Nutrition - Flinders University

Good nutrition is fundamental to a healthy life and can influence our lives from the moment we are born. Nutritionists explore the relationship between diet, health and disease prevention.

What does a career in nutrition look like?

You’ll work with a myriad of people, from children, adolescents and parents, to adults of all ages to support positive behaviour change and, promote health and wellbeing. Nutritionists can also influence policy and practice in the community, industry and government sectors to assist in developing larger-scale health promotion strategies.

If you take the dietetics path, you’ll also be qualified to provide this range of nutrition services, with additional expertise in food-service management, public health and treating people with health-related medical issues.

Employment growth

Labour Market Information Portal, Department of Jobs and Small Business

Study options

Bachelor of Human Nutrition

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics

Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Get inspired

Why Flinders?

Teaching staff

Potential occupations

Consultant nutritionist
Community health nutritionist/dietitian
Nutrition counsellor/health coach
Food company nutritionist/dietitian
Health promotion or project officer
Sports nutrition consultant
Research nutritionist/dietitian
Nutrition policy for government and not-for-profit organisations
Healthy lifestyle coordinator
Health writer

Additional occupations for graduate
dietitians:

Clinical dietitian
Food service dietitian
Private practice dietitian
Aged care dietitian
Dietitian working in rehabilitation

Potential employers

Community-based services
Private practices
Food industry
Aged care & community care
Disability e.g. NDIS
Rehabilitation
Hospitals
Research institutions
Local and state government
Non-government organisations
Country health

Accreditation

Flinders Human Nutrition graduates are eligible for membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia, providing members with professional development and the option of applying for professional registration. Human Nutrition graduates are also eligible for membership of the Hong Kong Nutrition Association.

Nutrition and Dietetics graduates are accredited by Dietitians Australia, recognised in Singapore, UK, New Zealand and Canada.

Chad Yixian Han, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) graduate

“
A Flinders dietetics degree prepares you for clinical work as an acute care dietitian. Emphasis is placed very much on practical skills. Also, if you get to do Honours research, it will widen your horizons, allowing you to have the basic knowledge to conduct your own research when you are practising.”

Why study Nutrition at Flinders?

Connect with industry leaders

Flinders enjoys partnerships with over 20 organisations including including South Australian local health networks, NGOs such as Arthritis SA and Community Bridging Services, LGOs such as the City of Marion and Yorke Peninsula Council, research institute SAHMRI, Nutrition Australia, Sprout Cooking School, and many more. You’ll be exposed to both research and placement opportunities across these partnerships.
Our international mobility programs expose our students to invaluable experiences with communities and public health issues not faced in Australia. With placement programs run in Vanuatu, Indonesia, and Philippines, students have access to a global nutrition network and can make a real difference in people’s lives.
We offer opportunities to engage with industry through participation in health clinics at our onsite modern health clinic Health2GO or local health networks, as well as project-based topics with Flinders partner organisations.

Become a sought after, multi-skilled and career-ready graduate

With a focus on how nutrition can influence our future policy and the role of nutrition in interdisciplinary health teams and preventative health, Flinders nutrition students are confident to work with people across the lifespan.
You will gain real-world experience and skills in problem-solving through placements and simulated activities, preparing you for roles in practice.
Flinders graduates have an excellent reputation within the industry.

Enjoy a supportive, student-centred learning environment

We take a personal approach to learning and the relationships we have with our students and graduates are highly supportive and long-lasting.
We are the only tertiary education provider of a dietetics program in South Australia and we have more than 45 years of teaching experience in this field.

Be equipped with the knowledge of the latest evidence-based practice

Many of our teaching staff are active researchers and members of Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute.
Our research expertise in nutrition and dietetics ranks well above world standard (Australian Excellence in Research Australia Rankings 2018).
We ensure our programs always have the latest evidence-based learning outcomes.

Broaden your horizons with unparalleled pathways

Choose electives in areas of your nutrition interest, such as healthy ageing, digital health, sports nutrition, disability, or communications and the media.
Human Nutrition students have the opportunity to transfer to the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics program after two years (limited numbers) or apply for the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics after completing their three-year undergraduate degree.
If you decide upon graduating that you want to take a different pathway, graduate entry options include the Master of Public Health, or the Graduate Medical Program.

Get inspired

A journey toward a career in Nutrition

Pandemic practice

Flinders nutrition graduate secures internship at the WHO during a global pandemic.

Teaching staff

Our incredible teaching and research staff are experts in their professions and well-connected to industry.

Academic Lead: Amanda Wray

Amanda is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 15 years’ experience as a clinical dietitian in a wide range of dietetic practice including renal dialysis and transplantation.

Human Nutrition Course Coordinator: Dr Olivia Farrer

Olivia is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and local chair for the Nutrition Society of Australia’s Adelaide branch. Olivia studied and worked in the UK before moving to Australia 14 years ago and has had a varied career in clinical dietetics, private practice, aged care food service review and nutrition and diabetes consulting for Diabetes SA.

Dietetics Course Coordinator: Dr Jolene Thomas

Jolene is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a teaching focus in the area of clinical dietetics, having worked for a number of years in the clinical setting. Joelene's research interests are in vascular health, nutrition screening and assessment and nutrition in older adults.

Student Experience Coordinator: Dr Jayne Barbour

Jayne has more than 20 years of clinical dietetic experience working in a broad range of areas including diabetes, cardiac, renal, gastroenterology and paediatric nutrition. She has an interest in the nutritional management and prevention of chronic diseases.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any pre-requisite topics in Year 12 to be eligible for entry?

No, although we do recommend students undertake biology in Year 12.

Are there jobs in Nutrition?

Yes. 2019 employment projections for the five years to May 2024 show the Nutrition profession is projected to grow 9.3% Australian Labour Market Information Portal.

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

A nutritionist may be a tertiary qualified nutrition professional with the expertise to provide a range of evidence-based services related to nutrition, public health nutrition, policy and research, and community health.

Similarly, dietitians are qualified to provide evidence-based nutrition services. However, they also have the expertise to provide individual dietary counselling, medical nutrition therapy, group dietary therapy, and foodservice management.

Can I study Nutrition part-time?

The Bachelor of Human Nutrition can be studied part-time or full-time.

The Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics is full time only.

Who are the accrediting bodies?

The accrediting body for Nutrition and Dietetics is Dietitians Australia (Formerly DAA). For more information visit dietitiansaustralia.org.au

The accrediting body for Human Nutrition is the Nutrition Society of Australia. For more information visit NSA - nsa.asn.au

Can I work outside of Australia with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics or Master of Nutrition and Dietetics?

The programs are recognised in the UK, NZ, and Singapore with graduates eligible to apply for registration. The Bachelor of Human Nutrition program is also recognised by the Hong Kong Nutrition Association.

If I don’t get into the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics with my ATAR is there any other way?

It is recommended to put the Bachelor of Human Nutrition as your second choice if you are keen to go onto studying Dietetics. This will open up the opportunity for entry into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics upon completion of the Bachelor of Human Nutrition.

Are there pathways to become a dietitian?

Yes, if you complete the Bachelor of Human Nutrition, you'll meet the requirements to apply for the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, providing your GPA is above 5.

How will COVID-19 restrictions affect my study at Flinders University?

The current pandemic situation (COVID-19) will affect many aspects of your study, from topic availability on campus to how your classes are delivered. For detailed information about the impact of COVID-19 on your study please refer to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) information page.

How do I apply?