Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
Take the next step in understanding how nutrition impacts population health with the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours). Build on the knowledge you gained in your undergraduate degree by studying advanced coursework, and complete an original research project under the supervision of an expert researcher. Develop skills in research design, project planning and implementation, and gain insight into the research shaping Australia’s $173 billion food industry.*
In this degree, you will study in our state-of-the-art food and nutrition facilities, including industry-standard sensory labs. Deakin is also home to leading research centres, which are at the forefront of food and nutrition research. With more than 150 partnerships across government and health organisations, your learning will be informed by industry. Graduate prepared for a career in research or to take on further study, including masters and PhD degrees.
* Australian Food and Grocery Council State of the Industry report, 2023-2024
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2027 close 24 January 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 (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H418
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
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Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project.
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.
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.
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Start date: June
- 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).
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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.
Orientation
Orientation for this course is mandatory and it normally takes place the week prior to semester starts; i.e. the first week of February.
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. Students may also need to attend additional on-campus course activities and 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 or higher 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.
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.
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)
2027 Honours project information.
Applicants are required to contact the Supervisors of the projects they are interested in applying for before submitting the Project Selection Form. Project Selection Form Honours requires endorsement from the Principal Supervisor for the project.
Allocation to research projects is a competitive process and an applicant cannot be assured of being assigned to their choice of research projects.
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) ?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'.
$15,989 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 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
This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.
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.
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 |
|---|
| 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. |
| Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.
