Diploma in Nutrition Science
Course information for - 2025 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 3 locations
- Blacktown
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Blacktown
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 106764H
- IELTS
- Overall score: 6.0 with an Individual score of: 5.5 in all tests
- Fees (first year)*
- $26464
- Start dates
- February 2025, February 2026, February 2027
Overview
Prepare for a career in nutrition, a growing profession making an important contribution to the health and well being of individuals, communities and populations locally and globally. Students who undertake a Diploma in Nutrition Science will be able to gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, and potentially other health science bachelor degrees at ACU, or exit with the Diploma in Nutrition Science as a standalone qualification.
Undertaking the ACU Diploma in Nutrition Science will help you to develop the academic skills and university experience needed to succeed in more advanced tertiary study. Our Diploma in Nutrition Science provides domestic students with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded), and will help you achieve your goals.
We are here to support you from start to finish whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago. We ensure smaller class sizes, offer tailored support as you transition to university study, and provide a range of student services to help you succeed.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Diploma in Nutrition Science, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (for sub-bachelor entry programs, see Schedule 1: Eligibility ranks).
Domestic applicants are required to have completed the Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent. In addition, to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have also completed:
- Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; OR
- Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in Schedule 4 (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses) of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
International applicants
If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.
Find the equivalent qualification for your country
You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.
If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):
- an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for international applicants
International students who are enrolled in an English language course may be eligible for a pathway into the Diploma in Nutrition Science on successful completion of the course.
Further study
The Diploma in Nutrition Science will provide a pathway into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science. It may also provide a pathway into the following double degrees:
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3308
- Average first year fee: $26464
- Estimate total cost: $26464
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Staff Profile
Emma Stirling
Senior Lecturer (Nutrition and Dietetics) – School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Emma Stirling is a Senior Lecturer in nutrition and dietetics at our Melbourne campus. She is also an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and award-winning nutrition communicator. As Culinary Nutrition Science Lead Emma brings her extensive industry experience from the food, hospitality, media and health sectors to the curriculum design, teaching and research of this exciting new practice area. At ACU Emma is also responsible for helping drive partnerships and programs with a range of community, cultural and industry groups nationally and in the Asia Pacific region.
Bo Wang
Lecturer (Nutrition and Food Science) – School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Dr Bo Wang is a lecturer in nutrition and food science in the School of Behavioural and Health Science. He has a BSc degree in mechanic engineering and a PhD in food processing and engineering from China Agricultural University, China.
Before he joined ACU Dr Wang worked as a Research Associate at Guelph Food Research Centre, Canada, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Deakin University and Senior Research Scientist at Australian nutraceutical ingredient company, Nu-Mega Ingredients. His research expertise is in food processing and technology, nanobiotechnology and bioactive compounds extraction and stabilisation. Dr Wang is now using his academic and industry experience to teach nutrition science courses at ACU and enjoying research by mentoring and supervising postgraduate candidates.