Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Effective from 01-JAN-2023 : 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. 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.
2. Apply cognitive and creative skills to demonstrate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in authentic situations.
3. Apply communication, collaboration and advocacy skills to design innovative solutions in professional practice contexts.
4. Use high level judgement and self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute strategic projects and operate in dynamic professional environments.
5. Demonstrate global outlook with respect for cultural and ethical diversity and values.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Dietitians Australia (DA).
Graduates of this course are eligible to become full members of DA and join the 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 applicants are required to demonstrate English Language proficiency as specified in the current National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

These requirements can be met through one of the following: 

• IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking); or
• Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
• Completion of a Bachelor degree taught and assessed solely in English from an approved country. United Kingdom, Ireland, United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, South Africa.

Note: English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sitting and combined scores across test sittings.

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 human bioscience, science or health with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65% or higher. The Bachelor degree must include Biochemistry and Human Physiology content, with Chemistry (0.25 EFTSL) followed by Biochemistry (0.25 EFTSL), and Human Biology (0.25 EFTSL) followed by Human Physiology (0.25 EFTSL).

Course Duration

• 1.5 years : Full time or part time equivalent 3 Trimesters and 1 Semester

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

This course will be completed in both a trimester and semester format. Some of the practice components occur outside of the normal university semesters.

Course Coordinator

Mrs Gemma JENKINS

Course Structure

Year 1 - Trimester 1 (January - April)

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

Year 1 - Trimester 3 (September - December)

Students who are not able to complete the I49 may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nutrition, subject to course coordinator approval.