Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition |
| Deakin course code | H616 |
| Course credit points | 8 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2004 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon 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
- Alternative exits
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
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.
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 issues like obesity, malnutrition and mental illness on the rise, more people are turning to nutrition for answers. As a result, there is growing demand for professionals who can offer clear, evidence-based advice about food and health. In fact, jobs in the nutrition field are expected to grow by 15.6% over the five years to 2029.*
If you are passionate about nutrition and want to help others live healthier lives, the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition is a great place to start. You will build practical knowledge and skills that can be used in real-world settings, and you will be learning from leading experts in the field. Deakin has recently been ranked number one in Australia for nutrition science research^, so you can feel confident you are learning from the best.
This course can help you take the next step in your career or explore a brand-new direction. You will be prepared for roles such as nutritionist, nutrition promotion officer or nutrition consultant in areas like:
- the food industry
- state and federal health departments
- non-government organisations focused on nutrition
- media and communication
- education and community programs
- private business and consultancy.
You will learn how to share accurate nutrition advice in community settings and support larger programs that improve health at a population level. It is a course that offers both flexibility and a strong foundation if you decide to continue on to our Master of Human Nutrition.
Take the next step with the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition and help shape healthier communities.
* 2024 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2029, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia
^ The Australian’s 2025 Research Magazine
Mandatory student checks
Applicable only to students undertaking practicum units, who will therefore require a Working With Children Check. Not mandatory for all students.
Pathways
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)
Alternative exits
| Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition (H511) |
Course learning outcomes
| 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. |
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 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.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course electives
- 2 credit points of open electives.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core 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
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HSN701 | Principles of Nutrition (also offered in Trimester 3) |
| HSN749 | Biochemistry and Physiology for Human Nutrition |
Trimester 2
| HSN702 | Lifespan Nutrition |
| HSN735 | Essentials of Food Science |
Electives
| HSN703 | Diet and Lifestyle Diseases |
| HSN705 | Public Health Nutrition |
| HSN708 | Nutrition Promotion |
| HSN709 | Sports Nutrition |
| HSN713 | Food, Nutrition and Behaviour |
| HSN750 | Nutrition Research Project Part A |
| HSN706 | Policy and Practice for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems |
| HSN714 | Systems Thinking in Public Health Nutrition |
| HSN715 | Understanding Human Nutrition Research Studies |
| HSN734 | Obesity Prevention |
| HSN741 | Postgraduate Nutrition Practicum * |
| HSN746 | Nutritional Issues from Early Childhood to Adolescence |
| HSN751 | Nutrition Research Project Part B |
| HSN719 | Assessment Methods for Nutrition and Physical Activity Research |
| HSN738 | International Nutrition |
| HSN743 | Nutrition for Healthy Ageing |
| HSN753 | Research Practice in Human Nutrition |
| HSN760 | International Perspectives in Food and Nutrition # |
* Practicum Unit
# Study Tour Unit
Work experience
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.
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.
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.