#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Top 150 worldwide for food science and technology
75+ hours of industry placement
Why choose nutrition science at Deakin
Study Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Australia's #1 university for nutrition research and the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Help tackle society's biggest challenges, from disease prevention and lifespan nutrition to sustainability, misinformation and the psychological and social impacts of food. Modelled on commercial laboratories, our food preparation, analysis and sensory labs provide hands-on experience. You'll also complete at least 75 hours of industry placement, developing in-demand practical skills to improve health through food and nutrition.
Graduate with industry knowledge, hands-on experience and an advanced understanding of the role of nutrition and diet in the health of individuals and the population, allowing you to work in a range of health-related roles. This course can also lead to Deakin's Master of Dietetics, with around 60% of places typically offered to Deakin graduates who complete the prerequisite elective units.
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#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Learn from leading experts and graduate with evidence-based skills shaped by world-class discovery and impact.
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Practical learning in specialist labs
Build practical skills in purpose-built, state-of-the-art food preparation, analysis and sensory labs modelled on commercial environments.
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Industry experience is built in
Complete 75+ hours of elective placement to apply your nutrition knowledge in professional settings.
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Connected to leaders
Study alongside researchers at Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), 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
Build the skills to apply nutrition science across health, food, community and education settings, improving wellbeing, supporting healthier choices and contributing to better population health.
Nutritionist
Apply nutrition science to support the health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities. You may develop nutrition programs, create education resources, assess nutrition needs and help people make informed food choices.
- $90k
Average annual salary in Australia
- 16.6%
Projected job growth for nutrition professionals by 2030
Health promotion officer
Help communities improve health by planning and delivering programs that raise awareness of healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and wellbeing.
- $90k
Average annual salary in Australia
- 18.4%
Projected job growth by 2030
Other jobs
- Nutrition promotion officer
- Nutrition media officer
- Quality assurance officer
- Nutrition consultant
- Food policy officer
- Food technologist
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*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?
This degree examines how food influences human health, from nutrient metabolism to population health and chronic disease prevention.
Scientific foundations
Chemistry and human biology
Establish core knowledge of physiological systems and biochemical processes that underpin nutrient metabolism and human health.
Introduction to nutrition
Explore nutrient digestion, absorption and utilisation and examine how dietary patterns influence health outcomes.
Nutrition in context
Analyse how scientific evidence informs dietary guidelines, food policy and public health recommendations in contemporary settings.
Applied nutrition science
Nutritional biochemistry
Investigate metabolism and nutrient interactions, examining how biochemical processes influence health and disease outcomes.
Food systems and public health
Analyse environmental and policy influences on diet using contemporary case studies and population health data.
Start your major
Choose from areas such as health promotion or disability and inclusion, or pursue food innovation and explore product development and regulation.
Integration and application
Nutrition across the lifespan and in populations
Apply knowledge to varied health contexts. Examine chronic disease prevention and health promotion across diverse communities and health settings.
Practical learning
Build industry connections and apply your skills alongside established nutritionists or food industry professionals on a placement of at least 75 hours.
Advanced nutrition studies
Synthesise your scientific learning in a final project that addresses a complex nutrition issue requiring integrated analysis.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, 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
plus two elective units (recommended at Level 1)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus 2 HSN-coded units
plus 1 elective unit (recommended at Level 1 or Level 2)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus 1 HSN-coded unit
plus two elective units (recommended at Level 2)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus 2 HSN-coded units
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus 1 elective unit
Students who want to complete H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites must enrol in ALL the following elective units. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics.
If an exercise physiology unit has been completed at level 2 (e.g. HSE201 Exercise Physiology, it must be combined with one of these units to meet H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites:
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
It is recommended that students take the following major sequence:
Alternative major sequences can be undertaken from undergraduate courses offered by any faculty at Deakin University (subject to unit and course rules).
Other major sequences available include:
- Disability and Inclusion
- Exercise Science
- Family, Society and Health
- Health Promotion
- Physical Activity and Health
- Psychology
Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available for you to undertake.
Please ensure you discuss your request with your Course Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules
Professional recognition
While studying, you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science can apply for ordinary membership of NSA or 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.
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.
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings
Geelong students can choose 1 from the below 2 options:
- A. Online unit offering: Attend 2 x 2 day intensive practical classes (one day for HSN104 and 1 day for HSN106). These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus
- B. Burwood unit offering: attend 4 practical classes at Burwood. Geelong students who choose to enrol into Burwood offering can only do so if there is capacity and via manual enrolment.
Work Integrated Learning
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience, you are encouraged to consider undertaking an industry placement or volunteering 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
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400514963 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- H315
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 095521M Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
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.