Overview
Contribute to a more equitable world through better food production and supply, with a Bachelor of Human Nutrition.
This health-focused degree gives you a solid foundation in nutrition, food, and related science subjects.
The Bachelor of Human Nutrition commences with a broad discipline base of 8 core units in nutrition, food and related sciences. In your second and third year you'll progress to more targeted study, acquiring further specialist knowledge and skills, by choosing a specialisation from the following:
- Biomedical Nutrition (minor)
- Public Health Nutrition (minor)
- Exercise and Nutrition (minor).
This will allow you to broaden and enrich your learning, diversifying employment opportunities, and enabling you to successfully compete in professional settings within the community nutrition and public health sector and/or pursue post-graduate study.
Practical learning & work placements
We offer extensive practical and industry experience. You'll complete a workplace or research-based project in your final year.
You'll also take part in:
- industry visits
- laboratory exercises
- computer simulations
- case studies
- interaction with community nutrition initiatives
- industry-based projects.
Progress to a post-graduate specialisation
Choose a career in the diverse food and nutrition industries, or undertake post-graduate study to specialise further:
- Master of Teaching to work as a science teacher (take the Analytical Chemistry minor)
- Masters of Public Health (Global Nutrition and Active Living) to work in international aid and development programs (take the Public Health Nutrition minor)
- Post-graduate dietetics programs to work as a dietitian (take the Biomedical Nutrition Minor); refer to the individual university entry requirements.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in human nutrition
Graduates are able to seek employment in areas such as, but not limited to, community nutrition, and the public health industry.
You will also have the opportunity to continue your studies through completion of an Honours, Masters or PhD research degree in an area of human nutrition, food science, or sports nutrition.
If you want to become an Accredited Practising Dietitian, you must complete a post-graduate program accredited by Dietitians Australia; this provides eligibility to apply for membership of the APD program. While entry requirements into accredited programs may vary between different institutions, you should complete at least the minor in Biomedical Nutrition in addition to your core studies.
Salaries
Use Labour Market Insights to find average salaries in Australia for various professions:
- community-development professional average salary, via Labour Market Insights
- health-promotion professional average salary, via Labour Market Insights
- health-services manager average salary, via Labour Market Insights
- science technician average salary, via Labour Market Insights
- quality assurance manager average salary, via Labour Market Insights
- production manager average salary, via Labour Market Insights.
Starting salaries for graduates may be different.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Human Nutrition, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
- 48 credit points of First Year core studies;
- 144 credit points of Professional core studies, and;
- 96 credit points Minor studies (2 x minors).
Course structure and units
College Core Units
-
- Unit code
- RBM1518
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBM1528
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RCS1601
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RCS1602
- Credits
- 12
Professional Core Units
-
- Unit code
- HBM2105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM3101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM3105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HFS2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHH1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHN2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHN2402
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHN3502
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHN3601
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HPC1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HPC1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBM1820
- Credits
- 12
Minors
-
- Unit code
- HMIPHN
-
- Unit code
- HMIBNU
-
- Unit code
- HMIENT
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Describe and integrate the science underpinning food and nutrition across populations and food systems; | ||
| 2. | Critically review, analyse and synthesise current scientific literature related to food, nutrition and health using a wide evidence base; | ||
| 3. | Evaluate evidence to investigate and propose solutions to contemporary, emerging and future-oriented food and nutrition issues; | ||
| 4. | Effectively communicate food and nutritional science at an appropriate level with both specialist and non-specialist individuals and groups; using written, oral and technology-based techniques appropriately; | ||
| 5. | Contextualise the role of culture, values, ethics and economic, social, regulatory and environmental factors in developing solutions to food and nutrition problems; and | ||
| 6. | Apply a broad knowledge base and solid foundations in scientific design and experimental methods to analyse predictable, unpredictable and sometimes complex problems, for the development of more equitable and sustainable global nutrition and food systems. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
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.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
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.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
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 for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a 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 for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
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.
Additional information
All students will be required to obtain a 'Working With Children Check' prior to commencing the 2nd year of the course.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
