The Master of Human Nutrition is a 72-unit full-time coursework program which is offered by the College of 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:
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 Dean (Education):
- The course must be completed within four consecutive years or, where credit has been granted for previous work, a period determined by the Dean (Education);
- 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.
