Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation

The Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation program at UNSW is an Australian-first, combining studies in nutrition and dietetics with food innovation, to equip you with a holistic understanding of food: where it comes from; how it is made available to people; and how these factors influence people’s food choices, health and wellbeing.

You will begin with foundational training in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology and biochemistry. This is combined with studies in food and nutrition sciences, health communication, with hands-on food skill development in the middle years, and dietetics and counselling in the final years, to refine your skills in understanding how diet is involved in health and disease for individuals and populations, and the modifications required to prevent, manage and treat disease.

You will learn from experts in clinical care, public health, medical research, food business, food science, agriculture, food policy and law, and food not-for-profit and community organisations. You will practice your skills in our purpose-built simulation facilities and clinics and then, in the final year, you will complete a minimum of 100 days of workplace-based training in a variety of settings. A guided research project developing valuable investigative and evaluation skills will complete your training.

This degree has an embedded professional practice stream, where you’ll study with students from our pharmacy, physiotherapy and exercise physiology programs. You’ll gain an understanding of how different teams work together to improve patient outcomes, such as how and when to refer a client to another health professional.

As a graduate of this program, you will have flexible, career-ready, and cross-cutting skills that will enable employment in a range of food and dietetic-related businesses and organisations, both within and outside of the health sector.

As one of the world's top 50 medical faculties (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), UNSW Medicine & Health is tackling the most pressing health challenges and delivering results with real-world impact. Our undergraduate degrees will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills you need to thrive in the healthcare industry.

You’ll learn from world leading researchers, teaching staff and practitioners, and benefit from hands-on clinical training in some of Australia’s largest hospitals and health organisations. Join a supportive community focused on improving health outcomes for all and make a difference as you apply your skills to real patients and global health problems.

Visit the UNSW Medicine & Health website.

ATAR Profile: Some UNSW offers were issued based on the UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway with a lower ATAR entry requirement. Refer to the Admissions Information for a complete ATAR profile by degree.

Areas of study

Anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, food science, health communication, food microbiology, dietetics, food service management, inclusive eating practices, plus research skills, public health, and professional practice.

Career opportunities

Dietitians are employed in public and private hospitals, aged-care, disability and rehabilitation facilities, where they may work with patients or behind the scenes in food service or management. They work in community health centres, in direct client care and on broad public health projects. Dietitians are increasingly establishing their own businesses where they provide consultations to the public or consult to larger corporate employers. Importantly, dietitians work across the entire food system, from agriculture through to retail, either within the business or as a consultant. They may help guide new product development, work on reformulation of products and meals, or work with food produces to advocate for better access to fresh food, amongst many other roles. Dietitians may also function in a regulatory or scientific role and will be key to guiding food industry in areas related to sustainability. Job roles for dietitians may also be linked with research. This degree will set you up to be highly employable in many of these roles and will allow you to develop your career path over time.

Professional recognition

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Nutrition program, students will be able to seek accreditation as an Accredited Nutritionist from the Nutrition Society of Australia.

UNSW has received Program Qualification from Dietitians Australia (DA) and will seek accreditation within the required timelines, with the aim of achieving accreditation prior to graduation of the first cohort of students. A graduate of an accredited dietetic program is eligible to become a member of DA and join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. Full details of the stages in the DA accreditation process are available at dietitiansaustralia.org.au. Direct inquiries to the Dietetics Program Authority, Associate Professor Sara Grafenauer.

Practical experience

You will complete workplace observations, simulation training, and placements throughout the program from year 1. During the final year, you will undertake placements in food service management, community nutrition and clinical case management in a range of work settings. You have the option of completing an additional short professional interest placement, to develop your professional networks. Placement sites will be allocated by UNSW and may located in metropolitan, regional and rural areas.

Fees and charges

Refer to UNSW current fee information.

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

Double degree options
Double degree options are available in a number of UNSW courses.

Honours at UNSW
Studying honours offers a chance to develop your research and professional skills guided by staff who are passionate about research and the development of new researchers. Honours is an integral component of many UNSW courses or may be offered as an additional year of study to meritorious students.