Outline

Are you curious about the connection between what we eat, how food is made, and our overall health?

This course blends the core sciences in human nutrition and food science with immersive, hands-on experiences to equip you with the knowledge to contribute to global health and wellbeing.

To commence your studies, you’ll build a strong foundation in physiology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences, while also exploring the complexities of health and food behaviours.

Moving into your second year, you’ll delve deeper into subjects like food chemistry, food processing and the effects of dietary nutrients on health and human development throughout different stages of life.

You’ll engage with the latest scientific research, evaluating new literature in nutrition and food science, and discovering how these developments are shaping the future of the field.

In the final stage of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in an area that aligns with your career goals, choosing either our Nutrition or Food Science stream.

Nutrition

This stream will deepen your insight into the compelling evidence linking diet with health outcomes, while also examining the social and cultural factors that shape dietary choices across different populations.

You’ll also gain practical experience through a nutrition professional placement.

As a graduate nutritionist, you can choose to specialise further in diverse fields such as dietetics, research, food science and technology, health promotion, or teaching, paving the way for a dynamic and impactful career.

Food Science

Australia is a leader in global food production, and nutritionists in the food industry play a vital role in optimising our food supply to help the population meet dietary guidelines.

In this stream, you’ll focus on health outcomes and learn how to improve food safety, quality and promote healthier choices.

You’ll examine real-world challenges and innovations and complete a work placement, gaining practical industry experience.

Double degrees

You can study Nutrition as part of a double degree with a Bachelor of Innovation or our Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion).

Take the next step

This course is a pathway to the Master of Dietetics.

What jobs can the Nutrition and Food Science course lead to?

Careers

Dietitian
Nutritionist
Food scientist
Food technologist
Home economist
Community health consultant
Food manufacturing consultant
Health and food fitness consultant
Educator
Research assistant

Industries

Community health
Fitness and wellbeing
Education
Food manufacturing
Health research and development

What you'll learn

integrated discipline knowledge and evidence-based approaches to principles and practices within the field of food nutrition and food science.
utilise sound knowledge and critical thinking to formulate solution to contemporary issues in nutrition and food science.
apply effective and appropriate strategies to analyse complex nutrition and food science information from a variety of sources.
effectively communicate ideas and understandings related to nutrition and food science, to technical and non-technical audiences, through written and oral means in ways appropriate to the audience or situation.
confidently evaluate and use current and emerging technologies that are relevant to the field of nutrition and food science.
demonstrate initiative and responsibility to deepen and broaden individual and professional learning.
apply global perspectives to nutrition and food science issues.
demonstrate cultural competence and ethics in to nutrition and food science practice.
demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy, accountability and professional practice when interacting with diverse individuals, communities and organisations.

Why study Nutrition and Food Science

Professionally recognised

Graduates of our Nutrition stream are eligible for membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia and Public Health Association of Australia. Graduates of our Food Science stream can apply for membership with the Australian Institution of Food Science and Technology and the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Broad career options

Gain specialised knowledge in nutrition or food science, with the option to study this course as part of a double degree with our Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion) or Bachelor of Innovation. Keen to advance your skills? This course is a pathway to our Master of Dietetics.

Work experience

Undertake multiple field trips and a work placement with an external organisation.

Professional recognition

Students are eligible for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia, Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Public Health Association of Australia. This qualification meets the academic requirement to apply for Associate Nutritionist status with the Nutrition Society of Australia, membership to the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Public Health Association of Australia. This qualification also meets the academic requirements to be eligible to apply for our Master of Dietetics.

Deciding on a career is quite the burden of choice: I want to try everything! Product development and quality on the food science side, zig-zagging back into dietetics, clinical practice, public health, postgrad research… Luckily, Curtin lends me the opportunity to pursue all these passions, not even sequentially but in tandem: an industry placement while intermittently volunteering for Foodbank; knocking out the Dietetics prerequisites over a Food Science honours year. Nutrition and Food Science allows for such individual exploration and self-expression, for whatever you’d like to learn.

Eli O'Connor

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

UniReady
If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.
Certificate IV + English Competency
The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.
Indigenous applicant
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

elements considered are WE and either V or Q. STAT alone is not accepted for entry into this course. Demonstrate an academic score based on a minimum ATAR of 70 or equivalent year 12 studies.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

elements considered are WE and either V or Q. STAT alone is not accepted for entry into this course. Demonstrate an academic score based on a minimum ATAR of 70 or equivalent year 12 studies.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

TAFE entry
- AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or
- AQF Diploma; or
- AQF Advanced Diploma
AND
- Completed the prerequisite.
The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:
- Chemistry ATAR; or
- CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry with a grade of 60% or higher

STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

elements considered are WE and either V or Q. STAT alone is not accepted for entry into this course. Demonstrate an academic score based on a minimum ATAR of 70 or equivalent year 12 studies.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

Completed a minimum of 75 credit points
A Course Weighted Average (CWA) of at least 60%
An academic status of 'Good Standing'
Met one ATAR Science subject (or equivalent)

Prerequisite Information

The Science ATAR prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin units:

CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM1007 Fundamental Chemistry for Bioscience
HUMB1000 Human, Structure and Function

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider.

In addition, you need to have:

1. met one ATAR Science prerequisite or unit/s assessed as comparable to one ATAR Science subject

Prerequisite Information

The ATAR Science can be met via at least one ATAR Science subject from the following list:
Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics, Psychology or Physical Education Studies

or unit/s from a recognised university assessed equivalent to:
HUMB1002 Functional Anatomy
CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry
CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry
HUMB1006 Human Physiology for Exercise Science
HUMB1000 Human Structure and Function
MEDI1000 Foundations of Biomedical Science
PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$9,900*

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2027

Semester 1

On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Curtin Perth

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

Acceptance Due Date for International Students

There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:

For countries listed here (Country List), acceptance due date is 7 weeks before course start date, as stated on your Offer Letter. If you have a GTE Finance or GTE Interview condition on your offer, you must submit the GTE documentation 2 weeks before the acceptance closing date.
For all other countries which are not listed in the list, the acceptance due date is 3 weeks before the course start date.
If you are currently in Australia on a valid visa, the acceptance closing date is 1 week before the course start date.

Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

For international application deadlines, please refer to: Key dates and university application deadlines | Curtin University

Search our FAQs

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.
Curtin course code: B-NUTR
CRICOS code: 003887J
Last updated on: 21 November 2024

Nutrition and Food Science

Bachelor degree

Select your preferred campus:

2025

Semester 1

Semester 2

2026

Semester 1

Semester 2

2027

Semester 1

Outline

Outline

Nutrition

Food Science

Double degrees

Take the next step

What jobs can the Nutrition and Food Science course lead to?

What you'll learn

Why study Nutrition and Food Science

Professionally recognised

Broad career options

Work experience

Get the latest Curtin updates

Professional recognition

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Unsure what option suits you?

FAQs

Ask a question

Call us

Visit us

Find your pathway to Curtin

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

Location

2025

Semester 1

Semester 2

2026

Semester 1