Master of Dietetics

Overview

This course prepares students to be eligible to practice as Accredited Practicing Dietitians (APDs) in evolving work environments.

It empowers students to develop their competencies in traditional areas of nutrition and dietetic practice: clinical practice, community and public health nutrition and food service management, as well as the emerging and growing fields of private practice and consultancy that require entrepreneurship, systems thinking, innovation and leadership.

Grounded in evidence-based practice, the Master of Dietetics prepares students for employment and diverse careers across the food and nutrition, health, education and corporate sectors.

Learning outcomes: Aims and objectives

On successful completion of this program the learner will be able to:

• Perform professional practice that is reflective, safe, ethical, legal, and culturally responsive, consistent with the expectations of the nutrition and dietetic profession, the broader community, and the unique cultural needs and standpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Lead, advocate for, and build capacity in individuals and communities, including First Nations societies, to enhance nutritional status, health, and wellbeing in diverse practice settings while respecting and incorporating their cultural traditions and values.
• Apply the nutrition care process for individuals, groups and populations utilising systems thinking and co-design principles, including nutrition assessment, diagnosis, intervention planning and monitoring/evaluation processes.
• Influence food systems to improve the nutritional status and wellbeing of clients and communities, with a particular focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities present in First Nations societies.
• Apply research and evaluation competencies in evidence-based nutrition and dietetic practice, that includes the translation of research evidence to practice improvement, innovation and quality assurance across varied practice contexts.
• Utilise high level communication, collaboration and educational skills that are culturally competent.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be ready to take on roles in a range of areas, including clinical practice, community and public health, corporate and digital health, nutrigenomics, aged care, nutrition, food service management, sport and fitness, food sustainability and research.

Professional recognition

This program is currently accredited by the Australian Dietetic Council. A graduate of this program is eligible to become a full member of Dietitians Australia and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. The University is required to maintain a current accreditation status as outlined in the Dietitians Australia accreditation process.

A graduate of a program accredited by Dietitians Australia is eligible to become a full Dietitians Australia member and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program. APDs are required to undertake prescribed levels of professional development each year and comply with the Dietitians Australia Code of Professional Conduct. Eligibility for APD status, or current APD status is a prerequisite of many dietetic positions in Australia. APD status is required for a Medicare or Department of Veterans Affairs provider number and for provider status with many private health insurers.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Master of Dietetics, students must complete 200 credit points comprising:

• twelve (12) core units of study (150cp)
• four (4) professional placement units of study (50cp).
   

It is a mandated requirement of Dietitians Australia as part of the “Accreditation Standards for Dietetics Education Programs” that all students undertake a minimum of 100 days of professional placements. 

Students are advised that eligibility for professional accreditation as APD requires the successful completion of all placements. Units are taken in a sequence so that students build knowledge, skills and attributes in preparation for each of the professional placements. As a result, students must enrol full-time.

Professional placements

It is a mandated requirement of the Australian Dietetic Council as part of the “Accreditation Standards for Dietetics Education Programs” that all students undertake a minimum of 100 days of professional placements. 

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Dietetics is 100 credit points (normally eight units).

Accreditation placements

Accredited placements are structured opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. These placements are part of academic programs and are recognised by educational institutions, enhancing the credibility of the experience. They provide a valuable bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing participants to develop essential skills, network with industry professionals, and enhance their employability. 

Students undertaking the Bachelor of Dietetics accreditation placement are subject to fees requirements and must obtain the following:

• uniform
• police check
• working with children check (WWCC)
• NDIS screening check^*
• immunisation form
• COVID-19 vaccination
• hand hygine certificate (yearly)
• N95 mask fit testing

Note: 
* This document may be required by the placement organisation