Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This honours bachelor is structured to give a solid grounding in human biology and food science, followed by applied and advanced nutrition subjects and a substantial research component in the final year. You study the physiological and biochemical bases of nutrition, nutrient metabolism, food composition and food safety, together with community and clinical approaches to diet and health.

• Foundational biosciences: human physiology, biochemistry and metabolism that underpin nutrient function.
• Core nutrition topics: introductory and advanced human nutrition, life-course nutrition, clinical nutrition and public health nutrition.
• Food and food systems: food science and technology, food composition, food safety and sustainability of food systems.
• Research and evidence: research methods, biostatistics, critical appraisal of nutrition evidence and an honours research project supervised by academic staff.
• Professional practice: applied placements, communication of nutrition information, ethics and interprofessional practice relevant to community and health settings.

The honours component typically comprises advanced coursework and a supervised independent research project, where you learn to design studies, collect and analyse data, and present findings in written and oral form.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) normally requires successful completion of secondary school qualifications or an equivalent qualification recognised by the university. Applicants with prior tertiary study or related work experience are considered through alternative admission pathways. For the honours stream (if taken as a final honours year), entry generally requires completion of the undergraduate degree in nutrition or a closely related discipline with a competitive academic record.

• Secondary school leavers: assumed knowledge in sciences as specified by the university; selection may be competitive.
• Recent tertiary study: evidence of academic performance in relevant subjects may be required for direct entry to honours.
• Non‑school leavers: mature‑age and pathway applicants may be assessed on prior learning and work experience.
• All students undertaking placement subjects should meet health, immunisation and any background check requirements mandated by placement providers.

Career prospects

Graduates with an honours-level Bachelor of Nutrition Science are prepared for a range of roles across health, industry and research. The degree is suited to those aiming for careers that require strong science and research skills related to nutrition.

• Public health nutritionist and community health roles in government and non‑government organisations.
• Product development, quality assurance and technical roles within the food industry and food service.
• Work in corporate wellness, health promotion and private practice as a nutrition professional (note: practice titles and regulatory requirements vary by jurisdiction).
• Sports nutrition support roles with sporting organisations and performance centres.
• Research careers and progression to postgraduate study (Master by Research or PhD) in nutrition, public health or food science.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a nutrition program with an applied focus supported by research-active academics and links to health services and community partners. The curriculum emphasises ethical, person-centred practice, evidence-based decision making and social determinants of health, reflecting the university's broader commitment to social justice and community engagement.

Students benefit from practical placements, small-group teaching in applied subjects, laboratory and research training, and opportunities to undertake an honours project that can lead into higher degree research or specialised industry roles.