The Master of Human Nutrition is a 72-unit full-time coursework program which is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  The Master of Human Nutrition is offered only as an alternative award for students currently enrolled in the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics who choose not to complete that program.

Admission requirements

Entry to the Master of Human Nutrition is by transfer from the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics. To be eligible to transfer to the Master of Human Nutrition, students must have successfully completed at least 54 units of Years 1 and 2 of the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics program.

Course aims

The Master of Human Nutrition is a two year postgraduate course which offers an alternative study pathway for students who commence the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics but elect not to complete that degree. It ensures that such students are not disadvantaged and can complete a Master’s degree, which can lead to careers in such areas as nutrition, public health, health education or health promotion. Alternatively, students completing a Master of Human Nutrition may progress to postgraduate research. Students who complete the Master of Human Nutrition will not qualify to practice as dietitians and will not be recognised as accredited practicing dietitians by the Dietitians’ Association of Australia. They may be eligible for Associate Membership of the Dietitians Association of Australia or registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course, students will be expected to:

  • demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to analyse and synthesise complex nutrition problems, taking into account recent development in nutrition practice in a range of settings
  • reflect critically on theory and professional practice in order to arrive at innovative and creative solutions to nutrition and dietetic practice challenges
  • apply the principles of research and evidence-based practice, and advanced level communication skills to justify and defend nutrition professional reasoning and decision-making
  • demonstrate autonomy and self-direction in strategically managing her/his own learning and professional development
  • assess complex and controversial nutrition issues, and propose ethical solutions that take into consideration inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives
  • display exemplary professional behaviour that is consistent with the highest standards of accountability to the profession and community
  • enquire critically into nutrition and dietetic practice issues and, plan and execute a substantial project that demonstrates an advanced level of autonomy and scholarship.

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Human Nutrition a student must complete 72 units with a grade of NGP or P or better in each topic, according to the following program of study. Topics completed satisfactorily in the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics will be credited to the Master of Human Nutrition.

Year 1

 NUTD9160  The Nutrition Care Process  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9161  Communication and Nutrition Counselling  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9163  Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics  (9 units)
 NUTD9167  Food Service and Professional Practice (4.5 units)

Plus either

 NUTD9230  Research Methods and Critical Thinking in Human Nutrition  (9 units) OR

9 units of approved options * 

Plus either

NUTD9165  Research Project: Planning and Preparation  (4.5 units) OR

4.5 units of approved options *

Year 2

 NUTD4050   Intensive in Nutrition and Dietetics  (0 units)
 NUTD9220   Clinical Placement in Nutrition and Dietetics  (9 units)##
 NUTD9221   Community/Public Health Placement in Nutrition and Dietetics  (9 units)##
 NUTD9222   Food Service: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)

Plus either

 NUTD9230   Research Methods and Critical Thinking in Human Nutrition  (9 units)

and 4.5 units of approved options *

OR

 NUTD9223   Master Research Project  (13.5 units)

## Students may elect not to complete either or both NUTD9220 and NUTD9221, in which case they must select a combination of the topics listed below to the appropriate unit value:

 NUTD9145   Independent Studies in Nutrition (4.5 units)**
 NUTD9225   Independent Studies in Nutrition (9 units)

Other nutrition related topics may be selected with the permission of the course coordinator.

* Approved options

Public Health Topics:

 PHCA3512  Public Health: Frameworks for Change  (4.5 units)
 PHCA9501  Social Determinants of Health and Well-Being  (4.5 units)
 PHCA9507  Health Promotion in Public Health  ( 4.5 units)
 PHCA9516  Introduction to Cancer Prevention  (4.5 units)
 PHCA9518  Food Democracy for Public Health Practice  (4.5 units)
 PHCA9510  Leadership in the New Public Health  (4.5 units)

Self- Management of Chronic Conditions:

 MHSC8111  Managing Chronic Conditions: Self- Management Support Approaches  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8112  Perspectives on Chronic Diseases Management  (4.5 units)
 MHSC8114  The Persons Experience of Self Management  (4.5 units)

** This topic is also available as an option but cannot be undertaken more than once

Except with the permission of the Faculty Board:

  • The course must be completed within four consecutive years or, where credit has been granted for previous work, a period determined by the Board;
  • A student may not proceed to a higher year unless they have satisfactorily completed the previous year’s topics.

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or failure to complete the course within four consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University Policy on Student Progress.