Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Be a change agent and help people make healthy food choices. Our graduate-entry Master of Dietetics provides you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a career in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Combine theory and practical placements across dietetic practice including food systems, community and public health nutrition, research and clinical services. Be equipped with skills to navigate complex and growing challenges; aiming to address inequities in food, nutrition and health and culturally-safe practice.
During our Master of Dietetics course you will complete 112 days of professional placements, including short intensives at our Casuarina campus and a full-time placement in the final semester.
CDU arranges all placements and has partnerships with health and community organisations across regional, rural and remote locations in the Northern Territory. You are responsible for the cost of attendance including travel and accommodation. CDU cannot guarantee placements near your residential location. You are encouraged to investigate scholarship opportunities.
Inherent requirements apply. Please read and understand the requirements prior to enrolling.
This is a high demand degree.. CDU will prioritise those residing in the Northern Territory, and/or First Nations applicants.
Professional recognition
As a graduate of our Dietetics degree, you will be eligible to apply for the Accredited Practising Dietitian credential following course accreditation with Dietitians Australia.
CDU has received Program Qualification from Dietitians Australia (DA) and has sought advice regarding the processes for the accreditation of the dietetics program. The University is planning to submit an accreditation application within the required timelines, and aiming to achieve accreditation prior to graduation of the first cohort of students. A graduate of an accredited program is eligible to become a member of DA with dietetics qualifications, and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. Full details of the stages in the DA accreditation process are available at https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/becoming-a-dietitian-in-australia/accreditation-of-dietetics-education-programs/accreditation-standards-and-processes/ .
All inquiries regarding the progress of the program's accreditation review should be directed to the University's Dietetics Program Coordinator.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
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
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $29,520.00. This equates to $3,690.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
What will I study?
Our Master of Dietetics comprises 160 credit points and offers a varied, international and evidence-based approach. During the course will be encouraged to collaborate and network with other students from around the globe whilst studying nutrition and dietetic challenges in a range of settings including rural and remote Australian locations, and gaining an understanding of Indigenous perspectives of food and health. You will complete 112 days of full-time professional placements throughout the course with a final full-time semester scheduled.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (11 units) | 140cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 140 credit points as detailed below: DET501 Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 |
| Research Units (1 units) | 20cp | Research unit totalling 20 credit points as listed below: NUT602 Nutrition Research Project |
| Course Total | 160cp |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a standard full time 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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| NUT502 Nutrition Across the Lifecycle | CO | ||
| NUT505 Public Health Nutrition | CO | ||
| DET501 Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 | CO | ||
| DET503 Food Systems Management | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| NUT504 Food, Society and the Environment | CO | NUT602 Nutrition Research Project (20cp) | CO |
| PHM526 Research Design | CO | DET601 Dietetics Professional Skills (20cp) | CO |
| DET502 Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 | CO | ||
| DET504 Nutrition and Dietetic Counselling | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| DET602 Dietetics Professional Placement 2 (20cp) | CO | ||
| DET603 Dietetics Professional Placement 3 (20cp) | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Dietetics is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nation and NT Resident applicants.
Admission criteria
> Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in a health-related field (inclusive of biomedical science, science, health sciences, nutrition, food science and exercise science);
> Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 5.00 in their bachelor degree;
> A brief written statement detailing the following:
- Why you are interested in the field of dietetics;
- Your reasons for undertaking this course;
- Any relevant work experience and skills.
> The completion of specified units undertaken in prior qualifications. This must be evidenced in your transcripts along with unit outlines from the year study was undertaken. Pay close attention to the study order sequence of the units listed below.
- 2 Chemistry units (0.25 EFTSL)
- 2 Biochemistry units (0.25 EFTSL) studied after the completion of your chemistry units
- 2 Human Biology units (0.25 EFTSL)
- 2 Human Physiology units (0.25 ETFSL) studied after the completion of your human biology units
- 2 Food and Nutrition Science units (0.25 EFTSL)
At CDU 0.25 EFTSL is equivalent to 20 credit points.
Essential requirements
Prior to commencing work integrated learning, all students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, and Australian Federal Police Record Check. Depending on the requirement of health and education departments, some organisations may also request students to meet immunisation requirements.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing work-integrated learning projects.
English language requirements
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below a 6.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 58 across all modules reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with a minimum score of 22 in reading, listening, writing and speaking. |
* 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.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
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.
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.
Share this course