Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Nutrition Science
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Length	3 years full-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$42,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
CRICOS code	095521M Burwood (Melbourne)
Level	Undergraduate
VTAC codes	1400514963 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin course code	H315
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course sub-headings

Course overview

More than 7% of the total burden of disease in Australia is due to poor diet.^* Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Australia’s #1 university for nutrition research^{^} and the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Help tackle society’s biggest challenges, from disease prevention and lifespan nutrition to obesity, misinformation, and the psychological and social impacts of food.

Modelled on commercial laboratories, our food preparation, food analysis and sensory labs provide hands-on, real-world experience to prepare you for the workplace. You’ll also complete at least 75 hours of industry placement, developing in-demand practical skills to improve health through food and nutrition. This course can lead to the Master of Dietetics, with around 60% of places typically offered to Deakin graduates who complete the prerequisite elective units.

Do you want to have a real impact on population health, and improve the wellbeing of communities?

In this course, you will study a broad range of subjects that unlock a variety of career opportunities across health and nutrition industries. Gain a comprehensive understanding of:

the role of food in disease prevention
nutrition education and research
food choice and intake
food regulation
nutritional physiology
lifespan nutrition
sustainable food systems
the science of food.

To add diversity to your degree and expand your career opportunities, you can choose elective units in complementary areas such as food innovation, health promotion, psychology, physical activity and health or exercise science.

Undertaking the major in food innovation will prepare you for a career in the food industry, where your knowledge of nutrition and food composition will facilitate the creation and marketing of food products that help to improve health. Other major sequences available include: disability and inclusion; exercise science; family, society and health; health promotion; physical activity and health or psychology.

Students can also choose to study the prerequisite subjects for further study in dietetics and apply for the Master of Dietetics upon completion of their bachelor degree.

Gain extensive practical experience through the Food and Nutrition Practicum unit in your final year at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. This hands-on opportunity allows you to build industry connections and apply your skills alongside established nutritionists or food industry professionals.

You can also explore nutrition perceptions and challenges in different cultures by taking your studies abroad, gaining an international perspective. This global experience helps you confidently transition from course to career—both in Australia and around the world.

You will graduate with industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and an advanced understanding of the role of nutrition and diet in the health of individuals and the population, allowing you to work in a range of health-related roles ranging from quality assurance and consulting to marketing and education. Visit our nutrition careers page for more on the different pathways available to you.

Discover our food, nutrition, and dietetics courses, including double degrees like the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science. These combined courses allow you to broaden your expertise and boost your career potential across both sectors.

^*Australian Burden of Disease Study: Impact and causes of illness and death in Australia 2018
^{^}The Australian’s 2025 Research Magazine

Professional recognition

While studying, you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science can apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.

Graduates are also eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:

Additionally, if you have completed this degree with a major in food innovation, you may also seek membership into the Australian Institute of Food, Science and Technology (AIFST).

Fees and charges

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 you have.

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 this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

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 international student fees.

Career opportunities

With increasing community interest in food and nutrition, there’s strong demand for specialists across a range of sectors, such as healthcare, marketing, quality assurance and government. Meet the high demand for nutrition professionals; with a 15.6% increase in jobs expected in the next 5 years.^* As a nutritionist, you will have the knowledge and skills to confidently provide evidence-based advice to communities regarding food and its impact on our health. Graduates of the Bachelor of Nutrition Science will be well prepared for careers requiring knowledge surrounding:

nutrition
individual and population health
food analysis
food sustainability
food policy
nutrition for disease prevention
assessing and evaluating food intake.

You will gain the skills required to perform a range of roles across:

advocacy
nutrition promotion
nutrition media and marketing
quality assurance
self-employment and consulting.

Students completing the food innovation major will be prepared for careers requiring knowledge of:

consumer behaviour
education and research
the food industry
food policy and regulation
sensory analysis
product development
food quality and safety
food manufacturing.

Visit our nutrition careers page for more on the different pathways available to you.

Students can choose to study the prerequisite subjects for further study in Dietetics and apply for the Master of Dietetics on completion of their Bachelor degree. 60% of places in Deakin’s Master of Dietetics are allocated to Deakin graduates.

^*2024 Employment Projections - for the five years to 2029, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives.
Communication	Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals.
Digital literacy	Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities.
Critical thinking	Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field.
Problem solving	Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues.
Self-management	Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to nutrition sciences.
Teamwork	Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of nutrition sciences.
Global citizenship	Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in nutrition sciences.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit) prior to your first laboratory based unit in this course
13 credit points of core units
5 credit points of HSN-coded (nutrition and food) course elective units
6 credit points of open electives which may form a major sequence
a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3.

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.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Majors

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

It is recommended that students take the following major sequence:

Food Innovation

Alternative major sequences can be undertaken from undergraduate courses offered by any faculty at Deakin University (subject to unit and course rules).

Other major sequences available include:

Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available for you to undertake.

Please ensure you discuss your request with your Course Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules

Bachelor of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Commerce majors

Bachelor of Arts majors

Bachelor of Science majors

Minors

Disability and Inclusion

Exercise Science

Family, Society and Health

Health, Nature and Sustainability

Health Promotion

Medical Biotechnology

Physical Activity and Health

Psychology for Allied Health

Course structure

Core units

Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.

Level 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

HSN101

Foundations of Food, Nutrition and Health

HBS109

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

HSN105

Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems

SLE133

Chemistry in Our World

Level 1 - Trimester 2

HSN010

Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety (0 credit points)

HSN104

The Science of Food

HSN106

Food Fundamentals

plus two elective units (recommended at Level 1)

Level 2 - Trimester 1

HSN211

Nutritional Physiology

plus 2 HSN-coded units

plus 1 elective unit (recommended at Level 1 or Level 2)

Level 2 - Trimester 2

HSN202

Lifespan Nutrition

plus 1 HSN-coded unit

plus two elective units (recommended at Level 2)

Level 3 - Trimester 1

HSN301

Diet and Disease

HSN309

Food Policy and Regulation

plus 2 HSN-coded units

Level 3 - Trimester 2

HSN302

Population Nutrition

HSN305

Assessing Food Intake and Activity

HSN311

Food and Nutrition Practicum

plus 1 elective unit

Students who want to complete H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites must enrol in ALL the following elective units. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics.

HSN107

Physiology of Human Growth and Development

HSE208

Integrated Human Physiology

SLE155

Chemistry for the Professional Sciences

SLE212

Biochemistry

SLE222

Biochemical Metabolism

If an exercise physiology unit has been completed at level 2 (e.g. HSE201 Exercise Physiology, it must be combined with one of these units to meet H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites:

SLE211

Principles of Physiology

SLE221

Systems Physiology

Electives

Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.

Trimester 1

HSN206

Food Analysis and Quality Assurance

HSN223

Sensory Evaluation of Food

HSN307

Sports Nutrition: Theory and Practice

HSN315

Food Manufacturing and Process Innovation

HSN319

Consumer and Sensory Innovation of Food

Trimester 2

HSN204

Food Safety

HSN210

Nutrition and Food Promotion

HSN308

Food, Nutrition and Society

HSN320

Trends in Product Development

HSN360

International Perspectives in Food and Nutrition

HSN107

Physiology of Human Growth and Development

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 academic and English language proficiency requirements 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.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

Academic requirements

Academic requirements - Current or recent secondary education

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

ATAR

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

Academic requirements - Higher education study

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

Academic requirements - VET study

If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

Academic requirements - Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter - it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

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:

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Pathways

This course can be a pathway to:
Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) (H418)
Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition (H511)
Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition (H616)
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Dietetics (H718)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)

Credit for prior learning - general

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.

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) (H418)

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.

Workload

As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. 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.

Work experience

Work Integrated Learning

You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience, you are encouraged to consider undertaking an industry placement or volunteering experience in HSN311 Food and Nutrition Practicum in your final year.

Participation requirements

Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings

Geelong students can choose 1 from the below 2 options:

- A. Online unit offering: Attend 2 x 2 day intensive practical classes (one day for HSN104 and 1 day for HSN106). These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus
- B. Burwood unit offering: attend 4 practical classes at Burwood. Geelong students who choose to enrol into Burwood offering can only do so if there is capacity and via manual enrolment.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Working with Children Check

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.

Police Record Check

Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.

Selection adjustment

Subject adjustment

A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Food Studies or Health and Human Development equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, any English, Food Studies, Health and Human Development or Maths: General Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Access and equity

Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.

Elite Athlete Program

Student athletes may be eligible to receive 5 bonus aggregate points. Applicants wishing to be considered for an elite athlete bonus must complete a personal statement indicating how their studies have been impacted by participation in sport at an elite level. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of their participation in sport at an elite level to be considered for this. Learn more about the Elite Athlete Program eligibility and how to apply.