Dietetics
Why study Dietetics?
Dietitians apply the art and science of human nutrition to help people understand the relationship between food and health. They have a key role in the management of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, malnutrition, food allergy and intolerance. Dietitians also work toward the prevention of many diseases and conditions through nutrition education, health promotion and advocacy. You will gain practical experience in clinical and other dietetic environments and study chemistry, human biosciences, public health, research, food science, nutrition and dietetics. You may complete a Bachelor of Health Sciences alongside a Master of Dietetic Practice in only four years.
Career opportunities
There is a growing demand for dietitians in Australia and overseas. Graduates are prepared for work in a range of fields including private practice, patient/client care in hospitals, health centres, nursing homes, community nutrition and public health, food service management, research, teaching and training, management, writing, media, marketing, public relations and the food industry (including product development, food regulation, safety, consumer nutrition education and nutrition marketing).
Courses
Local students
2013
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 93.35
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Dietitians apply the art and science of human nutrition to help us understand the relationship between food and health. They play a key role in the management of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, malnutrition, and food allergy/intolerance, among others. Dietetics offers many exciting career options - whether helping individual clients maximise their nutrition, or focusing on nutrition science or policy within a large organisation. To help students develop all the skills needed for their chosen career path, this course incorporates clinical practice, community health and food service components and a focus on interdisciplinary work with health sciences peers.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions - Prerequisite
- Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and at least 25 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical Education, or Physics.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on work experience and Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
- Costs
- A National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the professional experience placements in clinical and community settings in this course. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisations. Costs may vary depending on previous immunisations, approximately A$250 - $470. Accommodation and travel costs for professional practice placements may vary depending on the venue. Please note: costs are approximate and subject to change.
- Additional information
- This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.
- How to apply
- Apply through VTAC
- Professional recognition
- The degree will be submitted to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) for accreditation. Once accreditation is finalised, graduates will be eligible for full membership of DAA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian program.
- Full course details
- Health Sciences/Dietetic PracticeMelbourne
Bachelor of Human Nutrition
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 72.2
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Nutritionists help individuals and communities make the right food choices for a healthy diet. To do this, nutritionists consider the nutritive value of foods, the nutrients bodies need at different stages of development, and the role nutrients and diet play in health and in disease prevention. They can also do research: for example working on new food products, or examining the relationships between nutrients/dietary patterns and disease. However, they do not help treat disease through nutrition - this is the role of dietitians.
This multidisciplinary course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of human nutrition, as preparation for careers in various fields related to the promotion of health and fitness at individual and community levels.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and Chemistry.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 75 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Successful completion of Biology, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Physics facilitates an aggregate score 1.5 points higher per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
- Costs
- Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs of field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
- Additional information
- Modifications to this course to align it with postgraduate courses in dietetics are under discussion.
- How to apply
- VTAC
- Professional recognition
- Graduates may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for accreditation as a Registered Nutritionist. The course also provides prerequisites for entry into postgraduate courses, including those professionally accredited by the Dieticians Association of Australia. However, please note that entry to postgraduate courses is competitive and places are limited.
- Full course details
- Human NutritionMelbourne
Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2013
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice (062598G/071313F)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 28 390
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Dietitians apply the art and science of human nutrition to help us understand the relationship between food and health. They play a key role in the management of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, malnutrition, and food allergy/intolerance, among others. Dietetics offers many exciting career options - whether helping individual clients maximise their nutrition, or focusing on nutrition science or policy within a large organisation. To help students develop all the skills needed for their chosen career path, this course incorporates clinical practice, community health and food service components and a focus on interdisciplinary work with health sciences peers.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS (75%) PG2a) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;
TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;
TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 85 per cent final result in a course;
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 85 and at least two As including an A in English
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 89.30
International Baccalaureate - 31
GCE A Levels - 14
Hong Kong A Levels - 9
HKDSE - 2x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAA
STPM - 11
MICSS (UEC) - 2.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 5
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.9
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Year 12 Mathematics or Physics. Melbourne
- Additional costs
- A National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the professional experience placements in clinical and community settings in this course. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisations. Costs may vary depending on previous immunisations, approximately A$250 - $470. Accommodation and travel costs for professional practice placements may vary depending on the venue. Please note: costs are approximate and subject to change. Melbourne
- Professional recognition
- The degree will be submitted to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) for accreditation. Once accreditation is finalised, graduates will be eligible for full membership of DAA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian program.
- Full course details
- Health Sciences/Dietetic PracticeMelbourne
Bachelor of Human Nutrition (075872J)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 060
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Nutritionists help individuals and communities make the right food choices for a healthy diet. To do this, nutritionists consider the nutritive value of foods, the nutrients bodies need at different stages of development, and the role nutrients and diet play in health and in disease prevention. They can also do research: for example working on new food products, or examining the relationships between nutrients/dietary patterns and disease. However, they do not help treat disease through nutrition - this is the role of dietitians.
This multidisciplinary course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of human nutrition, as preparation for careers in various fields related to the promotion of health and fitness at individual and community levels.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent.
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe Melbourne's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe Melbourne's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies - 65
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 60.1
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 2 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCB
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 65
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- A minimum grade of 65 per cent in Year 12 (or equivalent) Chemistry. Melbourne
- Additional costs
- Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs of field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply. Melbourne
- Professional recognition
- Graduates are eligible for registration as nutritionists with the Nutrition Society of Australia. Melbourne
- Full course details
- Human NutritionMelbourne
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Dietetics placements
Students will undertake supervised professional placements in a variety of dietetic workplaces, including clinical environments such as hospitals; community care, food service and advocacy. The third and fourth years of the course include a substantial component of professional placement.
Alternative pathways
If you have completed part or all of an undergraduate degree at another university, apply through VTAC for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Dietetic Practice. If you have completed the first year of another course in our faculty, you may apply to transfer into the course. However, you must complete all first year course subjects before you can move into second year. Current LaTrobe students in another faculty may also apply for a course transfer.
We plan to offer a two-year graduate entry Master of Dietetic Practice from 2013 if you hold a relevant undergraduate degree and meet the entry prerequisites.
Dietitian versus nutritionist?
The difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist
In Australia, there is a distinction between the occupations of dietitian and nutritionist and only those who have completed a recognised course in dietetics can be employed as a dietitian.
Nutrition science involves the role of nutrients in growth, development, health and well-being in humans and animals. Nutritionists apply their knowledge of nutrition science and other sciences such as physiology and biochemistry to promote health and well-being.
A dietitian is also considered a nutritionist because they have studied human nutrition. In addition, dietitians have done specialised studies and supervised professional placements in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, evidence-based practice and food service management. These studies qualify a dietitian to assess nutritional status, make nutritional diagnoses, and implement and monitor nutrition management plans.
For more information on practising as a dietitian, see the Dietitians Association of Australia.
Overseas study opportunities
You may be eligible for our student exchange program.
Student profiles
Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Dietetics.
Dietetics events
There are no upcoming Dietetics events. Browse other events.
