Course Overview

About This Course

Prepare for a career in nutrition, a growing profession making an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations locally and globally. Students who undertake the Diploma in Nutrition Science can gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, and potentially other health science bachelor degrees at ACU, or exit with the Diploma in Nutrition Science as a standalone qualification. The diploma helps you develop the academic skills and university experience needed to succeed in more advanced tertiary study, and it provides domestic students a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded). ACU supports you from start to finish, whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago, with smaller class sizes, tailored support as you transition to university study, and a range of student services.

To complete the Diploma in Nutrition Science, a student must complete 80 credit points of specified units over one year full-time or equivalent part-time in attendance mode. The eight units are Human Biology 1 and 2, Introduction to Nutrition, Culinary Nutrition Science, Foundations of Health Promotion, Essential Ideas in Chemistry, Communicating Ideas in Science, and Academic Literacy in Health Sciences. It is an AQF Level 5 qualification. On completion of the 80 credit points students can articulate into the second year of the relevant bachelor degree with up to one year of credit, and the diploma provides an entry pathway into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science and possibly the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science double degrees.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $9,258

Duration

1 year full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (for sub-bachelor entry programs, see Schedule 1: Eligibility ranks).
Domestic applicants are required to have completed the Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent. In addition, to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have also completed either the equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs, or entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
For current or recent Year 12 students, ACU states the pathway as Year 12 with a minimum ATAR of 50 (or equivalent), or entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
Indicative ATAR: 50.00 (Blacktown), 50.00 (Melbourne)

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate and must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements defined in Schedule 4 (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses).
International students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia), an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 must apply for admission through a local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and are assessed on their performance in those studies, that is, their ATAR or equivalent.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diploma in Nutrition Science can pursue careers in various roles related to nutrition and health, including nutritionists, dietary consultants, and public health educators. They may work in settings such as healthcare facilities, community organizations, and wellness programs, contributing to the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Additionally, the diploma provides a pathway for further study in related health science degrees.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Dietitians Australia (DA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Dietitians Australia

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

BIOD125

Human Biology 1

BIOD126

Human Biology 2

NUTD101

Introduction to Nutrition

PUBD102

Foundations of Health Promotion

NUTD102

Culinary Nutrition Science

DPHS100

Academic Literacy in Health Sciences

CHED113

Essential Ideas in Chemistry

BMSD110

Communicating Ideas in Science

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CRICOS code for the Diploma in Nutrition Science at Australian Catholic University?

The CRICOS course code for the Diploma in Nutrition Science at Australian Catholic University is 106764H.

How long does the Diploma in Nutrition Science take to complete?

The Diploma in Nutrition Science has a duration of 52 weeks.

How much does the Diploma in Nutrition Science cost for international students?

The estimated total course cost for the Diploma in Nutrition Science is AU$29,224, which covers tuition fees. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed.

At which campuses is the Diploma in Nutrition Science offered?

The Diploma in Nutrition Science is offered at two Australian Catholic University campuses: the Blacktown CBD Campus in New South Wales and the Melbourne Campus in Victoria.

Does the Diploma in Nutrition Science include a work component or foundation studies?

No, the Diploma in Nutrition Science does not include a work component, nor is it classified as a foundation studies course.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $68,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $68,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)Clinical Dietitian (Hospital / Acute Care)Community Health DietitianPublic Health NutritionistPaediatric Dietitian

Key Skills

Nutritional assessment and dietary analysisMedical nutrition therapy and clinical dieteticsMeal planning and therapeutic diet prescriptionEvidence-based practice and critical appraisal of nutrition researchPatient counselling and behaviour change communication

Full Course Overview

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