University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Equips students with advanced, evidence-based knowledge in human nutrition, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to health and well-being across diverse communities and clinical settings.
Course overview
Get a taste of the science of nutrition.
Learn more about human physiology, biochemistry and how nutrition affects the human body from a social, biochemical, disease and life cycle-oriented context with a UC Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition course.
In this course, you will study a diverse range of subjects that will give you a deeper understanding of human nutrition while offering a clearer understanding of what health-related study options are available to you moving forward. This course is perfect for students from a broader health science background looking to specialise in nutrition science or those looking to enter the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics program and needing additional prerequisites to gain access.
This course also offers an alternative exit pathway for students who commence the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics but, due to lifestyle or career changes, choose not to complete the degree. Get a taste for nutrition science. Register for the UC Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition course today.
Study a Graduate Diploma in Nutrition at UC and you will:
- Develop knowledge, skills and attitude to examine health within the framework of nutrition.
- Understand the application of food in a social, pathophysiological and biochemical health context.
- Cultivate critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and apply evidence-based approaches to address a nutrition-related health issue.
- Demonstrate expert communication skills to transfer complex nutrition knowledge to a variety of audience.
- Develop autonomy and self-direction in progressing your learning and professional development.
- Gain the necessary scientific background and specific knowledge and skills to address concepts and opinions relating to human nutrition.
- Identify the links between diet, health and disease at different life stages.
- Discuss ways to improve the delivery of nutritional information.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
8th June, 2026
10th August, 2026
15th February, 2027
7th June, 2027
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science, students must complete 24 credit points, equivalent to eight units. Each unit is worth three credit points.
Students must pass 12 credit points as follows:
- Food Science
- Nutrition Across the Lifecycle
- Nutrition and Disease
- Nutritional Science
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- A completed bachelor's degree in science or a related discipline (a related discipline includes health, science or applied science).
- Two degree-level units in chemistry.
- Two degree-level units in human biology and human physiology.
Assumed knowledge
It is highly desirable that students have knowledge of human biology and physiology.
English language requirements
Applicants must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previous studies or professional work experience that is relevant to your intended field of study at UC, you can gain credit towards your degree. This reduces the number of units you must take to complete your course, meaning you could finish your studies sooner and save money too.
For more information, please get in touch with the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate the acquisition and application of advanced knowledge relevant to nutrition.
- Analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources to identify and propose solutions to complex health problems.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand nutrition-related health issues.
- Communicate complex health concepts, ideas and information to both health and non-health audiences.
- Demonstrate technical and creative skills relevant to nutrition.
- Apply advanced knowledge and skills with judgement and personal autonomy in a range of health and nutrition contexts.
Career outcomes
A Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science is a foundation course that opens a variety of future career and study options for students. Successful completion of this course will allow students to either progress to further study or move into any one of the following career pathways:
- Nutritionist
- Health Promotion Officer
- Project or Research Officer
- Nutrition Consultant
Or opens opportunities to work in any of the following industries:
- Fitness
- Cooking
- Community, State or Government
- Media
- NGO and NPO Sectors
Fees and CSP
Average full-course fee in 2026: From $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on a part-time study load of 24 credit points (eight units).
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
