University of Canberra
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Blends cutting-edge science with hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates to become dynamic leaders in the evolving field of health and nutrition.
Course overview
Grow your nutrition career from the inside out.
If you’re serious about nutrition and influencing the dietary needs of an ever-expanding and aging population, then the UC Master of Nutrition course will give you the necessary skills and qualifications to have your ideas influence change at the local and national level.
As part of this course, you’ll use your existing knowledge and experience to plan and execute a research project of your choice and then participate in 20 weeks of full-time workplace education to help bring this project to life - all with full support and encouragement from academic and industry experts and mentors.
Depending on your research topic, this placement will take place in hospitals, community centres or food service departments, all settings which offer a unique opportunity to gain frontline experience and network with industry professionals.
Study a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics at UC and you will:
- Develop additional knowledge, skills and attitude to examine health within the framework of nutrition.
- Understand the application of nutrition in a socio-cultural, 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 audiences.
- 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 nutrition, health and disease at different life stages.
- Address ways to improve the delivery of nutritional information.
Key facts
What you will study
To earn the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics course, students must complete 48 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points.
Students must pass 45 credit points as follows:
- Counselling and Communication for Dietitians
- Food Service Management
- Clinical Dietetics 1
- Clinical Dietetics 2
- Community and Public Health Nutrition (six credit points)
- Research Project in Health
- Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum (Part A) (zero credit points)
- Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum (Part B) (24 credit points)
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- A completed bachelor's degree in human nutrition.
- Two-degree level units in chemistry.
- Four-degree level units in human biology and human physiology.
- Two second-degree level units in biochemistry.
- Four degree-level units in food and nutrition science.
Applicants must also provide a written statement of less than 500 words on why they believe they can contribute to the profession of dietetics. Citing references is not required. This provides the opportunity to inform the selection committee of your reasons for undertaking this course, to include any work experience and skills and to include other relevant factors. The University reserves the right to seek further information relating to your letter of application.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an Overall Academic IELTS score of 7.0 with no band score less than 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course, please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
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
- Develop knowledge of key aspects of nutrition and dietetics necessary for the delivery of competent nutritional care to individuals and groups.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to critically evaluate the provision and management of food services in a health care setting.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding and the necessary skills to conduct a needs assessment, plan, implement and evaluate nutrition programs in a community or population group.
- Plan and execute a defined research project and demonstrate competence in applying the scientific method to the research process.
Career outcomes
A Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate is recognised as possessing the necessary skills, experience and qualifications to become an Accredited Practising Dietitian. This accreditation is also accepted globally and opens doors to a range of jobs in a variety of industries, including:
- Hospitals
- Community Health Centres
- Private Practice
- Government Departments
- The Food Industry
- Media
- Education
- Research
Fees and CSP
Average full-course fee in 2026: From $19,072(Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on a full-time study load of 48 credit points.
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.
