University of Canberra
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Build advanced knowledge in nutrition and dietetics through clinical, community and food service study, research and up to 24 weeks of full-time workplace education.
Course overview
The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Canberra builds on previous study in human nutrition and prepares students for professional dietetics practice. You will examine the relationship between nutrition, health and disease while developing the skills to assess nutritional needs and apply evidence-based approaches across different populations and settings.
Your studies cover clinical dietetics, community and public health nutrition, food service management, counselling and communication, research and professional practice. You will also plan and undertake a research project, strengthening your ability to interpret evidence and apply research findings to nutrition and dietetics practice.
Professional experience is a major component of the course. Students complete 20 weeks of full-time workplace education in settings such as hospitals, community health and food service, as well as an additional four-week internship. The course is accredited by Dietitians Australia and provides the professional preparation required for a pathway towards Accredited Practising Dietitian status.
The course is delivered on campus at Bruce, Canberra and takes two years of full-time study. The 2027 intake commences on 15 February 2027. Graduates may work across hospitals, community health, private practice, government, the food industry, education, media and research.
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
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.
Before undertaking any clinical placement, students will be required to:
- Undertake a National Police Check.
- Obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration.
- Provide immunisation history.
- Hold both First Aid and CPR qualifications.
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
Estimated full-course fee in 2027: From $19,760 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated 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 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 universities each year, which are then distributed to eligible students.
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.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
For 2027, the Band 2 student contribution amount applicable to allied health is $1,235 per standard 3-credit-point unit, or $9,880 for a standard full-time study load of 24 credit points.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated according to the units you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas the units relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
