Professionally accredited by Dietitians Australia
Recognised pathway to becoming an Accredited Practising Dietitian
Apply your skills through industry placements
Key facts
Duration
1.5 years full-time. Units in this course are offered in semesters.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2024 close 26 November 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Master of Dietetics prepares you to solve widespread health issues through science-based, diet-related treatments. Take a big step towards becoming an Accredited Practising Dietitian, and build advanced skills that allow you to improve the health and wellbeing of the individuals and communities you work with.
If your goal is to become an accredited practising dietitian, why not join a program that has over 45 years of experience developing industry-ready dietitians?
Deakin’s Master of Dietetics explores the important relationship between diet and disease. Accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA) and shaped by decades of industry input, this course trains you to prescribe science-based treatments for a wide range of health issues, from obesity and diabetes, to allergies and malnutrition. If you’re passionate about improving the wellbeing of the people around you through diet, the Master of Dietetics allows you to cut through misinformation to unlock solutions that are shaped by evidence and tested with scientific rigour.
Combine studies in medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition and food service management to graduate with a well-rounded set of skills that prepare you for a variety of roles. Your problem-solving abilities, communication skills and dietetic knowledge will allow you to thrive in community and public health settings. Prefer to work one-on-one with clients? You will feel just as comfortable using your interpersonal skills to develop tailored treatments in a clinical setting that deliver life-changing results.
Importantly, this course has full accreditation from the Dietitians Australia. That makes it a recognised pathway towards becoming an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Better still, this is one of the few dietetics masters courses in Australia that takes just 18 months (full-time study) to complete. This means you can move into your dream role faster and start helping people sooner.
Practical learning forms a significant part of the course and you will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge you learn in the classroom in labs, workplaces and industry settings. 21 weeks of professional practice placement gives you industry experience in multiple settings and prepares you for your career as a dietitian. This is where all your training comes to the fore, as you work alongside established dietitians.
Students can enrich their university experience by leveraging the considerable industry connections formed by Deakin’s long-standing School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. Just a few of our associations include:
- Nutrition Australia
- Sports Dietitians Australia
- Austin Health
- Barwon Health
- Northern Health
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
- Western Health.
These relationships open the door to professional development opportunities, give you direct access to ground-breaking research and allow you to build networks that take your career forward.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Dietetics
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- H718
- CRICOS code?
- 056059G Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Dietetics students must attain 12 credit points. All units are core (these are compulsory). Units may be worth 1 or 2 credit points - check each unit for its credit point value in the course structure below.
Failure of a compulsory practicum component in any unit of study will normally lead to exclusion. All expenses associated with practicum units, including any transportation or accommodation costs are the responsibility of the student.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Year 1 - Semester 1
Year 1 - Semester 2
PLUS
OR
Year 2 - Semester 1
PLUS
OR
*Enrolment into HSN745 will be determined by the Unit Chair.
# HSN758 – student must pass HSN742, HSN745 and HSN747 placements prior to enrolling into this unit.
^Indicates compulsory practicum core units required to complete in this course.
Note: All students are expected to be available to complete at least one regional placement.
Intakes by location
This course commences in Semester 1 only. It is available across all nominated locations. The course may commence in late January or early February.
Semester 1 - February
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2024 close 26 November 2023
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing placements.
Orientation for this course is mandatory and normally takes place the week prior to semester starting; i.e.the last week of January.
Mandatory student checks
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
This is a full-time course that requires significant on-site attendance (for coursework and placements). In the first semester of the course, students can expect to attend on campus or at our partner hospital sites most days each week, with 20-30 hours of onsite learning each week. In the remaining two semesters, in addition to weeks with onsite and online learning, there are a minimum of 22 weeks of full-time placement spread over the two semesters. Students attend placement in line with the working hours of host placement sites (i.e. 37-40 hours per week) and may need to travel up to 1.5 hours each way.
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. Teaching, placements and assessment tasks may take place outside of Deakin University teaching periods.
While this is a full-time on-site course, reasonable adjustments may be made under certain circumstances, for example, part-time enrolment in some semesters for students with a disability (see "participation requirements" below).
Participation requirements
Most learning activities are on-site, across a combination of Deakin Burwood seminar spaces, kitchens and clinic simulation rooms, as well as via our partner organisations at hospitals and other health organisations. This facilitates interactive activities and group work which help prepare students for placement and for work as a dietitian.
The course involves compulsory placements of 10 weeks in a clinical setting, 7 weeks in a community setting, 4 weeks in a food service setting (all full-time) and 2 weeks in an elective setting (part-time). These placements may require travel to regional/rural areas, with all students expected to be available to complete at least one regional placement for 4-10 weeks (student accommodation can be organised by placement officers for short-term relocation).
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability pending sufficient forward planning, engagement with the Disability Resource Centre and placement site feasibility. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning
Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills related to the professional practice of nutrition and dietetics, and achieve competency in dietetic practice through extensive professional practice placements. Professional practice placements provide you with applied experience in clinical, community and food service settings to develop discipline specific knowledge.
You will also develop research, critical thinking and communication skills throughout the course. Please note, the course (and a career in dietetics) requires a high level of interpersonal communication skills. Students not possessing such skills may have difficulty in meeting professional course requirements and successfully completing their studies.
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline (must have been completed within the last 10 years), including successful completion of the following units of study* in Human Biosciences and Food and Nutrition Science:
- at least 4 units of nutrition and food science study covering content relating to principles of nutrition, lifespan nutrition diet and disease and food science
- at least 2 units of Chemistry followed by at least 2 units of Biochemistry
- at least 2 units of Human Physiology content with at least 2 units of Human Biology followed by at least 2 units of Human Physiology
*1 unit of study is equivalent to 1 Deakin credit point, and 0.25 EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Study Load)
English language proficiency requirements
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 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 (or equivalent)
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
Applicants must complete the Prerequisite Units template.
Admissions information
Students who defer or intermit prior to commencing H718 - If there are changes to H718 entry criteria during your period of deferment or intermission, your eligibility to enrol into the H718 will need to be re-assessed.
From 2023 onwards, applicants are strongly advised to complete their undergraduate courses by the end of November of the year they are applying into this course.
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’re able to commit to your study.
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.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. 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.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
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.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Dietetics (12 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, 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.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
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- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
The prevalence of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, mental illness and malnutrition has increased the demand for qualified dietitians who can use food as a form of treatment and prevention. Jobs in nutrition and dietetics are projected to grow by 7.2% to November 2026*.
The skills you learn and practical experiences you’re exposed to will set you up to take advantage of this demand. You’ll be able to confidently enter all areas of dietetics, including:
- clinical (hospital) dietetics
- community nutrition
- private practice
- public health
- sports nutrition
- dietetic education and research
- food service
- public relations, marketing, communications and media
- health promotion and policy development.
You can find additional careers information about this course here.
*Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Master of Dietetics has full accreditation from Dietitians Australia (DA). Students graduating from DA accredited courses are eligible to apply for full membership of the DA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program and to work in all areas of dietetics.
All dietetics education programs in Australia are required to undergo an accreditation review process by the Dietitians Australia (DA) every five years. Deakin has delivered a course in dietetics since 1977, and has offered an accredited course since accreditation commenced. After recently undergoing a re-accreditation process, Deakin’s Master of Dietetics will once again be provided full accreditation from 30 April 2020 to 30 April 2025 with no conditions.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply advanced and integrated knowledge of the theory of human nutrition and dietetics and related practices in public health, to support safe food practices and provide nutrition care for individuals, groups, and communities. |
| Communication | Communicate verbally and in written forms to a range of audiences including colleagues, other health professionals and the community adopting a suitable range of communication strategies. |
| Digital literacy | Demonstrate competency in the selection and use of digital technologies to locate, evaluate, synthesise and translate research findings and theory to investigate and disseminate solutions to applied problems of human nutrition and dietetics. |
| Critical thinking | Engage in research, and collect and critically analyse data to assist in the dietetic assessment of individuals, groups and communities. Develop and implement client-centered strategies to manage the nutritional needs of clients in the dietetics industry, including hospital, food service, community and public health sectors and also in private practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply best practice and respond effectively using an evidence-based framework to identify, research, analyse, generate and provide practical solutions to a range of changing and complex nutrition and dietetic issues for individuals, communities and populations. |
| Self-management | Employ reflective practice, high level personal and professional responsibility, accountability, ethical practice and autonomy to demonstrate expert judgement, adaptability to new situations and responsibility as a practitioner or life-long learner in the field of nutrition and dietetics. |
| Teamwork | Establish, contribute and maintain a key role in collaborative interdisciplinary relationships, with a range of stakeholders to advance nutrition and dietetic sciences and improve client outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Engage with, and advocate, for professional and ethical practice for individuals, groups and communities from diverse social and cultural backgrounds in an ethical, organised and professional manner. |
Master of Dietetics
At Deakin, you'll be taught by Accredited Practising Dietitians and industry experts, and participate in 22 weeks of professional practice placement. Our Master of Dietetics ensures you’ll be career ready.
Footnotes
#Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2018 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2018