Study

Important Information: 2009 Fees - Local & International

Courses Online Information

Academic Queries: School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences
Biochemistry and Microbiology Building G08
The University of Sydney NSW 2006

Phone: +61 2 9036 5417

Fax: +61 2 9351 5858

How to apply: Local Students

International Students

Postgraduate Coursework Prospectus 2009: Click to download — 3.2 Mb

Postgrad Profiles - Anja Suessman: Twenty-five-year-old Anja will collaborate with leading University dieticians and nutritionists to target and reduce global obesity trends.

"I would like to look back on my life when I am old and know that I’ve made positive changes in people’s lives," says first year Sydney Master of Nutrition and Dietetics student, Anja Suessman.

Born in Germany and growing up in South Africa – completing a BSc in Human Physiology, Psychology and Genetics cum laude at the University of Pretoria - she was always aware of the importance of eating a balanced diet.

"I grew up in a health-conscious family and we actually knew people with chronic conditions that were treated and cured by simple modifications to their food intake," she says. "It grabbed my attention. I like the idea of people being able to ‘change their fates’ by simply eating right."

Master of Nutrition & Dietetics

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

Overview

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 (including medical science and applied science) who have at least two semesters study in each of biochemistry and physiology.

University of Sydney Advantage

Students who study in the MNutrDiet at the University of Sydney have access to eminent dietitians and scientists at the cutting edge of dietetic, nutrition and medical research and practice. Teaching is research driven so that students have exposure to all the latest developments and advances in evidence-based dietetics, in the science of nutrition, and in community and public health nutrition.

Degree Expectations

Students will develop knowledge of food, nutrients, biochemistry, physiology, statistics, epidemiology, food service management and the 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 Camperdown campus of 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 Crows Nest TAFE (Technical and Further Education) for practicals in commercial cookery, followed by diet cookery.

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 one of the second year, students participate in 20 weeks of clinical, community and food service placement training. For the clinical dietetics placement, students are attached to two or more teaching hospitals and their associated centres, where they will be supervised by accredited practising dieticians. The majority of time is spent in the wards or outpatient departments of public hospitals. Six weeks are spent in the community gaining experience in community and public health dietetics and 10 days in food service administration. Students may also elect to spend some placement time in the food industry.
During semester two, students undertake a research project, which may be a small survey, laboratory work, supervised hospital project or a literature review. University and/or external supervisors guide the students. The project may be based at the University, a hospital or in the community. Students present their findings as both an oral presentation and a written report.

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 degree requiring attendance at lectures, tutorials and practicals.

The course has full accreditation from the professional body, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Back to Top

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 in second or third year equivalent

Degree 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 (full-time only)

Is mid-year entry available?

No.