Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
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.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
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
2026 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
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
All 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)
2026 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'.
$15,361 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
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 or estimate your tuition fees.
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.
| 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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
