Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science

The Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science is a foundation course that opens a variety of future career and study options for students. Successful completion of this course will allow students to either progress to further study or move into any one of the following career pathways:

• nutritionist
• health promotion officer
• project or research officer
• nutrition consultant Or opens opportunities to work in any of the following industries:
• fitness
• cooking
• community, state or government
• media
• NGO and NPO sectors

About this course

This course provides students with a deeper understanding of human nutrition while offering a clearer understanding of what health-related study options are available to them moving forward. The course is perfect for students from a broader health science background looking to specialise in nutrition science, or those looking at entering the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics program and need additional pre-requisites to gain access.

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• a completed bachelor degree in science, or a related discipline*
• two degree level units in chemistry
• two degree level units in human biology and human physiology

• a related discipline includes health, science, applied science

Assumed knowledge

It is highly desirable that students have knowledge in human biology and physiology.

Periods course is open for new admissions

The course is open for new admissions in the following periods:

• 2026: Semester 1, Winter Term, Semester 2
• 2027: Semester 1, Winter Term, Semester 2

Credit arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Course requirements

The Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science requires the completion of 24 credit points, including:

• Required units:
  • Food Science G (8252)
  • Nutrition Across the Lifecycle G (8254)
  • Nutrition and Disease G (8256)
  • Nutritional Science G (8258)
• Restricted Choice units:
  • Part A: Biochemistry G (6480) or Fundamentals of Biochemistry G (11894)
  • Part B: Human Biochemistry G (6481) or Biochemistry and Metabolism G (11895)
  • Part C: Choose 6 credit points from the following units:
    • Nutrition, Society and Health G (6476)
    • Human Physiology and the Lifecycle G (6484)
    • Research Planning PG (6486)
    • Regional Anatomy and Physiology G (7202)
    • Systemic Anatomy and Physiology G (7896)
    • Integrated Physiology G (11893)

Typical study pattern

The typical study pattern for this course is 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent, with a maximum of 4 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.

Course information

• Course duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning outcomes:
  • Demonstrate the acquisition and application of advanced knowledge relevant to nutrition
  • Analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources to identify and propose solutions to complex health problems
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand nutrition-related health issues
  • Communicate complex health concepts, ideas and information to both health and non-health audiences
  • Demonstrate technical and creative skills relevant to nutrition
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills with judgement and personal autonomy in a range of health and nutrition contexts
• Awards: Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science (GradDip NutritionalSc)
• Alternative exits: The Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition is subsumable into this course

Enrolment data

2023 enrolments for this course by location:

• UC - Canberra, Bruce: 4

Career Opportunities

A Graduate Diploma in Nutritional Science is a foundation course that opens a variety of future career and study options for students. Successful completion of this course will allow students to either progress to further study or move into any one of the following career pathways:

• nutritionist
• health promotion officer
• project or research officer
• nutrition consultant Or opens opportunities to work in any of the following industries:
• fitness
• cooking
• community, state or government
• media
• NGO and NPO sectors

Potential advanced academic pathways

Study a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics and go on to register as a dietitian with the Dietitian Association of Australia and open higher research pathways such as Ph.D., MPhil.

Professional accreditation

Students who have completed this program may be eligible to apply for the "Registered Nutritionist" credential with the Nutrition Society of Australia following a period of work experience (as required by Nutrition Society of Australia).