Discover the food, nutrition or dietetics course for you
With more than 7% of total burden of disease in Australia due to poor diet,* there’s a growing need for nutrition expertise across multiple sectors. Our courses are shaped by cutting-edge research and informed by industry partnerships, ensuring you graduate in demand and ready to tackle society’s challenges.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Join the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Learn from leaders and innovators in food, nutrition and dietetics. You’ll gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities, modelled on commercial laboratories, and take part in placement opportunities with industry partners, ensuring you graduate with confidence.
Disciplines within food, nutrition and dietetics
Want a degree that will make you work-ready?
At Deakin, all our courses are informed by industry leaders and cutting-edge research. Combined with access to world-class facilities and extensive placement opportunities, you’ll graduate highly skilled and work-ready.
Hands-on learning
Modelled on commercial facilities, our food preparation, food analysis and sensory laboratories give you hands-on experience, preparing you for the workplace.
Gain real-world experience
Gain extensive practical experience through placement opportunities. You’ll build industry experience and connections while applying your skills alongside established nutritionists and food industry professionals.
International perspective
Learn about food and nutrition perceptions and cultural issues by studying abroad to gain an international perspective. Our nutrition courses lead to registration from international associations.
Top professional roles in nutrition and dietetics
With increasing community interest in food, nutrition and health, there’s strong demand for specialists across a range of sectors. With a degree from Deakin you could find yourself working in diverse areas like healthcare, marketing, quality assurance or government – with job growth in each on track to exceed government forecasts.
Over the past five years, there has been high growth across the following roles, according to Australian Government employment projections.
- 4400 new roles for nutrition professionals
- 6600 new roles in advertising and marketing
- 2900 new roles in policy and planning.
Professional recognition
Depending on what food, nutrition and dietetics degree you choose to study, you may be eligible for membership of and professional recognition from key professional organisations when you graduate.
- While studying nutrition science at Deakin, you’re eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates can apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration ensures you’re recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
- You’ll have global recognition too – as a nutrition science graduate, you’re also eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the Hong Kong Nutrition Association and the UK Association for Nutrition.
- If you graduate with a major in food innovation, you may also be eligible for membership in the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST).
- Our Master of Dietetics is accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA). As a graduate you can apply for full membership of DA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program, to work in all areas of dietetics.
A unique learning opportunity
Deakin is home to elite facilities and cutting-edge research. We are the only school in Australia that brings both nutrition and sport science together in teaching and research.
Studying nutrition at Deakin University has a lot of benefits. My degree will provide me the ability to inform consumers, stimulate innovative thinking, drive vital conversations and build better health outcomes.
Safira Esperanca Da Cruz Carvalho
Bachelor of Nutrition Science
World-class facilities
Key industry partners
You'll get access to our numerous placement partnerships with respected teaching hospitals, as well as our partners in preventive healthcare and the food industry.
Over 40 years teaching dietetics
Deakin was one of the first universities in Australia to offer a course in dietetics, and has been proudly offering Dietitians Australia accredited courses for more than 40 years.
Ground-breaking research
Research at the CASS Food Research Centre is helping to shape the Australian food industry. At the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), we’re dedicated to improving the health of Australian communities, and preventing disease.
Want to explore more?
If you're dreaming of an exciting and rewarding career in food, nutrition and dietetics, we'll help get you there.
- The benefits of studying human nutrition for allied health professionals
- Nutrition and dietetics careers
- What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

The benefits of studying human nutrition for allied health professionals
When providing holistic support to your clients and community, having a knowledge of human nutrition principles is important. Here's how studying nutrition at Deakin can help.

Nutrition and dietetics careers
Learn about the differences, accreditation and qualifications needed to become a dietitian or a nutritionist after you study at Deakin.

What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
Nutrition is a popular career path, but it's often confused with dietetics. Learn the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist, and find which career is right for you.
Footnotes
*Australian Government, Department of Health: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/food-and-nutrition/about
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
Contact us
Got a question about our food, nutrition and dietetics courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9034 6205
Enquire online