Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Get an introduction to advanced nutrition studies with the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition. Develop an understanding of human nutrient requirements across the lifespan, including macro and micronutrients, and prepare yourself for further study at the postgraduate level.
Want to shape nutrition discussions with an informed voice?
A history of teaching and research excellence, world-class facilities, pioneering academics and a long list of industry partners make Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition one of the leading human nutrition courses in Australia. The course attracts high-achieving students from a broad range of sectors. It caters for those looking to turn their lifelong passion for nutrition into sustained career growth, as well as professionals from other areas of health who want to enhance the quality of their care with expertise in human nutrition.
To truly understand the connection between nutrition and health, you will draw on studies from a variety of related disciplines, such as food science, biochemistry, physiology, epidemiology, psychology, public health and politics. Combining this knowledge allows you to examine nutrition from different angles, which is particularly beneficial when providing advice to audiences from diverse backgrounds. Better still, everything you learn is evidence-based, giving you the confidence to combat the dissemination of nutrition misinformation.
There is growing public interest in the relationship between diet and health, and as a result there are increasing demands from the public for reliable, evidence-based and trustworthy information. In response, the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) has developed a ‘Register of Nutritionists’ to establish a list of appropriately qualified nutrition professionals.
As a graduate of this course, you may be eligible for registration as an ‘Associate Nutritionist’. Following three years of relevant work experience, Associate Nutritionists are able to apply for ‘Registered Nutritionist’ status. Registration with NSA does not authorise registrants to obtain provider numbers with Medicare or Private Health Insurers. Please refer to the NSA website for further information or queries about registration.
This course can also be used as a stepping stone into the Master of Human Nutrition, and includes three core units from the masters program plus an elective of your choice.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- H511
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must enrol in the online offerings of all units
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
plus one elective
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Workload
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend 11-13 hours every week studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning principles are embedded within all units.
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 at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Working in a nutrition-related field, or have a food-focussed role. Regardless of the nutrition-related role, to qualify they also must be supervised by a qualified nutritionist or dietitian.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$15,800 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. 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 tuition fees.
Scholarship options
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.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
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.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition (H616)
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)
Career outcomes
With more people experiencing health issues like obesity, malnutrition and mental illness, interest in the role of nutrition in overall wellbeing is stronger than ever. This growing awareness means there is increasing demand for professionals who can share trustworthy, evidence-based nutrition information. In fact, jobs in nutrition are expected to grow by 15.6% over the five years to 2029.*
The Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition is a great way to build a solid foundation in nutrition and start exploring where this field can take you. Whether you want to upskill in your current role or use this course as a pathway to further study, you will gain valuable insights that can make a real difference in your career. You will also be learning from Australia’s top-ranked university for nutrition science research^, so you know your learning is backed by the latest evidence.
After completing this course, you will be well placed to continue on to the Graduate Diploma or Master of Human Nutrition, or to enhance your current work in areas like health promotion, education, community engagement or the food industry. Please note that many roles in nutrition may require a health or science background, or further postgraduate study, to meet professional requirements and broaden your expertise.
* 2024 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2029, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
^ The Australian’s 2025 Research Magazine
Professional recognition
There is growing public interest in the relationship between diet and health, and as a result there are increasing demands from the public for reliable, evidence-based and trustworthy information. In response, the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) has developed a ‘Register of Nutritionists’ to establish a list of appropriately qualified nutrition professionals.
As a graduate of this course, you may be eligible for registration as an ‘Associate Nutritionist’. Following three years of relevant work experience, Associate Nutritionists are able to apply for ‘Registered Nutritionist’ status. Registration with NSA does not authorise registrants to obtain provider numbers with Medicare or Private Health Insurers. Please refer to the NSA website for further information or queries about registration.
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 | Apply key principles, concepts and evidence-based knowledge of nutrition and health to nutrition related health problems. |
| Communication | Select and use appropriate modes of communication to obtain and share evidence based nutrition knowledge. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate technologies to analyse and interpret nutrition information, and to share knowledge, skills and ideas. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and synthesise information and problems in nutrition, to inform high level independent judgements. |
| Problem solving | Apply best practice and evidence to identify problems and generate practical solutions to a range of nutrition issues. |
| Self-management | Employ personal accountability and demonstrate effective work practices, responsible judgement, adaptability to new situations and responsibility as a nutritionist. |
| Teamwork | Establish, contribute and maintain a key role in relationships with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes to advance nutrition sciences. |
| Global citizenship | Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates a high level of personal autonomy, within diverse contexts in nutrition sciences. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
