Program Overview
Victoria University's Undergraduate Certificate in Diet and Health provides a solid foundation in nutrition and health within six months. Through core units in human nutrition, physiology, diet-related diseases, and sports nutrition, students gain knowledge to pursue careers in community health, education, healthcare, and sports nutrition. The VU Block Model® and workshop-style classes facilitate concentrated learning and practical skill development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Undergraduate Certificate in Diet and Health from Victoria University aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in nutrition and health to pursue careers in the field.
- Objectives:
- Provide a recognized qualification within six months.
- Impart knowledge in human physiology, evidence-based dietary guidelines, nutrient roles, and the impact of exercise on nutritional requirements.
- Prepare students for further studies in human nutrition, nutritional science, and dietetics.
Outline:
- Program Structure:
- Core Units:
- Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food: Explores the principles of nutrition, food composition, and the relationship between diet and health.
- Human Physiology 1: Provides an understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of the human body, with a focus on organ systems relevant to nutrition.
- Diet & Disease: Examines the role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Teaching:
- VU Block Model®: This award-winning teaching approach involves completing one subject at a time over four weeks, allowing for concentrated learning and faster feedback.
- Workshop-style Classes: Emphasizes practical skills development and peer collaboration.
- Learning Hub: Provides personalized support through mentoring, study sessions, and access to digital learning modules.
Careers:
Graduates may pursue careers in:
- Community health promotion
- Education and outreach
- Public health initiatives
- Healthcare settings
- Sports nutrition and fitness
- Further studies in nutrition science and dietetics
For more than 100 years, Victoria University (VU) has offered accessible education to students in Melbourne’s west and beyond. Victoria University aims to continue creating positive outcomes for education, industry and our community into the future.
Services
Housing services
Victoria University is pleased to offer guaranteed accommodation to new and continuing full-time domestic and international students. This offer is in partnership with UniLodge, our accommodation provider.
UniLodge Victoria University offers modern purpose-built student accommodation apartments in Footscray with excellent facilities and a community environment – all within a short walking distance to classes!
Library services
Our online resources are available 24 hours a day from wherever you are. You can also visit any of our seven campus libraries for help with your information needs, access to a PC or a quiet place to study.
Student Life
Campus life
Victoria University has campuses across Melbourne's CBD and western suburbs. International students can also choose to study at VU Sydney, VU India or partner institutions overseas.
Our flagship campus is located in Footscray - study with us in Melbourne's western cultural and creative epicentre.
- City Flinders
- City Flinders Lane
- City King
- City Queen
- Footscray Nicholson
- Footscray Park
- St Albans
- Sunshine
- Werribee
- VU at MetroWest (Footscray)
- VU Sydney
Sports facilities
There are plenty of options for staff and students wanting to join a sporting club and play in local competitions.
Joining a Victoria University sport club helps keep you fit while doing something you love. You will also get to meet new people and maybe do some travelling too.
Student clubs
VU organises a range of activities on- and off-campus, including:
- Orientation Parties
- Annual Ball
- Mental Health training (subsidised)
- Be a Better Human Festival
- De-stress Festival
- Queernival
Entry Requirements:
Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’. You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.
ATAR requirements
No minimum ATAR required This course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. Read the entry criteria for this course below.
Why ATAR is not applicable
You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course. Instead, you need to have successfully completed secondary school and to meet any requirements outlined below. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their ATAR, age, education or socioeconomic background.
Entry criteria
Minimum entry criteria include:
- English-language requirements
- academic requirements. Your work and life experience will also be considered. To find specific entry requirements for this course, please select the section below that is most relevant to you.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
This information is relevant if, in the 2 years prior to studying with us, you have completed (or will complete) one of the following:
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE)
- an Australian or overseas equivalent to VCE
- an International Baccalaureate (IB). Admission criteria
- Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4:
- a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English. PLUS:
- A study score of at least 20 in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health & Human Development, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.
Applicants with vocational education & training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is relevant if you have completed an accredited award (such as a certificate or diploma) at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE, polytechnic or other registered VET institute). Admission criteria
- Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). OR:
- Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is relevant if you’ve previously completed all or part of a university or other higher-education course. Admission criteria
- Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR:
- Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR:
- Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is relevant if you left secondary school more than two years ago and haven’t studied since. Admission criteria
- Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health Services, Training & Development or similar. OR:
- Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago. PLUS:
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English. AND:
- A study score of at least 20 in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health & Human Development, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.
Special entry programs
Special admission programs If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily. Learn more about special admission programs VU Guaranteed If you’re currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Guaranteed program offers a guaranteed place in a university or TAFE course, before your final Year 12 exams. Learn more about VU Guaranteed
Credit & Entry pathways into this course
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, there may be an alternative study ‘pathway’ to achieving your goal. In some cases, you may receive credit for your previous study or work experience, reducing the time it takes to complete your course. You’ll find information about any pathways to higher qualifications that may be available to you after completing this course under the ‘careers’ section of this page. Find out more about pathways at VU.
Credit for skills & past study
If you have completed study with another university or institution you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past study. Use our credit calculator to find out what credit you may be eligible for based on your previous studies. Note that if your previous study can’t be found through the credit calculator, you may still be eligible for credit. calculate your credit Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Past academic performance may be considered.
