Course information for - 2021 entry
Offered at 3 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- UAC code
- 107018
- ATAR
- 58.50 for Blacktown
- Fees (first year)*
$8763 CSP
- Start dates
- Semester 1 - February , Semester 2 - To be advised
Overview
As a nutritionist you will create opportunities for people to learn about food and nutrition, design food products to support a healthy diet, influence food systems to foster sustainability, and advocate for a safe and equitable food supply across the globe. You will understand the science behind food and nutrition including human physiology and biochemistry, and food and culinary nutrition science. The focus on the role of food and nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention for individuals, communities and populations, particularly in at-risk groups, will prepare you for work in the emerging areas of the industry.
Professional experience
You will be required to complete compulsory community engagement and an optional 50 – 140 hours of work placement.
Work placement
Students may choose to undertake work placement in areas across the food and nutrition industry including culinary nutrition, sports nutrition, community and public health. These work opportunities may be with sporting teams/clubs, food development and production companies, restaurant and catering groups, community health centres, local government, schools, community organisations, and other not-for-profit health organisations.
Professional recognition
Graduates of this degree will be eligible to apply for registration as a nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australian (NSA). This degree has been designed to meet the competencies deemed essential by the NSA for registration.
The degree meets the academic qualifications required for Professional Membership of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST). Note: Professional Membership of AIFST also requires three years of relevant professional experience.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- food and nutrition education or communication
- nutrition research
- public health and policy
- food science and food industry
- food safety and regulation
- sports nutrition in local, national and international settings
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, a student must complete 240 credit points (cp).
Available Major(s)
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | CHEM105 Foundations of Chemistry | BIOL123 Cells and Tissues - the Fabric of Life | NUTR101 Introduction to Nutrition | PUBH102 Foundations of Health Promotion | |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | CHEM112 Organic and Food Chemistry | BIOL124 Human Body in Health and Disease 1 | NUTR102 Culinary Nutrition Science | UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society | |
| Year 2 - Semester 1 | CHEM204 Biochemistry | BIOL204 Human Body in Health and Disease 2 | NUTR202 Lifespan Nutrition | Elective | |
| Year 2 - Semester 2 | CHEM206 Advanced Metabolic Biochemistry | BIOL234 Nutritional Physiology | PUBH103 Epidemiology | Elective | |
| Year 3 - Semester 1 | NUTR302 Diet, Health and Disease | NUTR303 Food Science in Practice | PUBH202 Public health research methods | Elective | |
| Year 3 - Semester 2 | NUTR305 Community and Public Health Nutrition | NUTR304 Food Product Design and Development | UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World | Elective |
A blank cell indicates that there are no additional units required for that study period.
This is a sample program only and units will vary between states. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | English Standard (Band 2) or English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Band 3) |
Victoria | Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English. |
Disclaimer :The Course entry requirements above are for 2021 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with ACU College, TAFE, and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (Schedule 3).
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to:
- postgraduate studies in nutrition and dietetics, and public health
- postgraduate studies in high performance sport
- one-year honours courses, for meritorious students preparing for higher degree research
- further study in other allied health professions
The course structure of this degree has been designed to meet the entry requirements for a Master of Dietetics program as stipulated by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA)
Fees
Course costs
$8763 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
