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Bachelor of Nutrition / Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation

Help us shape the future of health
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
With the UNSW Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation, you’ll graduate as an accredited dietitian and gain a comprehensive education in nutrition. Expand your career possibilities in health and non-health-related industries with this unique combination of complementary disciplines.
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration
5 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 428300
Program code 3894
CRICOS code 109397B
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
90.0
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$47,000*

International application pause for 2025 intakes

Looking to study at UNSW in 2025? UNSW Apply Online will be paused for International applicants from 4pm AEDT 16 October 2024.

Overview

Build healthier communities with a comprehensive education in nutrition, health and food systems. With interdisciplinary courses ranging from agriculture to inclusive eating practices, this degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in health and non-health industries. 

Dietetics is an allied health profession that applies the science of food and nutrition to optimise health, treat illnesses and prevent the onset of chronic diseases. A dietitian can help people manage health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases, obesity and food allergies. 

Food innovation examines all aspects of the food value chain from agriculture, food technology, food manufacturing and the retail sector, through to innovations and digital technologies. It looks at how we can improve the food system to address current and future food equity and sustainability challenges. 

This unique combination of complementary disciplines expands your career options as you'll be able to work both within and outside of the healthcare sector. At the end of the five years, you'll graduate with both a bachelor's and a master's degree, which will give you a competitive advantage in the job market. This degree will prepare you for clinical roles in hospitals, private practices and health organisations, as well as opening the door for you to pursue roles in the food sector including agriculture, food businesses and food not-for-profit organisations. You'll also be prepared for a career in consulting, advocacy, research and government roles. 

If you're passionate about helping people improve their health, this degree will set you on the path to a fulfilling career.

Key features

  • This five-year program provides unmatched experiential learning opportunities with ample space to learn, explore and develop as a healthcare professional. Your hands-on training starts in year one, giving you time to build confidence in your ability to practice. This structure allows for a greater breadth of practical training, providing experience across diverse clinical and non-clinical environments to ensure you become a competent, well-rounded practitioner. 

    When you graduate, you’ll be highly skilled, adaptable and ready to transition to the workforce. You’ll be prepared for the working environment and will be confident interacting with other professionals. 

    • This program has a strong focus on experiential learning in locations such as farms, urban food gardens, markets and food retail businesses.
    • In your fifth year, you’ll complete 100 working days (800 hours) of placements in clinical, community, private and industry settings.
    • Throughout your degree, we offer 40 hours of off-site experiences in health facilities and community organisations in addition to the usual placement offering.
  • Best practice healthcare requires a high degree of collaboration among professionals from different disciplines.

    This degree has an embedded professional practice stream, where you’ll learn with students from our physiotherapy, exercise physiology and pharmacy programs. The stream provides an opportunity to start building connections with your future health colleagues and mirrors real-world practice, where professionals work in integrated healthcare teams. You’ll gain an understanding of how different teams work together to improve patient outcomes, such as how and when to refer a client to another health professional. 

    Our professional practice stream includes seven courses, which will teach you critical interprofessional skills in:

    • professionalism and cross-cultural communication
    • teamwork and collaboration
    • evidence-based and value-based healthcare
    • ethics and law
    • leadership and business management skills
    • innovation and entrepreneurship
    • advocacy
    • investigation and creative problem-solving
  • This degree incorporates learning from experts in our science, law and business faculties. You’ll engage with experts from a wide range of fields including food scientists, agriculture, communications and marketing.

    With a strong focus on networking, you’ll start to build your professional connections, which are essential for securing a role in the dietetics field. We offer an annual networking event, where you'll learn more about the field, connect with industry professionals and be welcomed into our healthcare community. We have connections with some of Australia’s best hospitals, private practices and health organisations. You'll have contact with industry professionals throughout your degree, giving you the opportunity to grow your professional network while you study and give you a head start in your career.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • As one of the world's top medical schools*, we're creating the health leaders of tomorrow. Our diverse community of students, educators, clinicians and researchers are working together to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges. 

    Our internationally recognised research centres and institutes are translating ground-breaking research into cures, treatment strategies and therapies. This degree offers research opportunities to develop your investigative skills and provide a pathway if you want to pursue a career in research. You’ll gain a strong understanding of research methods and the application of research to practice. The principles of evidence-based practice and value-based care will inform your clinical decisions. 

    *Ranked 54th globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

  • This unique combination will prepare you for a much wider scope of practice compared to traditional dietetics programs. This breadth of knowledge, skills and experience is your competitive edge - employers are looking for graduates who will be able to adapt to changes in this rapidly evolving field.

    Learn more about our work across the multidisciplinary fields of nutrition, dietetics and food innovation

  • Significant industry consultation was undertaken to ensure our programs align with industry needs, both in contemporary and future practice. This degree is grounded in food equity, social justice and sustainability values.

    Unlike many dietetics programs, this degree will prepare you to deliver dietetic counselling to people from different religious, cultural, regional or remote and disability backgrounds. You'll gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work with diverse populations. Mental health first aid, counselling and behaviour training is introduced early in the program to ensure you become confident with those skills.

    We start our nutrition and dietetic training in year one to ensure your learning is spread evenly across the five years. This gives you time to build your confidence as a healthcare professional, under the guidance of our expert staff.

  • UNSW Medicine & Health offers a diverse range of facilities across our Kensington campus, rural and metropolitan teaching hospitals and our world-class research centres and institutes. You’ll be learning in our exceptional food science kitchens and labs, with state-of-the-art appliances, sensory labs, fermentation equipment and food gardens.

    The UNSW Health Translation Hub (UNSW HTH), which will soon form part of the wider Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct in Sydney, reflects our commitment to transforming healthcare. The UNSW HTH will integrate health education, training and research with healthcare services to drive improvements in patient care and health outcomes. Through the UNSW HTH, you’ll have opportunities to work in interprofessional clinics and pursue research interests.

    Our UNSW Lifestyle Clinic brings together some of Australia’s most innovative teams of healthcare professionals and researchers. The Clinic provides a practical learning environment where you can gain hands-on training, complete clinical placements and engage with the community.

Program Code
3894
CRICOS Code
109397B
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
428300
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
240
Lowest Selection Rank
90.0

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Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank
90.0
2024 A levels
13.0
2024 IB Diploma
34.0
2024 Lowest ATAR
81.9
    1. The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
    2. The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced

Student expectations

As an accredited program, there are certain professional requirements that students are expected to meet. The following document outlines some of the professional expectations to help prospective students make informed choices about future study and professional requirements. UNSW welcomes and encourages applications from students with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds. A range of support measures are available through our Equitable Learning Services so that students are able to undertake their course requirements. 

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation is completed over five years of full-time study. The program is made up of 38 courses total, including seven professional practice courses. Students are encouraged to undertake full-time study and complete the program over five years. 

Full program structure

  • In year one, you’ll begin your nutrition training along with studies in the basic sciences. Through experiential learning, you’ll have the opportunity to put what you learn into practice. Your professional practice courses will teach you how to navigate the Australian healthcare system and work with other health professionals to deliver high-quality care.  

    • Academic Preparation for Health Studies 
    • Molecules, Cells and Genes 
    • Chemistry for Health Sciences
    • Introduction to Dietetics and Food Innovation 
    • Food Science, Society and Sustainability
    • Interprofessional Practice and Collaborative Care
    • Fundamentals of Biochemistry
    • Human Systems 1
    • Human Systems 2
  • Second year builds on the core sciences with human biochemistry and core nutrition subjects. Our Farm to Fork courses integrate agriculture and technology within food systems to provide a deep understanding of food security. You’ll complete a communication subject, which involves media training. Your professional practice courses will explore principles of evidence-based practice and you’ll begin developing counselling skills through the first Driving Behaviour Change subject.

    • Nutrition for Health Professionals 1
    • Nutrition for Health Professionals 2
    • Farm to Fork 1
    • Farm to Fork 2
    • Health Communication
    • Driving Behaviour Change 1
    • Human Biochemistry
    • Appraising and Applying Evidence for Allied Health Practice 
  • In your third year, you’ll study food through a practically oriented Food Service Management subject and a course focused on inclusive eating practices and public health nutrition. Your courses will provide a strong grounding in the attributes of food, social justice and the Sustainable Development Goals. Your UNSW Food Science courses will explore future developments in the food supply while establishing a grounding in food microbiology. Your professional practice courses will explore mental health, negotiation and advocacy.  

    • Driving Behaviour Change 2
    • Culinary Sciences and Food Service
    • Nutrients & Metabolism 
    • Inclusive Eating Practices
    • Future Challenges in Food & Nutrition
    • Food Microbiology
    • Leading Change in the Health Professions
    • Nutrition Policies and Programs
  • In your fourth year, you’ll study three dietetics subjects and three master’s level subjects from UNSW Food Science. The three dietetics subjects segment the nutrition care process and continue building counselling skills using a variety of assessment methodologies and scenario-based learning. The interdisciplinary Advanced Research Training subject will develop your research skills and prepare you for your final year research project. Your professional practice courses will teach you how to identify and solve real-world problems in clinical health practice. 

    • Clinical Dietetics and Counselling 1
    • Clinical Dietetics and Counselling 2
    • Clinical Dietetics and Counselling 3
    • Advanced Research Training
    • Food Products and Ingredients Technology
    • Food Properties and Functions Laboratory
    • Sensory Analysis of Foods
    • Identifying and Solving Clinical Problems
  • In your fifth year, you’ll complete 100 working days (800 hours) at a variety of placement sites. Your final course in the professional practice stream will focus on your career development. You’ll learn how to manage a private practice and prepare for the workforce both within and outside of health. Research projects will be supported with expertise from UNSW linked institutes and other connected organisations.

    • Dietetics Placement A
    • Dietetics Placement B
    • Health Research Project A 
    • Health Research Project B
    • Preparing for a Career in Health and Beyond

Future careers

The Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation will prepare you for a much wider scope of practice compared to traditional dietetics programs. In just five years, you’ll graduate with both a bachelor’s and an extended master’s degree, which will position you as an expert in the field. You’ll be highly sought after by employers, who are looking for graduates with postgraduate qualifications and a breadth of knowledge, skills and experience. This future-focused degree teaches you the principles of lifelong learning – we’re preparing you for your career, not just your first graduate role.

This unique combination of nutrition, dietetics and food innovation unlocks a wide range of career possibilities. The dietetics element of this degree will prepare you to work as a dietitian in hospitals, private practices and health organisations. The food innovation component provides career opportunities in the food sector such as food businesses (within food regulations, new product development and innovation teams), agriculture and food not-for-profit organisations. You’ll also be prepared for a career in consulting, advocacy, research, government roles, food marketing and food sustainability. 

Potential roles

With an Australian-first degree that combines expertise across three key areas, you’ll be primed to take on a variety of roles in health and non-health-related sectors. Below, you can explore the potential industries and roles you might pursue across the field of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Innovation.

Nutrition

  • Private practice or primary care nutritionist
  • Nutrition researcher
  • Nutrition communication and media consultant
  • Community nutritionist
  • Nutrition policy influencer
  • Author or online nutritionist

Dietetics

  • Dietitian in public health
  • Medical nutrition therapist
  • Nutrition program manager in allied health sector
  • Community health researcher
  • Consultant for state and federal health departments
  • Public health promotion officer

Food Innovation

  • Food product design
  • Food service management
  • Food safety regulation consultant
  • Food industry consultant for sectors including agriculture and manufacturing
  • Change implementation manager for creating sustainable food systems. 

Accreditation

UNSW has received Program Qualification from Dietitians Australia (DA) and will seek accreditation within the required timelines, with the aim of achieving accreditation prior to graduation of the first cohort of students. A graduate of an accredited dietetic program is eligible to become a member of DA and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. Full details of the stages in the DA accreditation process are available at dietitiansaustralia.org.au. Direct inquiries to the Dietetics Program Authority, Associate Professor Sara Grafenauer.

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$47,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$55,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$305,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


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Rashmi Jayathilake

Rashmi Jayathilake

Medicine Student

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