Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics postgraduate degree is structured to give you a clear, practical understanding of nutrition and dietetics from the ground up. You’ll study a mix of clinical, community and research-focused units, building your knowledge step by step and applying it in practice as you go.

Your core units include:

• Clinical Dietetics 1
• Clinical Dietetics 2
• Community and Public Health Nutrition
• Counselling and Communication for Dietitians
• Food Service Management
• Research Project in Health
• Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum Part A
• Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum Part B
• Research Planning or Epidemiology and Principles of Research

Across these units, you’ll learn how to assess nutrition needs, deliver evidence-based care and communicate clearly with different groups. You’ll also apply research skills to a project that reflects your interests.

In your second year, the focus shifts to professional practice. You’ll spend extended time on placement, where you’ll build confidence and start working like a dietitian in real settings.

With a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics from UC, you can work as an Accredited Practising Dietitian in areas such as:

• Hospitals
• Community health
• Private practice
• Government
• The food industry
• Media and education
• Research.

This qualification is accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA) and recognised globally, giving you flexibility in where your career takes you.

To apply, you’ll need:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in human nutrition.
• Two degree level units in chemistry.
• Four degree level units in human biology and human physiology.
• Two second year degree level units in biochemistry.
• Four degree level units in food and nutrition science.
• You’ll also submit a short statement explaining why you want to join the profession and what you’ll bring to it.

Before placement, you’ll need to complete checks and clearances, including:

• Undertake a National Police Check.
• Obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration.
• Provide immunisation history.
• Hold both First Aid and CPR qualifications.

Both Nutritionists and Dietitians work with food and health, but they’re not the same qualification or profession. Both play an important role. The difference comes down to the level of training, regulation and the type of work you want to do.

A Dietitian is a regulated health professional. In Australia, Dietitians must complete an accredited university degree and meet strict professional standards. Many are recognised as Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs), which means they’re qualified to work in clinical settings like hospitals, assess medical conditions and provide tailored nutrition therapy for people with complex health needs.

A Nutritionist focuses more broadly on food, health and wellbeing. There’s no single regulated pathway to become a Nutritionist, so qualifications and areas of expertise can vary. Nutritionists often work in areas like community health, education, research or the food industry.

If you’re interested in working directly with patients, managing medical conditions or becoming a registered practitioner, dietetics is the more structured pathway. If you’re more interested in general health, prevention or education, nutrition may be the right fit.

Read more in our blog, 'How to become a qualified Dietitian?'

To become a Nutritionist, you’ll usually complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health or a related field. This can lead to roles in community health, education, research or the food industry.

To become a Dietitian, you’ll need to complete an accredited dietetics qualification, such as UC’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetics. This includes practical training and placement and allows you to become a recognised health professional and work in clinical settings.

Nutritionist and Dietitian salaries can vary depending on your experience, location and the type of work you choose.

Healthcare and nutrition-related roles are expected to keep growing due to increasing demand for preventative health, ageing populations and chronic disease management. This means strong job stability and opportunities to progress. Postgraduate study can improve your earning potential. UC graduates in health consistently perform well for full-time employment and starting salaries, reflecting the practical experience you gain during your degree.

UC is #1 in Canberra for full-time postgraduate starting salaries with a 5-star rating at 91% (GUG, 2026).

In Australia, Dietitians generally earn more than Nutritionists because they’re qualified to work in clinical and healthcare settings. Early career Dietitians often start around $60,000–$75,000, with experienced professionals earning $85,000–$100,000+, particularly in hospitals, private practice or senior roles.

Nutritionists typically work in community health, education or industry roles. Salaries can start from $55,000–$70,000, with experienced professionals earning higher depending on their role and specialisation.

Postgraduate study is an investment in your future, and at UC, there’s support to make it more affordable. UC’s Master of Pharmacy offers Commonwealth Supported Places for domestic students, which means the government can subsidise part of your fees, reducing the overall cost (conditions apply). FEE-HELP is also available; an Australian Government loan that provides additional financial support. More information can be found on our Domestic fees and costs page. 

There are also scholarships available for both new and continuing students, helping with expenses like fees, textbooks, accommodation and living costs. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, you may be eligible for financial assistance. 

Visit our scholarships page to explore your options and learn how UC can help you afford postgraduate study.

At UC, we’re here to help you succeed! Once you’re ready to apply to UC, our process depends on your student type and course. You can find all the requirements, criteria and processes on the Apply to UC page.

If you have further questions or would like assistance with your application, we encourage you to book a consult to receive personalised guidance and support.