Bachelor of Human Nutrition

Victoria University

About

This health-focused degree gives you a solid foundation in nutrition, food science, and related science subjects.

You'll progress to more targeted study, choosing a specialisation in your third year from the following:

Food Science (major) Food Service (major) Biomedical Nutrition (minor) Public Health Nutrition (minor) Analytical Chemistry (minor).

You'll graduate ready for nutrition-related work in healthcare institutions, the public-health sector, aid programs, or food production and services.

Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Human Nutrition, students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

  • 48 credit points of First Year core studies;
  • 144 credit points of Professional core studies, and;
  • 96 credit points of either Option A or B

Option A: (Only available to students who commenced the course by 2018)

  • 96 credit points of Major studies (listed below);

OR

Option B:

  • 48 credit points of Food Science Minor OR Sport and Exercise Nutrition Minor;
  • 48 credit points of Minor studies (listed below).

Note: If undertaking HMIFSC Food Science Minor, students are advised to choose the following units to complete the Professional Core: AHE2006 Exercise Interventions for Healthy Populations instead of HFS2001 Properties of Food. SLC3001 Exercise, Health and Disease instead of HBM2105 Medical Microbiology and Immunity.

Course structure and units

College Core Units

  • Human Physiology 1 Unit code RBM1518 Credits12
  • Human Physiology 2 Unit code RBM1528 Credits12
  • Chemistry 1A Unit code RCS1601 Credits12
  • Chemistry 1B Unit code RCS1602 Credits12

Professional Core Units

  • Medical Microbiology and Immunity Unit code HBM2105 Credits12
  • Research Methods Unit code HBM3101 Credits12
  • Research Project Unit code HBM3105 Credits12
  • Properties of Food Unit code HFS2001 Credits12
  • Interpersonal Skills and Communication Unit code HHH1000 Credits12
  • Family Health and Nutrition Through the Lifespan Unit code HHN2001 Credits12
  • Diet & Disease Unit code HHN2402 Credits12
  • Community & Public Health Nutrition Unit code HHN3502 Credits12
  • Nutrition Communication & Education Unit code HHN3601 Credits12
  • Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food Unit code HPC1000 Credits12
  • Food Components Unit code HPC1001 Credits12
  • Nutrition, Society and Communication Unit code RBM1820 Credits12

Majors

  • Food Science Unit code HMAFSC
  • Food Service Unit code HMAFSE

Minors

  • Food Science Unit code HMIFSC
  • Public Health Nutrition Unit code HMIPHN
  • Biomedical Nutrition Unit code HMIBNU
  • Analytical Chemistry Unit code HMIACH
  • Exercise and Nutrition Unit code HMIENT

Entry requirements

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.PLUS:A study score of at least 20 in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health & Human Development, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).OR:Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR:Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR:Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health Services, Training & Development or similar.OR:Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.PLUS:Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.AND:A study score of at least 20 in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health & Human Development, Mathematics (any) or Physical Education.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

  • Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
  • Special consideration for direct applicants.

Additional information

Students choosing the minor, HMIPHN Public Health Nutrition, may be required to obtain a ‘Working With Children Check’ prior to undertaking the unit, HHB2402 Health Program Planning and Evaluation.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

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  1. Describe and integrate the science underpinning food and nutrition across populations and food systems;  
  2. Critically review, analyse and synthesise current scientific literature related to food, nutrition and health using a wide evidence base;  
  3. Evaluate evidence to investigate and propose solutions to contemporary, emerging and future-oriented food and nutrition issues;  
  4. Effectively communicate food and nutritional science at an appropriate level with both specialist and non-specialist individuals and groups; using written, oral and technological techniques appropriately;  
  5. Contextualise the role of culture, values, ethics and economic, social, regulatory and environmental factors in developing solutions to food and nutrition problems; and  
  6. Apply a broad knowledge base and solid foundations in scientific design and experimental methods to analyse predictable, unpredictable and sometimes complex problems, for the development of more equitable and sustainable global nutrition and food systems.  

Institution