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Course code I49

Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

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About this Course

A pathway to the profession of dietetics, this coursework Masters integrates theoretical and practical components across clinical dietetics, food service, community and public health and research.

Students are trained to understand and interpret nutrition science, assess nutritional needs, conduct research and give dietary advice for general health and specialised requirements, including medical conditions and improved performance.

Graduates are eligible to become full members of the Dietitians Australia (DA) and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. APD is the only credential recognised in Australia by the government and many private health insurers.

Students can choose from three undergraduate courses that offer a pathway to the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics: the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition Bioscience Major), the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Nutrition Science Major), or the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) with a recommended set of electives. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) are also eligible to register with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), gaining an opportunity for dual accreditation (ESSA and APD).

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course code I49

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $8,950

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

1.5 years : Full time or part time equivalent 3 Trimesters and 1 Semester

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

About this Course

A pathway to the profession of dietetics, this coursework Masters integrates theoretical and practical components across clinical dietetics, food service, community and public health and research.

Students are trained to understand and interpret nutrition science, assess nutritional needs, conduct research and give dietary advice for general health and specialised requirements, including medical conditions and improved performance.

Graduates are eligible to become full members of the Dietitians Australia (DA) and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. APD is the only credential recognised in Australia by the government and many private health insurers.

Students can choose from three undergraduate courses that offer a pathway to the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics: the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition Bioscience Major), the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Nutrition Science Major), or the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) with a recommended set of electives. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) are also eligible to register with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), gaining an opportunity for dual accreditation (ESSA and APD).

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course code I49

CRICOS code 0101100

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,600

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

1.5 years : Full time or part time equivalent 3 Trimesters and 1 Semester

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to have a Bachelor degree in a human bioscience area (including allied health, biomedical science, exercise and sports science, food science, health science, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy or science, or other relevant science-based degree as determined by the University) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65% or higher.

    The Bachelor degree must include Biochemistry and Human Physiology content, with Chemistry (0.25 EFTSL) followed by Biochemistry (0.25 EFTSL), and Human Biology (0.25 EFTSL) followed by Human Physiology (0.25 EFTSL).

    Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • International applicants are required to demonstrate English Language proficiency as specified in the current National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

    These requirements can be met through one of the following: 

    • IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking); or
    • Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
    • Completion of a Bachelor degree taught and assessed solely in English from an approved country. United Kingdom, Ireland, United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South Africa.

    Note: English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sitting and combined scores across test sittings.

    Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree from an approved country;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to have a Bachelor degree in a human bioscience area (including allied health, biomedical science, exercise and sports science, food science, health science, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy or science, or other relevant science-based degree as determined by the University) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65% or higher.

    The Bachelor degree must include Biochemistry and Human Physiology content, with Chemistry (0.25 EFTSL) followed by Biochemistry (0.25 EFTSL), and Human Biology (0.25 EFTSL) followed by Human Physiology (0.25 EFTSL).

    Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • International applicants are required to demonstrate English Language proficiency as specified in the current National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

    These requirements can be met through one of the following: 

    • IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking); or
    • Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
    • Completion of a Bachelor degree taught and assessed solely in English from an approved country. United Kingdom, Ireland, United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South Africa.

    Note: English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sitting and combined scores across test sittings.

    Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree from an approved country;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Year 1 - Trimester 1 (January - April)

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
NUT5112Foundations of Nutrition and Metabolism 15
NUT5113Dietetic Assessment15
NUT5114Public Health Nutrition15
NUT5115Nutritional Biochemistry and Pathophysiology15
Year 1 - Trimester 2 (May - August)
NUT5116Applied Food Science and Systems15
NUT6100Nutrition Research Skills15
NUT6101Medical Nutrition Therapy 115
NUT6102Dietetics Professional Skills15

Note: Students are required to enrol in NUT6101 Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 and NUT6102 Dietetics Professional Skills in the same trimester.

Year 1 - Trimester 3 (September - December)

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
NUT6103Nutrition Research Project15
NUT6104Food Systems and Dietetic Management15
NUT6105Medical Nutrition Therapy 215
NUT6106Advanced Communication in Dietetic Practice15
Year 2 - Semester 1 (January - June)
NUT6107Community Placement and Evaluation15
NUT6108Food Service Placement and Evaluation15
NUT6109Individual Case Management Placement and Evaluation30

Students who are not able to complete the I49 may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nutrition, subject to course coordinator approval.

I49|9

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • This course will be completed in both a trimester and semester format. Some of the practice components occur outside of the normal university semesters.

  • Students are required to undertake clinical, community and food service placements in the final semester of the course. Students who have a gap of 18 months or longer between completing relevant course work units and enrolling in placement units will be required to meet with the Unit Coordinator to develop a Learning Contract. Students who do not complete the Learning Contract to the required standard will not be permitted to progress to the Professional Practicum Program.

    Attendance requirements

    These full-time work placements may extend outside the standard university semester calendar. Students may be required to travel to placement sites or to relocate to a rural or regional setting for the period of the placement.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    Before undertaking any clinical placement, students are required to have a Communicable Diseases, Criminal Record, and Working with Children clearance.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Reflect critically on a complex body of nutrition, dietetic and nutrition science knowledge, research principles and evidence-based practice to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
  2. Apply cognitive and creative skills to demonstrate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in authentic situations.
  3. Apply communication, collaboration and advocacy skills to design innovative solutions in professional practice contexts.
  4. Use high level judgement and self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute strategic projects and operate in dynamic professional environments.
  5. Demonstrate global outlook with respect for cultural and ethical diversity and values.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Dietitians Australia (DA)

Graduates of this course are eligible to become full members of DA and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Year 1 - Trimester 1 (January - April)

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
NUT5112Foundations of Nutrition and Metabolism 15
NUT5113Dietetic Assessment15
NUT5114Public Health Nutrition15
NUT5115Nutritional Biochemistry and Pathophysiology15
Year 1 - Trimester 2 (May - August)
NUT5116Applied Food Science and Systems15
NUT6100Nutrition Research Skills15
NUT6101Medical Nutrition Therapy 115
NUT6102Dietetics Professional Skills15

Note: Students are required to enrol in NUT6101 Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 and NUT6102 Dietetics Professional Skills in the same trimester.

Year 1 - Trimester 3 (September - December)

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
NUT6103Nutrition Research Project15
NUT6104Food Systems and Dietetic Management15
NUT6105Medical Nutrition Therapy 215
NUT6106Advanced Communication in Dietetic Practice15
Year 2 - Semester 1 (January - June)
NUT6107Community Placement and Evaluation15
NUT6108Food Service Placement and Evaluation15
NUT6109Individual Case Management Placement and Evaluation30

Students who are not able to complete the I49 may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nutrition, subject to course coordinator approval.

I49|9

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • This course will be completed in both a trimester and semester format. Some of the practice components occur outside of the normal university semesters.

  • Students are required to undertake clinical, community and food service placements in the final semester of the course. Students who have a gap of 18 months or longer between completing relevant course work units and enrolling in placement units will be required to meet with the Unit Coordinator to develop a Learning Contract. Students who do not complete the Learning Contract to the required standard will not be permitted to progress to the Professional Practicum Program.

    Attendance requirements

    These full-time work placements may extend outside the standard university semester calendar. Students may be required to travel to placement sites or to relocate to a rural or regional setting for the period of the placement.

    Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

    Before undertaking any clinical placement, students are required to have a Communicable Diseases, Criminal Record, and Working with Children clearance.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Reflect critically on a complex body of nutrition, dietetic and nutrition science knowledge, research principles and evidence-based practice to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
  2. Apply cognitive and creative skills to demonstrate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in authentic situations.
  3. Apply communication, collaboration and advocacy skills to design innovative solutions in professional practice contexts.
  4. Use high level judgement and self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute strategic projects and operate in dynamic professional environments.
  5. Demonstrate global outlook with respect for cultural and ethical diversity and values.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Dietitians Australia (DA)

Graduates of this course are eligible to become full members of DA and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $8,950 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work across a variety of areas such as clinical patient care, community nutrition and public health, institutional food service, food industry, research and teaching, nutrition marketing and journalism, sports nutrition and consultancy/private practice.

Similar courses to consider

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science
    Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Nutrition Science) may be able to enter into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon meeting the course admission requirements.
  • Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)
    Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) may be able to enter into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon completion of a recommended set of electives.
  • Bachelor of Health Science
    Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition Bioscience) may be able to enter into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon meeting the course admission requirements.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $39,600 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work across a variety of areas such as clinical patient care, community nutrition and public health, institutional food service, food industry, research and teaching, nutrition marketing and journalism, sports nutrition and consultancy/private practice.

Similar courses to consider

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science
    Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Nutrition Science) may be able to enter into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon meeting the course admission requirements.
  • Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)
    Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science) may be able to enter into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon completion of a recommended set of electives.
  • Bachelor of Health Science
    Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition Bioscience) may be able to enter into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon meeting the course admission requirements.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Explore your options

  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate, Jayde Sedgman talks about her role as a sports dietitian working with the Fremantle Football Club, and what she enjoyed about studying at ECU.

  • Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics Therese O'Sullivan's research into dairy products for children has received global attention.

  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduates, Tristan Schwartzkopff and Amber Harland discuss some of the best things about studying this course at ECU, including the great facilities and the work placement opportunity.

Experiences

Explore your options

  • Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics Therese O'Sullivan's research into dairy products for children has received global attention.

  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate, Jayde Sedgman talks about her role as a sports dietitian working with the Fremantle Football Club, and what she enjoyed about studying at ECU.

  • Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduates, Tristan Schwartzkopff and Amber Harland discuss some of the best things about studying this course at ECU, including the great facilities and the work placement opportunity.

Student stories

  • Amy Thomson

    Amy Thomson

    ECU Master of Nutrition and Dietetics student

    Becoming a dietitian was the perfect career for me

    The clinical placements have allowed me to put all of the theory I've learnt into practice. My eyes have been opened to what working as a Clinical Dietitian involves and it has only made me more excited for my future career.

  • Lucy Butcher

    ECU Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate

    Making dietetics easier to consume

    Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate, Lucy Butcher talks about her role as a dietitian working with community groups, and why she chose ECU to upskill for her career.

  • Anna Addison

    ECU Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate

    Dietetics ticked all of the boxes

    Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate, Anna Addison talks about her role as a clinical dietician at Joondalup Health Campus, and the research project she completed as a student at ECU.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.