Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition |
| Deakin course code | H511 |
| Course credit points | 4 |
| Course version | 3 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2015 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1 year part-time, please refer to course structure below |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Build a foundation in advanced nutrition studies with the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition. You will explore human nutrient requirements across the lifespan, including macro and micronutrients, while developing skills to interpret and apply evidence-based nutrition knowledge.
Drawing on disciplines such as food science, physiology, epidemiology and public health, you will examine the complex relationship between diet and health from multiple perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you to confidently evaluate nutrition information and respond to growing demand for credible, evidence-based advice.
Backed by Deakin’s #1 ranking in Australia for nutrition science research, this course supports both career progression and further study. You may be eligible to apply for Associate Nutritionist registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia and pathway into the Master of Human Nutrition.
Indicative student 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.
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.
Career opportunities
With more people experiencing health issues like obesity, malnutrition and mental illness, interest in the role of nutrition in overall wellbeing is stronger than ever. This growing awareness means there is increasing demand for professionals who can share trustworthy, evidence-based nutrition information. In fact, jobs in nutrition are expected to grow by 16.6% over the five years to 2030.*
The Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition is a great way to build a solid foundation in nutrition and start exploring where this field can take you. Whether you want to upskill in your current role or use this course as a pathway to further study, you will gain valuable insights that can make a real difference in your career. You will also be learning from Australia’s top-ranked university for nutrition science research, so you know your learning is backed by the latest evidence.
After completing this course, you will be well-placed to continue on to the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition or Master of Human Nutrition, or to enhance your current work in areas like health promotion, education, community engagement or the food industry. Please note that many roles in nutrition may require a health or science background, or further postgraduate study, to meet professional requirements and broaden your expertise.
* Employment Projections – for the five years to 2029, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
^ The Australian’s 2025 Research Magazine
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition (H616)
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply key principles, concepts and evidence-based 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 interpret nutrition information, and to share knowledge, skills and ideas. |
| Analyse and synthesise information and problems in nutrition, to inform high level independent judgements. |
| Apply best practice and evidence to identify problems and generate practical solutions to a range of nutrition issues. |
| Employ personal accountability and demonstrate effective work practices, responsible judgement, adaptability to new situations 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.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit points of course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Students must enrol in the online offerings of all units
Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HSN701 | Principles of Nutrition (also available in Trimester 3) |
| HSN749 | Biochemistry and Physiology for Human Nutrition |
Trimester 2
| HSN702 | Lifespan Nutrition |
plus one elective
Electives
| HSN703 | Diet and Lifestyle Diseases |
| HSN705 | Public Health Nutrition |
| HSN708 | Nutrition Promotion |
| HSN709 | Sports Nutrition |
| HSN713 | Food, Nutrition and Behaviour |
| HSN719 | Assessment Methods for Nutrition and Physical Activity Research (also available in Trimester 3) |
| HSN706 | Policy and Practice for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems |
| HSN715 | Understanding Human Nutrition Research Studies |
| HSN734 | Obesity Prevention |
| HSN735 | Essentials of Food Science |
| HSN746 | Nutritional Issues from Early Childhood to Adolescence |
| HSN738 | International Nutrition |
| HSN743 | Nutrition for Healthy Ageing |
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning principles are embedded within all units.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Other learning experiences
A 1 credit point elective unit “International Perspectives in Nutrition” which features a 2 week study tour is available to all students every second year.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.