Central Queensland University

What you'll study

The double degree integrates core nutrition subjects with psychological theory and research methods. Nutrition units cover human physiology and biochemistry, lifecycle nutrition, public health nutrition, food science and diet-related disease, applied dietary assessment and counselling skills. Psychology units include introductory psychology, developmental and social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, abnormal psychology, and quantitative research methods and statistics.

Across the program you will undertake practical laboratory work, dietary assessment workshops, counselling and communication practice, and supervised placements or community projects that develop skills in behaviour change and health promotion. The degree typically includes a research or capstone project in psychology and a professional practice component in nutrition or public health settings, allowing you to apply theory to real-world problems.

Entry requirements

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent, with an Australian senior secondary certificate (or recognised international equivalent). Selection is competitive and based on academic achievement; applicants without standard entry may be considered via alternative entry pathways.
• Meeting CQU’s general English language requirements; international applicants will need an approved English test score or recognised equivalent.
• Satisfactory background in science subjects (biology, chemistry or human biology) is recommended to prepare for the nutrition components; mathematics or statistics is recommended for psychology research units.
• Applicants may also enter via vocational pathways (TAFE) or receive credit for prior tertiary study or work experience where relevant subject equivalence can be demonstrated.

Career prospects

• Graduates are prepared for roles in health promotion, community nutrition, public health programs, wellness coaching, workplace health, and allied health support positions.
• Psychology training opens opportunities in research support, behavioural insights roles, case management, youth and community services, human resources and organisational wellbeing initiatives.
• For registration as a practising psychologist in Australia, graduates will generally need to complete an accredited fourth-year honours or a postgraduate professional sequence and meet the Psychology Board of Australia’s registration requirements; for accredited dietitian practice additional accredited dietetics qualifications are required.
• The combination of nutrition and psychology is well suited to careers in behaviour-change programs, chronic disease prevention, program design and evaluation, and roles in NGOs, government health departments, private practice support and research organisations.

Why study at Central Queensland University

• CQU offers flexible delivery with on-campus study at regional campuses and online learning options, helping students balance study with work and other commitments.
• Emphasis on applied learning: small-group practicals, supervised placements and community projects give hands-on experience relevant to industry needs.
• Students benefit from industry links and partnerships across health services and community organisations, providing networking and placement opportunities.
• Support services such as academic skills development, career guidance and learning advisors are available to help students transition from study to professional practice.