Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This double degree integrates core psychological science with foundational and applied nutrition science. You will complete introductory and advanced units in both disciplines, together with cross-disciplinary content that links behaviour, health and lifestyle.

• Psychological Science core: introduction to psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, biological bases of behaviour, abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics for the behavioural sciences.
• Nutrition Science core: fundamentals of human nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, human physiology, food science and food safety, clinical and community nutrition, public health nutrition, lifecycle nutrition, and applied nutrition practice.
• Research and professional practice: research methods and a supervised research project or honours pathway in psychology, laboratory work in nutrition, and professional placements or practicum units that provide industry exposure and applied skills.
• Capstone and electives: integrative capstone units that address real-world health challenges, elective options in areas such as sports nutrition, mental health and wellbeing, behavioural change interventions, and health promotion.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on successful completion of secondary education or an approved equivalent, with selection influenced by your academic record (such as an ATAR) and any university-specific selection criteria. Applicants must meet the university's English language requirements.

• Prerequisites and recommended subjects: science subjects such as biology and chemistry are recommended for the Nutrition Science component; mathematics and English are useful background for the Psychology component.
• Mature-age and alternative entry: ACU considers applicants with relevant work experience, vocational qualifications or pathways programs. Selection may also include interviews or supplementary statements in some circumstances.
• International applicants: must meet the university's academic and English language standards for undergraduate entry and provide certified documentation as required.

Career prospects

Graduates emerge with a strong foundation in both behavioural science and nutrition, enabling a variety of career pathways in health and community settings. Professional outcomes often follow further study or supervised practice depending on the chosen career.

• Psychology pathways: graduates may work in roles related to community services, research support, case management, mental health coordination and allied health assistance; many progress to honours or postgraduate professional programmes to pursue registration as a psychologist.
• Nutrition pathways: career options include roles in community and public health nutrition, food industry and product development, nutrition education, workplace wellbeing programs, and research. To practise as an accredited dietitian or receive certain professional registrations, graduates typically undertake further accredited postgraduate study and supervised practice as required by professional bodies.
• Combined advantages: the double degree is particularly suited to roles that require an integrated understanding of behaviour and diet, such as health promotion, weight-management services, chronic disease prevention programs, sports and exercise settings, and multidisciplinary clinical teams.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers a values-driven learning environment with a focus on teaching quality, practical experience and student support. The university provides access to specialised laboratories, simulation facilities and structured placement opportunities that help students apply theory to practice.

• Practice-focused learning: hands-on lab work, clinic-style learning and professional practicums that build employable skills.
• Support and community: small-group teaching, academic support services and career development programs to guide students through study and into employment or further training.
• Interdisciplinary approach: the combined degree fosters collaboration across health disciplines, preparing graduates for team-based workplaces and community-focused roles.
• Industry links: partnerships with health services, community organisations and industry bodies provide opportunities for placements, networking and applied projects.