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The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above
OR Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Students commencing in July will require additional time to complete the degree due to course scheduling and degree structure. Students may be limited to studying at a maximum of 75% of the required courses per semester in their first two years. SP5 intake is not available for international students.
Be at the forefront of innovation in the food and nutrition industries, with opportunities to go into healthcare, scientific and advisory roles.
Study both food science and nutrition and then choose your specialisation to match your career goals.
Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.1
Learn from a university with well above world-class research in nutrition and dietetics.2
Learn from industry experts in our dedicated on-campus nutrition and food science hub.
Benefit from UniSA’s strong links with the food and nutrition industry.
Build industry connections while you study, with industry placements and field trips to the state’s major nutrition and food providers.
Graduate career ready with industry workplace experience in your third year, and field trips throughout your degree.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Start your unstoppable career in the health and food industry, where you can drive innovation and change in sustainable food product development, and community health.
You can become actively involved in promoting and managing diets and lifestyles, conducting research for enhanced wellbeing, developing innovative and sustainable foods, and more. You'll graduate ready to make an immediate impact on healthy eating habits across the greater community.
You can also grow your knowledge and increase your career opportunities by studying for a double degree in the complimentary fields of Human Movement or Exercise and Sport Science.
What you'll need
Nutrition and food science experts require an enthusiasm for food and its effect on health. You should also possess a variety of personal skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements.
Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
What you'll learn
This unique degree offers practice-based and theoretical learning to ensure you’re primed for a healthy career.
During the first two years you’ll explore both nutrition and food science topics, gaining a strong understanding of the key elements of each. You’ll complete group work and research on topics, including innovative and environmentally sustainable food practice, in the sensory lab. You’ll get to analyse micro-organisms and explore key topics like food contamination in the microbiology lab.
Your knowledge will be developed in:
biology
chemistry
health in our society
human and lifespan nutrition
biochemistry
physiology
the chemistry of food
food quality and safety
relationships between food bioactives and health
consumer education
influences of the senses on consumer food choice
food sustainability
In your third year you’ll specialise in either a nutrition or food science stream.
If you choose nutrition, you’ll get to develop:
essential communication skills across a variety of platforms
skills to promote good health through food and nutrition in the community
dietary and exercise plans to manage weight
nutrition for sports, exercise and activity
sustainable nutrition choices
If you choose food science, you’ll focus on:
food microbiology
quality assurance in food processing and manufacturing
developing safe, nutritionally and environmentally sound foods for the marketplace
1. All students who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.
Notes
1. Students who have successfully completed a Diploma in Food Technology at TAFE may be granted up to 36 units of credit towards the Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences. Credit applications will be individually assessed by the Program Director.
2. Students can only enrol in either Capstone in Nutrition, Food Sciences or Advanced Capstone in Nutrition and Food Sciences (they cannot enrol in both).
3. Students can choose a free elective from across the University subject to pre-requisites and availability. Students who wish to complete a UniSA Online course as their elective must seek Program Director approval before enrolling.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
quizzes
practicals
reports
assignments
projects designing health promotion activities and nutrition information
placements
research reports
examinations
In your last year of study, the assessment tasks will reflect the type of work you will be doing in your career.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
The growing awareness of nutrition and food quality and their influence on human wellbeing requires highly competent and skilled graduates. At UniSA, you'll develop your knowledge and skills in the scientific basis of food and nutrition, and will graduate ready to work as part of multidisciplinary teams in a range of health and industry settings.
Throughout your studies, you’ll learn from award-winning academics and industry experts from a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in nutrition and dietetics.1
You’ll also learn in UniSA’s on-campus state-of-the-art facilities. Practice your skills in our dedicated nutrition and food science hub, which is home to a $1 million commercial kitchen, sensory laboratory (one of only a few in Australia) and microbiology laboratory.
The commercial kitchen is where interactive food preparation and cooking activities take place. Get involved in cheese making, plant-based substitutes for meat, adapting recipes to make them nutritionally sound for different life stages, texture modification of foods for the elderly, designing food quality assurance plans (in line with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and food and beverage fermentation.
Graduates are eligible to apply for professional membership with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST), can start their registration pathway towards becoming a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with the Nutrition Society of Australia.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Real-world connections
You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work in the food and nutrition industry by attending field trips to some of the state’s major nutrition and food providers. This is a great opportunity to build industry relationships.
While each year offers different opportunities, you’ll visit organisations like manufacturers of spreads and dips, beer and wine, as well as Australian native food farms. You’ll also gain insight into the health and ageing issue in Australia, through visits to aged care facilities, focusing on food safety and food modifications for the elderly.
In your final year you’ll gain practical experience by completing an industry placement specialising in food science or nutrition, as part of the capstone subject.
Nutrition is high on Australia’s health and wellness agenda. In Australia, the nutrition profession is expected to grow over the next five years.1 Through scientific advancements in food and nutrition, your future career can have a positive impact on the whole community – from children, teens and parents, to adults of all ages and abilities.
Nutrition and food science is an innovative field with local and global applications, as well as a strong focus on sustainable future industry. You'll be able to apply your skills into health, scientific, and advisory roles across government, commercial, and not-for-profit organisations.
Unstoppable career options you may find yourself in include:
Community nutritionist: change attitudes toward food and health; provide advice, guidance, and support to people.
Health promotion officer: use social and environmental interventions to improve health.
Sports, exercise and fitness nutritionist: optimise the performance of athletes and physically active people.
Food scientist: use chemistry and biology to look at the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of food and ingredients.
Product development manager: develop innovative products and solutions to meet strategic business objectives.
Microbiology specialist: work in food manufacturing or government to research microorganisms to prevent food-borne diseases.
Food policy advisor: offer qualified health and nutrition advice to the public.
Food safety advisor: conduct food and safety reviews and monitor procedures to ensure standards are met.
Quality assurance officer: conduct assurance audits of production facilities to oversee quality, efficiency and production issues.
Research scientist: conduct lab-based investigations, experiments and trials to broaden scientific understanding; as well as non-lab-based field research and clinical human trials.
Food technician: conduct research and experiments on food products involved in the production process.
Flavour technologist: sample products and conduct experiments to alter the ingredients in food and beverages to make it taste better, replicate a taste, or develop a new taste.
1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for professional membership of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST).
Graduates of the program are initially eligible to apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for registration as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr), leading to Registered Nutritionist (RNutr), usually after three years of experience.
Industry facts
Employment for nutrition professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 7.2% by November 2026.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
You’ll have access to some of UniSA’s state-of-the-art nutrition facilities, such as the:
commercial kitchen
sensory laboratory
microbiology laboratory
physiology laboratory
biology laboratory
chemistry laboratory
You’ll also have access to a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
In this degree, we have a team of passionate teachers and researchers who strive to provide graduates with expert knowledge and a practical background in nutrition and food sciences. Our graduates are able to enter the workforce with expert knowledge and practical skills to begin their career in this rewarding field.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
While studying I attended many industry visits including: Golden North Ice-cream, Ingham’s, National Foods, and The West End Brewery. As well as these industry visits I was able to do a work placement at Rymill Winery in Coonawarra. The experiences were vital for showing us how an actual production plant works and is operated.
Scott Woollett
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Microbiology Specialist | Lion Australia and New Zealand
Scott Woollett
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Microbiology Specialist | Lion Australia and New Zealand
I chose to study nutrition and food sciences as I wanted to combine my love of food with my interest in health and how food is used to nourish the body.
Rhiannon Dick
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Rhiannon Dick
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
While studying I undertook a valuable week-long field trip to Port Augusta, working with Aboriginal communities and school children. We worked with families and children to promote healthy eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and volunteered for a local community festival.
Sophie Cheesman
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Sophie Cheesman
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Academics, staff and students at UniSA were very supportive. I also benefited from the diverse facilities and practical experience the degree provided, including an 8-week summer scholarship program, where I was exposed to health-orientated research and gained first-hand experience in data collection, entry and analysis.
Weike Zhang
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Weike Zhang
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
I arrived at UniSA wanting to make a difference back home in Kenya. Whilst studying, I learned that one in four children in Kenya had stunted development because of poor nutrition. This formed the basis of my work with Food for Education, which I founded through community fundraising. Since 2012, the organisation has provided over 120,000 school meals which have contributed to improved nutrition status, school attendance and performance.
Wawira Njiru
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Founder and Executive Director | Food for Education
Wawira Njiru
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Founder and Executive Director | Food for Education
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
.jpg "Sophie Cheesman, Nutrition and Food Sciences graduate")
