Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Combining the Bachelor of Psychological Science and the Bachelor of Nutrition Science allows for greater insights into both areas. The Bachelor of Nutrition Science will focus on general health care, chronic disease management, Indigenous health and other emerging areas of need and students will gain an understanding of the science behind food and nutrition including human physiology and biochemistry. The APAC-accredited Psychology component includes lifespan development, biological, social and abnormal psychology, individual differences, psychological and research methods, as well as other areas of applied psychology.  Nutritionists working with chronically ill populations, such as with people with heart disease or Type 2 diabetes, will benefit from knowledge in the area of psychology which covers the motivations for eating behaviours, how habits are formed, ways to increase behavioural change, and empathetic and culturally appropriate communication skills.  Likewise, psychologists with a background in nutrition will be more insightful when working with eating disordered populations.

Areas of study

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, child welfare and development, chronic disease management, counselling, culinary nutrition, diet in health and disease, food science, health care, human biosciences, human resources, marketing and market research, psychology.

Career opportunities

Child welfare and development, health agencies, human resources, marketing, public health, food safety and regulation, food and nutrition communication, culinary nutrition, research and food product development, or fourth year study in psychology to pursue a career in psychology.

Professional recognition

This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia and undergoing scheduled re-accreditation for 2025 onwards. Upon completion of an APAC- accredited undergraduate degree, students who go on to complete Honours in Psychology will be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Please note that after completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree, a further minimum of three years education and training in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in Australia.

Graduates of this course are also eligible to apply for registration as a nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA).

Practical experience

Two units of workplace learning with an external organisation to gain 50 – 140 hours of work in areas across the food and nutrition industry plus at least 30 hours of community engagement. Before students begin professional experience for this course, they should review the mandatory state or territory legal and industry policy requirements. An overview of these requirements can be found via ACU Work Integrated Learning Search tool.

Honours

Available as an additional year to meritorious students who wish to undertake research training to make a contribution to scholarship and evidence-based psychology or nutrition science practice.

Fees and charges

Visit the ACU website for general information about tuition fees.