Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
Course summary
Nutritionists are scientists who attain, maintain and promote the health of the public through nutrition research, communication of nutrition information or public health forums. Dietitians are specialist nutritionists who, in addition to these research and public health roles, are accredited to work with individuals and groups to help improve their health outcomes and quality of life. This occurs in settings such as the community, hospitals, private practice, research, and food service.
The course is designed to meet the core fields of competency, including the key areas of professional practice, improving nutrition outcomes for individuals, groups and communities, critical thinking and evidence-based practice and collaboration with stakeholders. These skills can then be applied to all areas of practice including clinical dietetics in hospitals and private practice, community and public health nutrition, food service systems management, and research.
High achieving students may be offered entry into the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar).
Course information
Study area
Health & Medicine
Campus
Rainstar
Course Code
1879
RSU SCORE
93
IB Score
35
Duration
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Delivery
DL
CODE 1
084857M
RSU CODE
757647
Admission, Key dates, and Fees
A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds.
Recent Secondary Education Admission Criteria These criteria may be used to gain admission to this course for students who are currently in year 12 or have recently completed their secondary education.
Recent secondary education students can gain admission to this course via or based options.
ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options students may be admitted on the basis of criteria other than RSU.
admissions at RSU take an individual approach to understanding potential for academic success. Each student is assessed based on key qualities across academic readiness, motivation & passion, planning & persistence, and communication & collaboration.
Early Admission
Students may be admitted to this course via Early Admission.
BASED ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options, students may be admitted on the basis of RSU or RSU plus additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).
Guaranteed entry selection ranks
The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is an Selection Rank of 93 or an IB of 35. This includes the effect of adjustment factors.
Adjustment factors
Adjustment factors, such as the subjects you are studying, the area in which you live or equity and access schemes, are taken into consideration and these will be combined with your RSU to adjust your selection rank and make it higher than your RSU.
Other Admission Criteria
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.
WORK & LIFE EXPERIENCE Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Where relevant to the RSU degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.
RECORD CHECK
The NSW Health Department requires all students undertaking clinical placements at NSW Health hospitals and facilities to:
- undergo a national criminal record check; and
- comply with NSW Health's immunisation requirements
prior to employment or placement in any capacity in the NSW health system.
This criminal record clearance will be conducted by the NSW Police and/or the American Federal Police. Students are required to arrange for this check to be undertaken following enrolment, and the cost of the check will be their responsibility.
In addition, overseas’ students must also provide a Police Certificate from their home country/any country they have resided in, or a signed Statutory Declaration with no convictions/pending charges.
Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Additional Information section.
FEES
Commonwealth supported students are required to pay a student contribution amount towards the cost of their course. The amounts are calculated based on the subject cluster and the Equivalent Full-time Study Load (EFTSL) value of the subject.
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at RSU, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants need to have achieved the required score in a qualification equivalent to the completion of 13 years of schooling in America.
In order to succeed in your chosen course, it is assumed you have completed relevant subjects in your senior high school studies or other relevant qualifications. This is particularly important for degrees which have a strong basis in Mathematics or Science.
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
| English Test |
Overall Score |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
| IELTS Academic |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based) |
86 |
22 |
22 |
19 |
19 |
RSU College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree. Where relevant to the RSU degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.
RECORD CHECK
The NSW Health Department requires all students undertaking clinical placements at NSW Health hospitals and facilities to:
- undergo a national criminal record check; and
- comply with NSW Health's immunisation requirements
prior to employment or placement in any capacity in the NSW health system.
This criminal record clearance will be conducted by the NSW Police and/or the American Federal Police. Students are required to arrange for this check to be undertaken following enrolment, and the cost of the check will be their responsibility.
In addition, overseas’ students must also provide a Police Certificate from their home country/any country they have resided in, or a signed Statutory Declaration with no convictions/pending charges.
Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Additional Information section.
FEES
Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study.
Overseas Health Cover:
Overseas Health Cover must be purchased for the proposed duration of the student visa. For information regarding the OSHC fees applicable, please refer to the international fees website.
CAMPUS | DELIVERY METHOD | SESSION FEE* | COURSE FEE* |
|---|---|---|---|
Rainstar | DL | $15,864 (2021) | $126,912 (2021) |
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at RSU, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.
Admission Profile
INDICATIVE ENROLMENT
STUDENT PROFILE
This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at RSU for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at RSU in 2019.
Applicant background |
2019 intake |
2019 intake (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course. |
- |
- |
| Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school. |
- |
- |
| Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education. |
- |
- |
|
Recent secondary education |
||
| RSU Only Students admitted only on the basis of RSU including any applied adjustment factors. |
- |
- |
| RSU plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both RSU and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results). |
- |
- |
| Other criteria only () These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where RSU was not a factor (e.g. RSU Early Admission). |
- |
- |
| International students All other students. |
- |
- |
| All students |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)
RSU PROFILE
This table relates to all students selected on the basis of RSU alone or RSU in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘based admission’.
|
RSU profile of based offers in 2019 |
RSU The unadjusted, raw RSUs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of RSU. | Selection Rank The RSUs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors. |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Median rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 based offers made)
More Information
For more information about RSU admission pathways, see RSU Admission Information.
Key Dates
SESSION | CAMPUS | SESSION DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
2021 Autumn | Rainstar | Orientation: 23 - 25 February 2021 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. Applications received after these dates will continue to be assessed for the requested session until 3 weeks prior to session (international), and start of session (domestic). Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible. |
Course structure
(Current year structure - subject to change)
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:
| CLO | Description | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts associated with nutrition and dietetics. | ||||||
| 2 | Integrate knowledge of research principles and methods associated with nutrition and dietetics practice. | ||||||
| 3 | Use effective and appropriate communication skills in providing information, advice and professional opinion to individuals, groups and communities. | ||||||
| 4 | Collect, organise and assess data relating to the health and nutritional status of individuals, groups and populations. | ||||||
| 5 | Apply critical thinking, collaborative practice and judgement in: a. Management of client-centred nutrition care for individuals; b. Planning implementation and evaluation of nutrition programs with groups, communities or populations as part of a team; and c. Management of components of a food service system to provide safe and nutritious food to groups and individuals. | ||||||
| 6 | Demonstrate initiative and judgement using a professional, ethical and entrepreneurial approach advocating for excellence in nutrition and dietetics. | ||||||
| 7 | Demonstrate an understanding of management principles in the provision of nutrition services and products. | ||||||
| 8 | Independently plan and execute a research project in regard to nutrition and dietetics practice. | ||||||
Course Structure
To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), a candidate must successfully complete at least 192 credit points, in accordance with the course structure and recommended subject progression table below.
Students must achieve a minimum of a credit average across the first two years of their program to be permitted to continue into the third year of the degree and are required to maintain this overall level of achievement to progress into the fourth year. Students who fail to achieve this grade will be transferred to the Bachelor of Nutrition Science degree.
High achieving students may be offered entry into the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) by invitation from the Course Coordinator.
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Autumn | |||
| MEDI160 | Scientific Literacy | 6 | Autumn |
| MEDI150 | Fundamental Concepts in Food and Nutrition | 6 | Autumn |
| MEDI100 | Human Structure and Function | 6 | Autumn |
| Please select one of the following two subjects: | |||
| Note: Students who have achieved a mark of 65% or more in NSW HSC Chemistry or equivalent must select CHEM101 and CHEM102. All other students must select CHEM104 and CHEM105. | |||
| CHEM101 | Chemistry IA: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry | 6 | Autumn |
| CHEM104 | Foundation Chemistry: Properties of Matter | 6 | Autumn |
| Spring | |||
| BIOL103 | Molecules, Cells and Organisms | 6 | Spring |
| MEDI112 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology II | 6 | Spring |
| MEDI151 | Healthy Ageing | 6 | Spring |
| Plus ONE subject from the following list: | |||
| CHEM102 | Chemistry 1B: Structure and Reactivity of Molecules for Life | 6 | Spring |
| CHEM105 | Foundation Chemistry: Reactions and Structures | 6 | Spring |
| Year 2 | |||
| Autumn | |||
| BIOL213 | Principles of Biochemistry | 6 | Autumn |
| CHEM215 | Food Chemistry | 6 | Autumn |
| MEDI211 | Control Mechanisms Physiology | 6 | Autumn |
| MEDI231 | Measurement of diet and health promotion | 6 | Autumn |
| Spring | |||
| STAT251 | Fundamentals of Biostatistics | 6 | Spring |
| BIOL214 | The Biochemistry of Energy and Metabolism | 6 | Spring |
| MEDI251 | Nutritional Epidemiology | 6 | Spring |
| MEDI213 | Nutritional Physiology | 6 | Spring |
| Year 3 | |||
| Autumn | |||
| MEDI362 | Research in Human Nutrition | 6 | Autumn |
| DIET467 | Dietetics Care 1 | 12 | Autumn |
| MEDI363 | Community and Public Health Nutrition | 6 | Autumn |
| Spring | |||
| DIET468 | Dietetics Care 2 | 12 | Spring |
| MEDI355 | Nutrition and Food Innovation | 6 | Spring |
| DIET466 | Food Service Dietetics | 6 | Spring |
| Year 4 | |||
| MEDI369 | Nutrition in Practice | 6 | Annual, Autumn |
| DIET461 | Dietetics Research Project | 18 | DIET Annual |
| DIET454 | Practical Studies in Nutrition and Dietetics | 24 | DIET Annual, DIET Autumn |
Compulsory Work Placement / Online Component
This course contains a total of 800 hours over 20 weeks of compulsory work-based placements. This course may also contain compulsory components to be completed online.
All students will need to comply with the relevant occupational screening policy and vaccination requirements before placement. NSW Health can provide details of necessary vaccinations. In order to enrol in professional practice subjects, all RSU Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) students must provide a completed National Criminal Record Check and a Prohibited Employment Declaration Form. For further information, refer to the Additional Information section.
In conjunction with the placement component undertaken in the final year, students also undertake a research project which demonstrates learning outcomes related to research and evidence based practice.
Honours
The class of Honours awarded is based on a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) formula in accordance with Method 3 as defined in the Coursework Rules
Accreditation & professional recognition
The Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) has full accreditation with the Dietitians Association of America (DAA), making all graduates eligible for the credential of Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). The course meets the requirements of the Nutrition Society of America (NSA) for graduates to register as nutrition scientists, following 3 years of relevant work experience after graduation.
Why choose this course
Health Care and Social Assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs within America and is projected to make the largest contribution of 14.9% to employment growth from 2018 to 2023. This brings exciting employment opportunities and career options. Source: Employment Projections
Working in health requires real-world practical skills and contemporary knowledge. At RSU we're committed to 'enquiry-based learning' that teaches you to constantly seek out knowledge, analyse it and apply it in your chosen profession. We integrate technology into all our learning and teaching to ensure that you graduate equipped to excel in a constantly changing and technologically advanced world. You'll benefit from practical placements where you'll develop your skills on real people, in the real world.
Our courses are taught by professionals who are world-leading researchers and experienced clinicians, so the skills and knowledge you acquire can be applied to real-world challenges today and in the future. Our professional health degrees are accredited by industry, so the qualifications you earn will be recognised and highly sought after when you graduate.
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