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.

A degree in dietetics is essential for practice as a dietitian. We plan to offer a two-year Master of Dietetic Practice in 2013 to graduates seeking to qualify as a dietitian. You must have completed a relevant bachelor degree and meet the prerequisites in biochemistry, physiology and human nutrition. Gain valuable practical experience in clinical and other dietetic environments. Study public health, research, food service, nutrition and dietetics.

Career opportunities

There is a growing demand for dietitians in Australia and overseas. You may work in a range of fields including patient/client care in hospitals, health centres, nursing homes and private practice; 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

Dietetics courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Master of Dietetic Practice Melbourne
2 years full-time Semester 1 (March)

Master of Dietetic Practice continued…

Course description
The Master of Dietetic Practice aims to give students with a relevant first degree the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification as a dietitian. Dietitians have a key role in the nutrition management of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, malnutrition, food allergies and intolerance. Dietitians also work toward the prevention of many diseases and conditions through nutrition education, health promotion and advocacy. Graduates work in all areas of dietetics, including hospitals, private practice, community health and the food industry.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in a health or science related area, normally awarded no more than five years ago (or subsequent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience). Applicants must have obtained a grade point average of at least 5.0 (credit average or above) in their most recently completed undergraduate degree to be eligible to apply. Subject prerequisites in the Bachelor's degree or postgraduate course, or taken as single subject (non-award) studies are:
- Two full semester subjects of human physiology at second year tertiary level or higher
- Two full semester subjects of biochemistry at second year tertiary level or higher
- Two full semester subjects of human nutrition science at any tertiary level.

Note: Each subject must be equivalent to at least 0.125 Effective Full-time Study Unit (EFTSU). Prerequisite subjects specified to be at second year tertiary level or higher must be at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 6 or higher or equivalent.

Biochemistry studies must have included fundamentals of molecular biology, protein structure and function, cellular metabolism and regulation, energy and macronutrient metabolism.

Physiology studies must have included systemic physiology and/or pathophysiology, including homeostatic mechanisms and at least six of the following eight systems: body defences (immune system), gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and nervous systems.

Nutrition science must have included macronutrients and micronutrients (food sources, metabolism, storage and function), principles of energy balance, nutrient analysis of foods and aetiology of nutrition-related diseases.
Extra requirements
All applicants must download and complete the Supplementary Information Form from: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/health and submit it alongside subject outlines for completed studies in prerequisite subjects as per address details on the form. All applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online. Interview (some applicants only): Details will be provided to required applicants via telephone or mail, and will be held in November/December.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS: Students must comply with the Clinical and Professional Placements policy (see institutional page).
Middle band

Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Places subject to competitive selection; full fee places are also available
Fee amount
$23,600
Additional costs
Accommodation and travel costs for professional practice placements may vary depending on the venue. A kitchen chemistry and safety kit will cost approximately A$120. A National Police Check will cost approximately A$15.50 per year, and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the professional placements in clinical and community settings in this course.
Additional information
No deferral is available for this course. Classes, placement attendance and/or assessments may take place outside of the normal teaching periods for semester 1 and semester 2.

Applicants may be required to undertake a bridging program prior to the commencement of the course, depending on content and scope of prior study.
How to apply
Apply through VTAC. Applicants should check the 2013 VTAC Guide for all requirements regarding applying. Applicants must complete and submit a VTAC PI form (if they want other information to be considered in the selection process), a Supplementary Information Form regarding essential and desirable prerequisites, and relevant work/voluntary experience. Applicants must submit evidence of completed prerequisite subjects (see handbook subject descriptions for essential prerequisites).
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 the DAA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian program.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Dietetic Practice (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Dietetics international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Master of Dietetic Practice (071313F) Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 (March) $28 390

Master of Dietetic Practice continued…

Year
2013
Course description
The Master of Dietetic Practice aims to give students with a relevant first degree the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification as a dietitian. Dietitians have a key role in the nutrition management of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, malnutrition, food allergies and intolerance. Dietitians also work toward the prevention of many diseases and conditions through nutrition education, health promotion and advocacy. Graduates work in all areas of dietetics, including hospitals, private practice, community health and the food industry.
English Language Requirements
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 20; W27;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne;

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.
Academic entry requirements
Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in a health or science related area normally awarded no more than five years ago (or subsequent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience). Applicants must have obtained a grade point average of at 5.0 (credit average or above) in their most recently completed university undergraduate degree to be eligible to apply. Subject prerequisites in the Bachelor's degree or postgraduate course, or taken as single subject (non-award) studies are: two full semester subjects of human physiology at second year tertiary level or higher, two full semester subjects of biochemistry at second year tertiary level or higher and two full semester subjects of human nutrition science at any tertiary level.

Please note each subject must be equivalent to at least 0.125 Effective Full-time Study Units (EFTSU). Prerequisite subjects specified to be at second year tertiary level or higher must be at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 6 or higher or equivalent.
Biochemistry studies must have included fundamentals of molecular biology; protein structure and function; cellular metabolism and regulation; energy and macronutrient metabolism.

Physiology studies of applicants must have included systemic physiology and or pathophysiology including homeostatic mechanisms and at least six of the following eight systems: body defences (immune system); gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and nervous systems.

Nutrition science studies of applicants must have included macronutrients and micronutrients (food sources, metabolism, storage and function); principles of energy balance; nutrient analysis of foods and aetiology of nutrition-related diseases.
Additional costs
Accommodation and travel costs for professional practice placements may vary depending on the venue. A kitchen chemistry and safety kit will cost approximately A$120. A National Police Check will cost approximately A$15.50 per year, and a Working with Children Check (no cost) are required for the professional placements in clinical and community settings in this course.
Professional recognition
The faculty has applied to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) for accreditation of the new degree. Once accreditation is finalised, graduates will be eligible for full membership of DAA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian program.The faculty has applied to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) for accreditation of the new degree. Once accreditation is finalised, graduates will be eligible for full membership of DAA and the Accredited Practising Dietitian program.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Dietetic Practice (Master)Melbourne

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

Both years of the degree include substantial professional placement in dietetic workplaces including clinical environments such as hospitals, community care, food service and advocacy.

Alternative pathways

If you do not meet the prerequisites for the Master of Dietetic Practice, you may take the necessary units as single subjects with us or another university.

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

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