Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
With a goal to keep our populations healthy, the demand for more health professionals with a broad skill set is increasing.
The Bachelor of Nutrition provides the knowledge and skills to work in food and nutrition sector to positively influence health.
The Bachelor of Nutrition leads to work in areas including, health policy and research, health and wellbeing and health promotion to make a positive difference to health across local, rural and remote Australia and beyond. This course offers a pathway into master level studies so you can pursue a future career in dietetics.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as community health centres, health promotion organisations, government and non-government organisations, food industry, sporting organisations, universities and research organisations. Roles may include nutrition consulting, nutrition educator, health promotion officer, public health and policy advisors, food and nutrition programing.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
A Nutrition degree with CDU provides opportunity to start your career in health. With flexible online delivery and option to attend internal classes the Bachelor of Nutrition offers units of study to ensure you have the skills you need to work in areas of nutrition and health promotion, using your knowledge of food and nutrition to prevent disease and promote health in communities and populations.
Course structure
A nutrition degree includes study of diverse and relevant units encompassing topics such as epidemiology, cultural safety, research in addition to nutrition units exploring food and nutrition science, the role of food in society, public health nutrition and nutrition across the lifespan.
You'll study alongside students from other allied health science areas developing an understanding of multidisciplinary professions across the health industry. This course has an emphasis on understanding the challenges of working in diverse contexts of urban, rural, and remote communities.
There is a range of flexible delivery options which include online units, face-to-face tutorials, and for those balancing life, work and family responsibilities, there is the option to study this degree 100% online. The Bachelor of Nutrition offers flexible study pathways to suit your circumstances and career goals, including a standard 3-year full-time option, a 6-year part-time option for those balancing other commitments, or an accelerated 2.5-year pathway designed to align with entry into the postgraduate Master of Dietetics. There are also opportunities to access scholarships to support your study.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (22 units) | 220cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 220 credit points as per the list of units detailed below. HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) |
| Electives (2 units) | 20cp | Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from units offered by the University. Note: Students must NOT select a 100-level unit as a general elective to ensure course rules are met. Students are highly encouraged to undertake the following two postgraduate units as general electives. MAN300 Management and Strategy * 500-level units are only available by manual enrolment. To enrol, complete the Special Enrolment eForm via the eForms tile through the CDU Portal. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2027
HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion has been replaced by NUT101 Introduction to Nutrition. Students who have completed HSC132 should not complete NUT101.
NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice has been replaced by PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills. Students who have completed NUR256 should not complete PSY101.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
SCH102 has been replaced by SCH112 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. Students who have completed SCH102 prior to 2026 should not complete SCH112.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | GE = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | SCH112 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry (replaces SCH102 from 2026) | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SWK102 Communication skills | CO |
| NUT101 Introduction to Nutrition (replaces HSC132 from 2027) | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills (replaces NUR256 from 2027) | CO |
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MAN300 Management and Strategy | GE | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction | CO |
| NUT304 Food, Society and the Environment | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| NUT308 Nutrition Assessment and Dietary Methodologies | CO | NUT303 Food Science and Technology | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | NUT502 Nutrition Across the Lifecycle | GE |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| NUT101 Introduction to Nutrition (replaces HSC132 from 2027) | CO | SWK102 Communication skills | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SCH112 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry (replaces SCH102 from 2026) | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills (replaces NUR256 from 2027) | CO |
| Year 5 | |||
| MAN300 Management and Strategy | GE | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction | CO |
| NUT304 Food, Society and the Environment | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| NUT308 Nutrition Assessment and Dietary Methodologies | CO | NUT303 Food Science and Technology | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | NUT502 Nutrition Across the Lifecycle | GE |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | SCH112 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry (replaces SCH102 from 2026) | CO | SWK102 Communication skills | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | CO | ||
| NUT101 Introduction to Nutrition (replaces HSC132 from 2027) | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO | PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills (replaces NUR256 from 2027) | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction | CO | NUT502 Nutrition Across the Lifecycle | GE |
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | NUT303 Food Science and Technology | CO | ||
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| MAN300 Management and Strategy | GE | ||||
| NUT304 Food, Society and the Environment | CO | ||||
| NUT308 Nutrition Assessment and Dietary Methodologies | CO | ||||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | GE = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | ||
| HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO | ||
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills (replaces NUR256 from 2027) | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | CO |
| NUT101 Introduction to Nutrition (replaces HSC132 from 2027) | CO | SCH112 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry (replaces SCH102 from 2026) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | NUT303 Food Science and Technology | CO |
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | HSC318 Rural and remote health | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | NUT502 Nutrition Across the Lifecycle | GE |
| Year 4 | |||
| MAN300 Management and Strategy | GE | ||
| NUT304 Food, Society and the Environment | CO | ||
| NUT308 Nutrition Assessment and Dietary Methodologies | CO | ||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| NUT101 Introduction to Nutrition (replaces HSC132 from 2027) | CO | SCH112 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry (replaces SCH102 from 2026) | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills (replaces NUR256 from 2027) | CO |
| Year 5 | |||
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | HSC318 Rural and remote health | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | NUT303 Food Science and Technology | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| MAN300 Management and Strategy | GE | HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO |
| NUT304 Food, Society and the Environment | CO | NUT502 Nutrition Across the Lifecycle | GE |
| Year 7 | |||
| NUT308 Nutrition Assessment and Dietary Methodologies | CO | ||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2026
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
Share this course