Microcredentials in Culinary Nutrition Science
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Duration
-
Each microcredential should be completed within a single study period.
- Fees (first year)*
$2198 Fee-paying
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025Applications open April 2025
UNMC593 (online theory) and UNMC594 (face-face practical) are available to commence in Professional Term 2, 2025 including online theory in January and intensive practicals for 2 weeks from 10-21 February. Applications close 12 January 2025.
See the course map for all unit offerings in 2025 – 2026.
Contact Emma Stirling Course Coordinator for further details emma.stirling@acu.edu.au
Overview
These microcredentials present theory and practical components in culinary nutrition science for continuing professional development for a range of professions from nutrition and dietetics, to general practitioners, teachers and culinary professionals. The theory microcredentials are delivered online, and the practical microcredentials are delivered in either face-to-face intensive mode in the commercial teaching kitchens of our third-party partners in Melbourne and North Sydney, or virtually. Successful completion of the one 5-credit point theory and one associated 5-credit point practical microcredential (equivalent of one 10-credit point unit) would allow entry into the Graduate Certificate in Culinary Nutrition Science.
The microcredentials are:
- UNMC593 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory (5cp)
- UNMC594 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical (5cp)
- UNMC597 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical - Virtual (5cp)
- UNMC595 Food for Special Diets in Practice - Theory (5cp)
- UNMC596 Food for Special Diets in Practice - Practical (5cp)
- UNMC598 Food for Special Diets in Practice - Practical - Virtual (5cp)
The practical microcredentials UNMC594 and UNMC596 are delivered face-to-face in Melbourne and North Sydney while UNMC597 and UNMC598 are delivered virtually with practicals completed in student's kitchens. Only one of UNMC594 or UNMC597 and UNMC596 or UNMC598 needs to be completed.
For further information on the specific microcredential units see Course Details -> Course Structure-> View Course Rules below.
Professional experience
There are two practical microcredential units: Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science and Foods for Special Diets in Practice
Accreditation
These microcredentials will be considered as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for professional bodies such as Dietitians Australia. Each year Accredited Practising Dietitians need to complete and log 30 hours of CPD. Clarification with other organisations about CPD requirements and recognition of the microcredentials is ongoing. The assessable aspect of the microcredentials will be an attractive option for students and organisations.
Course details
Course structure
Four stand-alone microcredentials can be undertaken individually or completed in sequence to allow entry into the Graduate Certificate in Culinary Nutrition Science. These microcredentials present theory and practical components (delivered face-to-face or virtually) in culinary nutrition science for continuing professional development for a range of professions from nutrition and dietetics, to general practitioners, teachers and culinary professionals.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
No admission requirements
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
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
Fees
Course costs
$2198 Fee-paying
Staff Profile
Mrs Emma Stirling
Senior Lecturer Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences
Emma Stirling is recognised as one of Australia's leading dietitians in the areas of food and culinary nutrition, plus effective nutrition communication and innovative thinking, and she brings over twenty years of industry experience to academia and teaching at ACU.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian with the Dietitians Association of Australia since 1994 Emma won an National Award of Merit for her pioneering work in social media for the profession in 2012. In 2018 she obtained the prestigious Advanced APD status. During her time working in the UK she was also a member of the British Dietetic Association and has international membership of the USA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) in particular the Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group.
Prior to joining ACU Emma developed and lead Australia's largest online nutrition degree and as course coordinator received a teaching award and achieved national recognition for online teaching best practices. She is also experienced in the design and delivery of experiential learning including an International study tour with a New Colombo Grant along with offshore teaching in Hong Kong.
Emma is co author of the textbook Understanding the science of food: from molecules to mouthfeel. This book is a first of its kind for Australia where previously American textbooks were used that are out of step with our food supply and consumer behaviours.
Emma completed a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) from The University of Melbourne in 1991 and a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics degree from Deakin University in 1993. She completed a Graduated Certificate in Higher Education Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in 2018 and is currently a PhD candidate.