Information on this page is for Australian residents
Course not available to international students
ATAR:
Lowest selection rank*: 85.85
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
4.5 years full time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Other
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
24 February 2025
Application due dates:
View How to apply
Apply

Overview

Become a dietitian working to improve the health of individuals and communities, with a Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics from Victoria University.

Our 4.5-year dual degree will give you the food-related knowledge and clinical skills needed to work in private practice, care settings and public programs.

Through coursework and hands-on experience in professional settings, you will become adept at delivering strategies that help people and populations make better food choices to prevent and manage disease and illness.

You will graduate from the Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics with highly developed knowledge to inform your practice, in these complementary, interacting areas:

  • human biosciences
  • food and nutrition science
  • nutrition and diet in health and disease
  • food service management for vulnerable populations.

Your health-science knowledge will be underpinned by well-honed interpersonal skills that allow you to translate the scientific research on nutrition, health and disease into practical advice for clients and colleagues.

The University has received Program Qualification from the Dietitians Australia (DA) and has sought advice regarding the processes for the accreditation of the dietetics program. The University is planning to submit an accreditation application within the required timelines, and aiming to achieve accreditation prior to graduation of the first cohort of students.

A graduate of an accredited program is eligible to become a member of DA with dietetics qualifications, and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. Full details of the stages in the DA accreditation process are available on the DA website. All inquiries regarding the progress of the program’s accreditation review should be directed to the University’s Dietetics Program Coordinator.

In your third year of study, you'll get hands-on experience developing and delivering group nutrition education sessions to the public.

In the final year of the course, you'll also complete at least 100 days of professional practice placement with our partner organisations, in medical nutritional therapy, community and public health nutrition and food service, meeting the competencies required to practise as a dietitian.

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice – online and in-person – and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • drop-in sessions
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

Careers in dietetics

A graduate of an accredited program is eligible to become a member of DA with dietetics qualifications, and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. Dietitians practise in a range of areas including:

  • private clinics
  • public health care
  • health promotion
  • nutrition education 
  • research positions.

Course structure

To attain the double award of Bachelor of Nutritional Science / Master of Dietetics students will be required to complete:

- 432 credit points of core studies

Year 1, Semester 1

Year 1, Semester 2

Year 2, Semester 1

Year 2, Semester 2

Year 3, Semester 1

Year 3, Semester 2

Year 4, Semester 1

Year 4, Semester 2

Year 5, Semester 1

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.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Exhibit safe, effective and professional practice in line with the National Competency Standards for Dietitians, and within ethical and legal frameworks including the Code of Conduct, and Scope of Practice for Dietitians;  
  2. Synthesise an evidence-based and highly developed knowledge of human biosciences, food and nutrition science, health and disease, food and food preparation methods to develop and deliver, client-centred strategies and recommendations to improve health and food choices of individuals, groups and/or populations across a range of practice settings;  
  3. Apply the principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to review the literature, obtain and apply information for effective evidence-based dietetic practice;  
  4. Justify appropriate methodologies in research, evaluation and quality improvement to undertake a project relevant to nutrition and dietetics, and disseminate the results;  
  5. Exhibit a range of culturally appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate nutrition messages with diverse clients and stakeholders;  
  6. Exemplify the ability to build respectful relationships and work collaborative with clients, colleagues and stakeholders, acting as a resource and promoting the profession of nutrition and dietetics; and  
  7. Critically reflect on learning from practice, and recognise the need for continued professional development.  

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:

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.

Inherent Requirements

'Inherent requirements' are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of a course. These should be met while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes.

You need to be able to demonstrate that you hold, or can acquire, the inherent requirements for this degree.

We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you manage circumstances that impact your studies – provided these don't fundamentally change the academic integrity of the degree.

Read more about inherent requirements.

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

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

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 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 25 in two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health & Human Development, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English (any except EAL) Mathematics (any), Health and Human Development, Physical Education or a study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 5 aggregate points. Overall maximum of 20 points.

ATAR profile

VU course code: HCND

VTAC course code: 4301011121 (Footscray Park)

Campus: Footscray Park

ATAR profile of people who received an offer for the Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics.
  ATAR
(Excluding adjustment factors)		 Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Highest rank to receive an offer 93.15 97.15
Median rank to receive an offer 80.30 89.10
Lowest rank to receive an offer 73.50 85.85

 

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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) in Health or Human Sciences (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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

Completion of at least two semesters of Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent) in Health or Human Sciences.
OR
Completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent) in any discipline
Second year entry:
Completion of at least two semesters of Bachelor of Human Nutrition (HBNT) at Victoria University.
Note: Meeting the minimum requirement for entry to second year does not guarantee entry. Places are limited and applicants will be competitively ranked based on their course WAM in their first two semesters of study.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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

Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 25 in two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health & Human Development, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Additional information

Accreditation requirements are that students undertake a minimum of 100 days placement in clinical practice settings (based on a 7.5-hour workday). These placements are completed in the final 12 months of the course and are fulltime. Placement locations will be throughout Victoria, but may include some that are interstate. There are three placements in clinical practice settings (110 days), and a research placement.
• HHN7001 Medical Nutrition Therapy Placement (min. 50 days)
• HHN7002 Food Service Systems for Dietitians Placement (min. 20 days)
• HHN7003 Community and Public Health Nutrition Placement (min. 40 days)
• HHN7901 Research Placement (min. 40 days)

To progress to placements students will have to meet a number of mandatory requirements. These include a National Police Records check prior to practice placements, and on an annual basis thereafter. All students must also have a Working with Children check prior to placements. Students must be prepared to declare their fitness to practice which will include physical and psychological health and have relevant immunisations prior to commencing placements.

Students must notify the university immediately if there are any changes to their status in relation to these and other mandatory requirements.

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this 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.

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.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

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 course code: 4301011121

VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.

Apply via VTAC

Special 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.

Apply direct to VU

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

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Get help

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.