Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Effective from 01-JAN-2019 : Code I49

This coursework Masters is a pathway to the profession of dietetics, comprising of both community and clinical practice components. Within the learning activities of the course, students are trained to understand and interpret nutrition science, assess nutritional needs, conduct research, and give dietary advice for general health and specialised requirements, including medical conditions and improved performance.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

Students are required to undertake clinical, community and food service placements in the final semester of the course. Students who have a gap of 18 months or longer between completing relevant course work units and enrolling in placement units will be required to meet with the Unit Coordinator to develop a Learning Contract. Students who do not complete the Learning Contract to the required standard will not be permitted to progress to the Professional Practicum Program.

Duty of care

Before undertaking any clinical placement, students are required to have a Communicable Diseases, Criminal Record, and Working with Children clearance.

Attendance requirements

These full-time work placements may extend outside the standard university semester calendar. Students may be required to travel to placement sites or to relocate to a rural or regional setting for the period of the placement.

Implications of failing

Students who do not demonstrate competency on the completion of a placement unit are awarded a fail for the unit and in accordance with the ECU University Rules, students are permitted to repeat the placement units for a total of three times.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply cognitive and creative skills to demonstrate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in authentic situations.
2. Apply communication, collaboration and advocacy skills to design innovative solutions in professional practice contexts.
3. Demonstrate global outlook with respect for cultural and ethical diversity and values.
4. Reflect critically on a complex body of nutrition, dietetic and nutrition science knowledge, research principles and evidence-based practice to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
5. Use high level judgement and self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute strategic projects and operate in dynamic professional environments.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).
Graduates of this course are eligible to become full members of DAA and join the Professionally-Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 8)

• Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 5)

International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 6.5).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

• Bachelor degree from an approved country;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have a Bachelor degree in science, bioscience or health, with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 per cent or higher, where half of the units at the first-year and second-year level are be comprised of bioscience, chemistry, physiology and biochemistry, including at least 15 per cent of a full-year load each of biochemistry and physiology. The Bachelor degree must contain at least two second-year or higher level biochemistry units, for which chemistry was a pre-requisite, and two second-year or higher level physiology units.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 2 Years
• Part Time: 4 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

The full time course commences mid-year, and some of the practice components occur outside of the normal university semesters.

Course Coordinator

A/Prof Philippa LYONS-WALL

Course Structure

Semester 1 (July - November)

Note: Students are required to enrol in NUT6101 Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 and NUT6102 Dietetics Professional Skills in the same semester.

Semester 3 (July - November)

* Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.