to study in our state-of-the-art food and nutrition facilities – including industry-standard food sensory labs – that will provide you with hands-on experience to put your research to the test.

By completing your honours degree with Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, you will graduate with the relevant industry knowledge to pursue a career or complete further research and study. With over 150 partnerships spanning government and organisations within the health field, your learning will be relevant to industry.

Graduate with the knowledge and skills required to confidently provide evidence-based advice regarding food and its impact on our health within community settings.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
H418
CRICOS code?
065147K Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

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

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) students must attain 8 credit points, including two coursework units in research methods and research issues and an independent research project. part-time students are required to complete the coursework components in their first year of study.

Attendance and presentation at the School Honours Conference is a hurdle requirement.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Core units

Semester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Research Methods
  • Developing Research Skills
  • Semester 2

  • Honours Research Project - Part A
  • Honours Research Project - Part B
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Semester 1 - February

    • Start date: February
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)

    Semester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)

    Additional course information

    Orientation for this course is mandatory and it normally takes place the week prior to semester starts; i.e. the first week of February.

    Course duration

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

    Workload

    You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

    Participation requirements

    Engagement with online course material and scheduled classes (on campus). Regular meeting with project supervisors. On campus participation in other course events as required.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    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.

    Academic requirements

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

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units.

    English language proficiency requirements

    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 at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 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)

    Non-academic requirements

    2024 Honours projects information

    2025 Honours project information will be available soon.

    Applicants are required to contact the Supervisors of the projects they are interested in applying for before submitting the Project Preference form.

    Allocation to research projects is a competitive process and an applicant cannot be assured of being assigned to their choice of research projects.

    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.

    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.

     

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    The estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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 on our Current students fees website.

    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

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications for Semester 1, 2025 are open.

    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

    This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.

    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.

    Careers

    Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

    Top 10 university in Australia#

    Benefit from Deakin’s industry and community partnerships

    Top 1% of universities worldwide#

    #1 sport science school worldwide*

    Career outcomes

    With this qualification you will have the knowledge and advanced research skills to apply to careers in areas such as:

    • education
    • food policy and regulation
    • industry researcher
    • nutrition marketing and research
    • quality assurance
    • research

    You will also be well equipped with the skills to progress into higher degrees by research or career pathways with a research focus, including industry research or academia. Your understanding of research will ensure you are regarded highly by employers with advanced skills to critically analyse and problem-solve issues within the food, nutrition and health-related sectors.

    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.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Acquire advanced knowledge of the philosophies, ethics, methods and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science. Apply this knowledge to plan and execute a substantial research project.

    Communication

    Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience.

    Digital literacy

    Acquire advanced skills in using digital technologies to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science. Use appropriate technologies to manage data and apply methodologies applicable for the food and nutrition sciences.

    Critical thinking

    Employ intellectual independence to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific literature and to apply appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques to answer the research question. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to interpret outcomes and to identify how they contribute to advancing the field of food and nutrition science/exercise and sports science. 

    Problem solving

    Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner.

    Self-management

    Take initiative to identify personal learning goals and needs in order to undertake and manage an independent research project including the communication of research outcomes.

    Teamwork

    Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research and professional team of specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

    Global citizenship

    Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities.

    *ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023
    ^Year on year, our undergraduate students are the most-satisfied students of all Victorian universities. Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).
    #ARWU Rankings 2022