Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics is a 72-unit full-time coursework program which is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The course equips graduates to meet the entry level competency standards specified by the Australian professional accrediting body, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study
  

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification which includes:

• at least the equivalent of 13.5 Flinders units (0.375 EFTSL) across the course of their undergraduate program in human nutrition and food science topics in the areas of basic nutrition principles, life-cycle nutrition and food science
• at least the equivalent of 9 Flinders units (0.25 EFTSL) in chemistry topics studied at first year undergraduate level and followed by
• at least the equivalent of 9 Flinders units (0.25 EFTSL) in human biochemistry topics studied at second year undergraduate level
• at least the equivalent of 9 Flinders units (0.25 EFTSL) in human biology topics studied at first year undergraduate level and followed by
• at least the equivalent of 9 Flinders units (0.25 EFTSL) in human physiology topics studied at second year undergraduate level
• a minimum of credit average

Applicants will be ranked for admission on the basis of their GPA.

The Dean (Education) may however, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The course aims to:

• produce competent and professional nutritionists and dietitians who are able to integrate and apply their advanced theoretical knowledge, skills and attributes to the promotion of health and the prevention and treatment of illness, through optimising the nutrition of communities and individuals, in a range of settings
• equip graduates with the skills required to conduct research and appraise the scientific literature to inform an evidence-based approach to research and practice.

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 and dietetic problems, taking into account recent development in nutrition and dietetic 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 and dietetic 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 and dietetic 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 Nutrition and Dietetics, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study. Students must choose between the Research Pathway or the Coursework Pathway.

Coursework Pathway

Core - Coursework Pathway - Year 1 topics

22.5 units comprising:

 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 13.5 units selected from Option - Coursework Pathway - Year 1 & 2 topics* listed below

Core - Coursework Pathway - Year 2 topics

31.5 units comprising:

 NUTD9230  Research Methods and Critical Thinking in Human Nutrition  (9 units)
 NUTD9220  Clinical Placement in Nutrition and Dietetics  (9 units)
 NUTD9221  Community/Public Health Placement in Nutrition and  Dietetics  (9 units)
 NUTD9222  Food Service Management Placement in Nutrition and Dietetics  (4.5 units)

Plus 4.5 units selected from Option - Coursework Pathway - Year 1 & 2 topics* listed below

Option - Coursework Pathway - Year 1 & 2 topics

 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)
 NUTD9111  Nutrients:  Role and Function  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9145  Independent Studies in Nutrition  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9166  Food Studies and Skills  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9225  Independent Studies in Nutrition  (9 units)
 NUTD9226  Public Health and Community Nutrition  (4.5 units)
 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)

Students may enrol in other relevant Masters level topics as options in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

* Students who do not have the equivalent assumed knowledge of NUTD2102 Food Products and Preparation and /or NUTD3107 Public Health and Community Nutrition and /or NUTD3102  Nutrients Role and Function will be required to do one or more of NUTD9226 Public Health and Community Nutrition (4.5 units), NUTD9166 Food Studies and Skills (4.5 units) and NUTD9111 Nutrients Role and Function as part of their option program. Other topics may be prescribed as options where necessary and in consultation with the course coordinator.

Except with 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 Board
• 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's Policy on Student Progress.

Research Pathway

Core - Research Pathway - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

 NUTD9160  The Nutrition Care Process  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9161  Communication and Nutrition Counselling  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9163  Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics  (9 units)
 NUTD9165  Research Project: Planning and Preparation  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9167  Food Service and Professional Practice  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9230  Research Methods and Critical Thinking in Human Nutrition  (9 units)

Core - Research Pathway - Year 2 topics 

36 units comprising: 

 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 Management Placement in Nutrition and Dietetics  (4.5 units)
 NUTD9223  Master Research Project  (13.5 units)