Master of Nutrition & Dietetics

The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics (MNutrDiet) provides training for those who wish to become accredited dietitians.

The MNutrDiet covers all aspects of human nutrition including food science, nutritional science, clinical nutrition, public health and community nutrition. Members of the dietetic profession participate in the teaching program.

The course is designed for science degree graduates who have at least two semesters study in each of biochemistry and physiology and who are interested in nutrition.

University of Sydney Advantage

Students who study in the MNutrDiet at the University of Sydney have access to eminent scientists at the cutting edge of nutrition and medical research. Teaching is research driven so that students have exposure to all the latest technological developments and advances in the science of nutrition.

Course Expectations

Students will develop knowledge of

  • food
  • nutrients
  • biochemistry
  • physiology
  • statistics
  • epidemiology
  • food service management
  • pathophysiology of chronic diseases

During the course of their studies students develop the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, hypothesis testing, experimental design, planning and organisation, communication, counselling and computing.

Mode of Delivery

The course requires two years of full-time work and study. The first year consists of coursework, lectures, tutorials and practicals all of which are offered during the day only. In the second year, Semester one is devoted to clinical training and Semester two is spent on a small research project. The dates for this course do not follow the undergraduate academic year.

First Year

The program is run at the University of Sydney. The first year is an integrated academic year of teaching, practicals and study. As part of the course, students attend the Ryde College of Technical and Further Education for practicals in commercial cookery, followed by dietetic cookery.

Second Year

Second year commences in late January.

In Semester 1 of the second year, students participate in 20 weeks of clinical, community and food service placement training. The course is run between various teaching hospitals in Semester 1. For clinical and dietetics training placement, students are attached to two or more teaching hospitals and their associated community dietetic centres, where they will be directed by male and/or female supervising dietitians. There are 20 weeks of training in dietetic practice. The majority of time is spent in the wards or outpatient departments. Six weeks are usually spent in the community and 10 days in food service administration. Students may also elect to spend some placement time in the food industry.

During Semester 2, students undertake a research project, which may be a small survey, laboratory work, supervised hospital assignments or literature reviews. University and/or external supervisors guide the students. The project may be based at the University, a hospital or in the community. Students complete a semester of research in which they conduct a small study and present a report on their findings.

In the second year all students are required to attend formal lectures at the University on several days. Lectures on management, advanced clinical nutrition and advanced community nutrition are compulsory.

The course is offered during the day only and is a full time course requiring attendance at lectures, tutorials and practicals to meet the requirements of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA). We are in the process of reaccreditation which is expected to be confirmed in early 2008.Teaching methods used in this course are both creative and varied.

Admission Requirements

  • a degree or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with a Credit average; and,
  • successful completion of two full semesters in each of biochemistry and human physiology.

Course Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 96 credit points (48 credit points per year).

Units of Study

For an up to date list of units of study offered, please go to the
Faculty Handbook

After Graduation

New graduates are able to apply for positions in hospitals, community health centres and area health services, private practice, sports nutrition, food industry, advertising, non-government organisations, public service (allied health professions) and academia (lecturer or research scientist in nutrition).

Annual Intake

25

Minimum Course Duration - Full Time Only

MNutrDiet – 2 years

Information for local students

Application closing dates

Semester 1, 2009 – 31 October 2008

Late applications are considered, however priority will be given to applications received on time.

Is mid-year entry available?

No.

Information for international students

Application closing dates

Semester 1, 2009 – 31 October 2008

Is mid-year entry available?

No.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS 7.5 with no band below 6.5. Academic IELTS is the ONLY test accepted.

Accreditation of the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics Degree

BScience (Nutrition)
BApplied Science (Exercise and Sport Science)/BScience (Nutrition)
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Following the DAA site visit on November 1-2, both the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) Honours in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics programs have received full 5-year accreditation. Please click here to view details on the DAA website.