Key facts
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Advance your expertise in nutrition with the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition. You will explore the composition of food alongside the social, cultural and economic influences on dietary behaviour, preparing you to deliver informed, evidence-based nutrition advice.
Building on foundational knowledge, you will study across disciplines including food science, physiology, psychology and public health to develop a deeper, more applied understanding of nutrition. This interdisciplinary approach supports critical thinking and real-world application across diverse settings.
Backed by Deakin’s #1 ranking in Australia for nutrition science research, you can tailor your studies with up to four elective units aligned to your career goals. This course also provides a pathway to the Master of Human Nutrition and may support eligibility for Associate Nutritionist registration.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H616
- 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
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course electives
- 2 credit points of open electives.
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.
Course structure applies to students commencing in 2019 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2019 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
* Practicum Unit
# Study Tour Unit
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:
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Start date: November
- Available at:
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
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.
Mandatory student checks
Applicable only to students undertaking practicum units, who will therefore require a Working With Children Check. Not mandatory for all students.
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. A Postgraduate Nutrition Practicum unit is also available for students to elect to undertake. Specifically designed Careers modules are available on the course specific online site.
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' of 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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$31,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
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.
Deakin alumni discount
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.
Pathways
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
With issues like obesity, malnutrition and mental illness on the rise, more people are turning to nutrition for answers. As a result, there is growing demand for professionals who can offer clear, evidence-based advice about food and health. In fact, jobs in the nutrition field are expected to grow by 15.6% over the five years to 2029.*
If you are passionate about nutrition and want to help others live healthier lives, the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition is a great place to start. You will build practical knowledge and skills that can be used in real-world settings, and you will be learning from leading experts in the field. Deakin has recently been ranked number one in Australia for nutrition science research^, so you can feel confident you are learning from the best.
This course can help you take the next step in your career or explore a brand-new direction. You will be prepared for roles such as nutritionist, nutrition promotion officer or nutrition consultant in areas like:
- the food industry
- state and federal health departments
- non-government organisations focused on nutrition
- media and communication
- education and community programs
- private business and consultancy.
You will learn how to share accurate nutrition advice in community settings and support larger programs that improve health at a population level. It is a course that offers both flexibility and a strong foundation if you decide to continue on to our Master of Human Nutrition.
Take the next step with the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition and help shape healthier communities.
* 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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced and integrated knowledge of nutrition and health to nutrition related health problems. |
| Select and use appropriate modes of communication to obtain and share evidence based nutrition knowledge. |
| Select and use appropriate technologies to analyse and synthesise complex nutrition information and problems, and to interpret and share knowledge, skills and ideas. |
| Critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information and problems in nutrition, to come to well-reasoned conclusions. |
| Apply best practice and evidence to identify problems and generate and evaluate practical solutions to complex nutrition issues. |
| Employ high level personal responsibility, accountability and autonomy to demonstrate expert judgement, adaptability to new situations, effective work practices, and responsibility as a nutritionist. |
| Establish, contribute and maintain a key role in relationships with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes to advance nutrition sciences. |
| Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates a high level of personal autonomy, within diverse contexts in nutrition sciences. |
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.
