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
| Offer year | Course title | Campus(es) | Duration | Semester starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice |
Melbourne
|
4 years full-time | Semester 1 (March) |
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice continued…
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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 are also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
| Offer year | Course title (CRICOS) | Campus(es) | Duration | Semester starts | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice (062598G/071313F) |
Melbourne
|
4 years | Semester 1 (February) | $26 500 |
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice continued…
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ for Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Dietetic Practice (PDF 358KB)
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.