Course Overview

About This Course

Our Master of Dietetics provides you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a career in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The course combines theory and practical placements across the breadth of dietetic practice including food systems, community and public health nutrition, research and clinical services. Be equipped with skills to navigate complex and growing challenges, aiming to address inequities in food, nutrition and health and culturally-safe practice.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Casuarina Campus, Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT 0909

54-58 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN CITY, NT 0800

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in a health-related field (inclusive of biomedical science, science, health sciences, nutrition, food science and exercise science)
Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 5.00 in their bachelor degree
A written statement detailing: why you are interested in the field of dietetics; your reasons for undertaking this course; any relevant work experience and skills
Completion of specified prerequisite units evidenced in transcripts along with unit outlines from the year study was undertaken:
- 2 Chemistry units (0.25 EFTSL)
- 2 Biochemistry units (0.25 EFTSL) studied after the completion of chemistry units
- 2 Human Biology units (0.25 EFTSL)
- 2 Human Physiology units (0.25 EFTSL) studied after the completion of human biology units
- 2 Food and Nutrition Science units (0.25 EFTSL)
Applicants must complete the CDU Application Pack to identify which units they are using to meet the prerequisite units and upload it to their SATAC application
Prior to commencing work integrated learning, all students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check and Australian Federal Police Record Check
Depending on requirements of health and education departments, some organisations may also request students to meet immunisation requirements
English Language Requirements (Domestic): Minimum IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0; or equivalent approved English test scores
English Language Requirements (International): Minimum IELTS Academic overall 7.0 with no score below 6.5 in any band; PTE Academic minimum overall 65 with no score less than 58; TOEFL iBT minimum overall 94 with minimum 22 in each skill
The course has a limited number of places; subquotas are in place for First Nations and NT Resident applicants
Course transfer into the Master of Dietetics is not permitted
Offers cannot be deferred

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The qualification prepares you for a rewarding career in dietetics. Dietitians have the skills to develop and deliver nutrition and dietetic programs to improve health of individuals, communities and populations. Potential employment opportunities include: roles in hospitals as clinical dietitians; community and public health-focused roles addressing the prevention of disease; working in food supply and food industry to improve healthy food access, availability and affordability; working in food services in hospitals, aged care or childcare settings; and improving performance through improved nutrition in sport.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Dietitians Australia (DA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Dietitians Australia

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units12 units

DET501

Medical Nutrition Therapy 1

DET502

Medical Nutrition Therapy 2

DET503

Food Systems Management

Includes a 5-day on-campus intensive

DET504

Nutrition and Dietetic Counselling

Includes a 5-day on-campus intensive

NUT502

Nutrition Across the Lifecycle

NUT504

Food, Society and the Environment

NUT505

Public Health Nutrition

PHM526

Research Design

DET601

Dietetic Professional Skills

20 credit points; includes a 2-week on-campus intensive

DET602

Dietetics Professional Placement 1

20 credit points; work integrated learning/clinical placement

DET603

Dietetics Professional Placement 2

20 credit points; work integrated learning/clinical placement

NUT602

Nutrition Research Project

20 credit points; research unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many professional placement days are required in the Master of Dietetics?

Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 days of supervised professional placements throughout the course. This includes short on-campus intensives at CDU Casuarina campus and a full-time placement in the final semester. Full-time placements commence in mid-January before the usual semester commencement. CDU arranges all placements and has partnerships with health and community organisations across regional, rural and remote locations in the Northern Territory and other interstate locations, though students are responsible for the cost of travel and accommodation.

Is the Master of Dietetics accredited by a professional body?

Yes, the Master of Dietetics is currently accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA). A graduate of this program is eligible to become a full member of DA and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program.

What are the prerequisite subject requirements for entry into the Master of Dietetics?

Applicants must demonstrate completion of specific units in their prior qualifications, including: 2 Chemistry units (0.25 EFTSL), 2 Biochemistry units (0.25 EFTSL) studied after chemistry, 2 Human Biology units (0.25 EFTSL), 2 Human Physiology units (0.25 EFTSL) studied after human biology, and 2 Food and Nutrition Science units (0.25 EFTSL). This must be evidenced through transcripts and unit outlines, and applicants must complete the CDU Application Pack identifying which units meet these prerequisites.

How competitive is entry into the Master of Dietetics at CDU?

The Master of Dietetics is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer, as applicants are ranked. Subquotas are in place for First Nations and NT Resident applicants, and CDU will prioritise applicants residing in the Northern Territory and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

Can I study the Master of Dietetics online or part-time?

The course is available both on-campus at Casuarina and online, and can be studied full-time (2 years) or part-time (up to 4 years). However, regardless of online enrolment, all students must attend on-campus intensives (a 5-day intensive for DET503 and DET504, and a 2-week intensive for DET601) as well as complete professional placements as allocated by the CDU Placement Office.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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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