Top 150 worldwide for food science and technology
#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
100+ hours of elective placements
Why choose human nutrition at Deakin
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.
-
#1 in Australia for nutrition science research
Study with leaders in nutrition science and learn from research shaping health outcomes and policy.
-
Pathway to further study
Build advanced foundations and have the option to progress into the Master of Human Nutrition.
-
Interdisciplinary learning
Explore nutrition through science, public health and behaviour to inform real-world practice.
-
Industry-relevant experience
Access 100+ hours of elective placements to apply your knowledge in professional settings.
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
Develop nutrition and population health expertise for careers shaping healthier communities, systems and policy.
Nutritionist
Support individuals and communities to make informed food and nutrition choices that improve health, wellbeing and disease prevention.
- 16.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $105k
Typical annual salary in Australia
Health promotion officer
Plan, deliver and evaluate programs that improve community health outcomes and encourage healthier behaviours.
- 16.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $93k
Typical annual salary in Australia
Other jobs
- Health educator
- Food and nutrition adviser
- Research assistant
- Program coordinator
- Community health worker
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate 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.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
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.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
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 a postgraduate 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’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition?
The Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition builds on foundational knowledge to develop advanced, applied capability in nutrition. You will deepen your expertise while tailoring your studies to suit your career goals.
Advanced nutrition foundations
Human nutrition across the lifespan
Strengthen your understanding of nutrient needs and dietary patterns across different population groups.
Food, nutrients and metabolism
Analyse how nutrients function in the body and how dietary intake influences health outcomes.
Nutrition research and evidence
Build advanced skills in interpreting research to support evidence-based nutrition practice.
Applied nutrition and specialisation
Nutrition in health and disease
Examine how nutrition influences chronic disease prevention and management across diverse populations.
Social and global nutrition perspectives
Explore the cultural, economic and policy factors that shape dietary behaviours and public health outcomes.
Flexible electives and applied learning
Customise your degree and apply your skills through elective study and optional placement experiences.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Applicable only to students undertaking practicum units, who will therefore require a Working With Children Check. Not mandatory for all students.
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 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.
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 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. |
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$31,600
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical 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.
Scholarships
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.
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.
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.