Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice

Take the step toward a healthier future with Nutrition and Dietetics

Programs offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine include significant placements and/or practical/skills components. Programs are structured so that students gradually develop skills and/or professional competencies across the entire duration of each program. Due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, modifications have been made to enable remote study for as much of each program as possible. However, there is a point in every program beyond which students will need to be face-to-face on campus in order to continue.

Details for this program are:

The upcoming semester for first year students in this program will be delivered in a multi-modal format, with a remote option available to students unable to attend for COVID-19 related reasons^*. Whether a student is on campus or remote, students will be able to access Bond’s exceptional and personalised learning experience through dynamic and interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and lab sessions. Continuing students in this program are required to attend campus face-to-face to complete placements in Semesters 3-6. Students who are unable to attend face-to-face for these semesters will be required to take a leave of absence until they can do so. Students who are living overseas may be eligible to apply for an exemption from the Office of Home Affairs that will enable them to enter Australia for these semesters however the continuing availability of these exemptions or individual success cannot be guaranteed.

* All students who wish to attend remotely must contact the Head of Program to confirm individual arrangements and study plans.

Are you attracted to a career in nutrition? Whether you are interested in working in a hospital, with athletes, in private practice, research, or changing the world through food system or public health initiatives, the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice at Bond University is for you. The program includes an exceptional research internship program and a focus on global nutrition citizenship - all the while allowing you to complete practical internships in traditional areas of practice such as clinical dietetics.

Not only will you graduate with career-ready experiences across a range of professional areas, but you will also be stepping into the next chapter of your dietetics career with the highest-level Nutrition and Dietetic Master’s degree available in Australia.

We offer six semesters of study in just two years, providing you with an exceptional opportunity for knowledge and skill development in a compact timeframe. This means you will be very competitive in the job market. In addition, for those looking to work internationally, the demand for postgraduate qualifications is increasing and, in some countries, becoming a requirement for practice. For example, attaining a Master’s level qualification will be a requirement to be eligible for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentialing exam in the USA from January 2024.

Campus and Bond University Experience

For the past 15 years, Bond University has been recognised as Australia’s number one university for student experience according to the Good Universities Guide. The outstanding student experience underpins the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program, with students being able to choose their own pathway and undertake an elective internship in an area of interest.

Bond’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine is recognised for the excellence of its education and research in the medical, health and sports sciences. It has an established reputation for offering innovative degree programs and producing graduates who are work-ready and possess the leadership skills to improve local, national, and global health and well-being.

This program is delivered at the Bond University main campus and also at the Bond Institute of Health & Sport. Located approximately four kilometres away from Bond University campus, the Institute is adjacent to Robina train station. Parking is available to students within the vicinity and surrounding areas of the Institute. Bicycle storage facilities are also available. For more information click here.

Gain industry experience before you graduate

Taking Nutrition to the World: Placement in the Solomon Islands
Molly Warner, a current Master of Nutrition and Dietetics student, never thought that her studies would take her all the way to the Solomon Islands presenting on ‘eating for tuberculosis.' Read more about her experience.

Nutrition and Dietetics students enhance clinical skills through simulation
Bond students get to interact with both real patients and patient ‘actors’ in hospital wards and ‘private practice’ settings.

Maggie Beer visits the nutrition students at Bond University
Professor Liz Isenring shares the value of 1:1 student access to industry leaders like Maggie Beer.

What our students say

"The teaching staff went above and beyond for us and the way the program is designed really is outstanding. People are always surprised when I tell them about the opportunities provided to me in the program. I never thought that I would be involved in implementing a public health nutrition program in a rural village in the Solomon Islands or to be able to give presentations on nutrition across high schools in Hong Kong."

"Bond University's Master of Nutrition & Dietetic Practice program was really the reason I got my first job (and the job I am still in today) within private practice. I gained an internship with Eat Smart whilst writing my thesis, which was advertised through the program's mailing system. With the extensive presentations and interviews the program put us through, I was well equipped to face the group interview situation we were put in for the internship position. I think that the connections that Bond has given me within the dietetics community is invaluable and I will always be grateful."

"I am very grateful for the opportunities Bond's Master of Nutrition & Dietetic Practice program has enabled and continues to be an integral part of my professional network and development. The program has given me the confidence, tools and skills to work within the many different pathways that a career nutrition can offer. The Nutrition Research components of the program was an extremely rewarding experience where I was able to collaborate with distinguished leaders within nutrition academia and has put me in a great position to one day undertake further research."

“My 2 years in the Master of Nutrition & Dietetic Practice program was an experience I'll never forget. It changed the way I learn and provided me with the practical skills that I use every day in the workforce. The small class sizes and accelerated nature of the program allowed me to thrive and truly grow into the entrepreneur I didn't know I would become.”

"The MNDP program put me in great stead to enter the workforce as it exposed me to a wide range of cultures from Hong Kong to the Solomon Islands. A large number of simulations and ongoing feedback from leading dietitians in their field gave me the confidence to start Day 1 of work helping clients achieve their goals and address medical concerns to collaborating with other health professionals to sharing my knowledge at large seminars."

“Bond encouraged us to think outside the norm and exposed us to many opportunities that set us apart from the crowd. I’m happy I made use of some of those opportunities as they are helping me now – entrepreneurship, running group sessions, designing proposals, building rapport, networking and I could go on.”

“I loved my time at Bond! I often reflect and realise how far I have come and completing my Master's degree really was only the tip of the iceberg. The biggest thing Bond equipped me with was a huge toolbox full of skill I could use to then grow & develop my area of expertise. My mentors also advocated for not taking just any job for experience. Although this might suit some people, I am happy I waited for a position in preventative health. Bond also set me up to have a positive mindset that never gives up. A lot of the wonderful & knowledgeable staff at Bond instilled a passion for the profession and an attitude that despite there being 'no jobs' there is a ton of work still to be done.”

“I knew studying dietetics would involve many windows of opportunity – but it didn’t cross my mind that I would be barefoot in a tropical hospital presenting on ‘Eating for Tuberculosis’ as part of my degree!”

"One of my career aspirations is to work for the United Nations (UN). Touring through the headquarters was a surprising and informative experience, and an eye opener to just how enormous the UN is, and how many collaborators it has.
It revealed to me the scope of nutrition intervention from an international perspective and the global capacity of an organisation to battle nutrition-related diseases across the world. I am now, even more so than before, completely determined to work for the United Nations and form a career in public health nutrition across the world.”

Key features

The program is a 2-year, extended Level 9 Master’s degree which means graduates are more competitive in the job market
Graduate with 24 weeks of professional placement internships including the opportunity to choose an elective specialty
Graduate with extensive research skills through completion of a 20-week research internship
Opportunity to explore global nutrition issues including an overseas internship or domestic placement exploring indigenous nutrition considerations
Upon graduation you will be eligible to join Dietitians Australia’s Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program

About the program

This postgraduate professional program is designed to develop graduates to be work-ready for careers in nutrition and dietetics across practice areas including clinical dietetics, private practice, food service management, public health nutrition, sports nutrition and nutrition research. This program develops student competencies to exceed the accreditation requirements of the Dietitians Association of Australia, making graduates eligible to apply for accredited practising dietitian (APD) status within the Dietitians Association of Australia. This program is distinctive because of its emphasis on developing evidence-based practitioners that have had intensive preparation in evidence-based dietetic practice, nutrition research and international engagement. All students will be required to participate in an international placement as part of their program. Show less

Mode	On Campus and Remote Due to current travel restrictions, this program will temporarily be delivered using a mixture of on-campus, remote and multi-modal classes to support and engage all students, from all parts of the world.
Duration	6 semesters (2 years)
Starting semesters	May 2021 May 2022 May 2023
Program type	Masters Extended
Study area	Health Sciences, Sport
Program code	CC-63041
CRICOS code	105326E
Credit for prior study	For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected]

Structure and subjects

The Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice is a set program. You must complete all of the following subjects:

Semester 1 (May start)

Nutrition and Food Science (NUTR71-100)
Nutrition Assessment and Diagnosis (NUTR71-101)
Nutrition Communication and Behaviour (NUTR71-102)
Nutrition Issues and Priorities (NUTR71-103)

Semester 2

Acute Clinical Dietetics (NUTR71-104)
Food Service Dietetics (NUTR71-106)
Nutrition and Chronic Disease Management (NUTR71-105)
Public Health Nutrition Practice (NUTR71-107)

Semester 3

Transition to Professional Practice (NUTR71-119)
Applied Clinical Dietetics (NUTR71-120)
Evidence-Based Practice for Health Professionals (NUTR71-110)
Professional Placement Internship – Community and Public Health Nutrition (NUTR71-703)
Professional Placement Internship - Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 (NUTR71-700)

*Subject names and structure may change

Learning and teaching methodology

The Bond University Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program uses an education model comprising a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies, field trips, simulations, internships and research. In keeping with the program philosophy of producing dietitians with a difference, the program places an emphasis on real-world experience from the first semester. Students engage in activities such as case-based learning and simulation to develop their competency as nutrition professionals.

Specialist consultant practitioners and dietitians with industry expertise provide students with insight into dietetic practice and career opportunities in the profession. Students also benefit from the extensive professional experience of nutrition and dietetic academic staff in a range of fields, including clinical dietetics, sports nutrition, the food industry, private practice and public health nutrition, as well as their national and international professional networks.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in relevant workshops offered by the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, providing them access to highly qualified academics with international research track records, some of whom are responsible for developing global evidence-based nutrition guidelines.

Graduation and program completion

In order to complete the program and receive a verification statement, students must attain the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice degree and complete the following:

All required internships with at least 1200 supervised practice hours
At least a pass grade (50% or greater) in all required graded subjects (listed above), and an ungraded pass in all ungraded internship subjects
Satisfactory performance in all Dietitians Australia Competency Standards, ACEND core knowledge and competencies, and program-specific competencies
Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive portfolio of evidence of achievement of all required competency standards, and defence of the portfolio in a panel interview sufficient to achieve safe and competent practice as an entry level dietitian

Attendance at all required classroom sessions, field trips and orientation days

Recommended study structure

Please visit Program Structure and Sequencing for guidance on study plans.

Program fees

The below fees are based on the total estimated program fee divided by the number of standard full-time semesters required to complete the program. Fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester.

Semester program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $16,600* per semester average

Total program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $99,600

When considering the fees associated with your studies, keep in mind that Bond’s accelerated schedule means you can finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than most other universities.

This time saving also represents a substantial reduction in accommodation and living costs, plus a full year of extra earnings.

Find out your financing options, general study costs and internship and other additional costs.

Find out more about US financial aid.

* The fees listed are average costs displayed to provide an indicative program cost only, they may differ to the indicative fee included in the Bond University offer letter due to differences in individual and exact study schedules.

Tuition fees are subject to change on an annual basis and will be charged at the appropriate fee for the year of enrolment.

* Note: for students commencing January 2021 the University has held the 2020 tuition fee amount in recognition of the current circumstances, with 2021 fees effective only from the University’s May 2021 semester.

Admission criteria

Academic entry requirements

Minimum academic requirement is an undergraduate degree in health science or other related degree with at least two biochemistry subjects at second year level where first year chemistry is a pre-requisite of these subjects and two physiology subjects also at second year level.
Successful performance at a selection interview

Eligible undergraduate programs at Bond University:

Eligible Undergraduate Program	Required subjects within program
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science	BMED11-109 Principles of Human Structure and Function BMED11-114 Chemistry for Living Systems BMED11-110 Human Organ Systems 1 SPEX11-103 Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport SPEX12-312 Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport SPEX13-336 Advanced Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Performance	BMED11-109 Principles of Human Structure and Function BMED11-114 Chemistry for Living Systems BMED11-110 Human Organ Systems 1 SPEX11-103 Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport SPEX12-312 Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport SPEX13-336 Advanced Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport Suggested elective options: NUTR12-101 Sport and Exercise Nutrition NUTR13-101 Human Nutrition NUTR11-101 Food, Nutrition and Health
Bachelor of Biomedical Science	Completion of the program with either the Pre-Health or Laboratory / Research major
Bachelor of Health Sciences	Completion of program including the required elective subjects: BMED11-205 Medical Biochemistry 1 BMED12-209 Medical Biochemistry 2

Applications

In order to apply for study at Bond University, you will need to complete the Online Application Form. To find out more about the application process please refer to How to Apply.

Applications should include all accompanying documentation, including your academic transcript.
Applications will then be assessed by the Faculty to determine your eligibility based on an assessment of academic performance.
Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview to be held on-campus (at the expense of the applicant). Interviews are offered in person or utilising video calling software.

English language proficiency requirements

Applicants whose previous study was not completed in one of the countries listed where English is considered a first language, must provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language.

Applications should include all accompanying documentation, including an academic transcript and documented proof of English language proficiency.

For more detailed information: English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Credit for prior study

Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students. Please refer to how to apply for credit for more information

Key dates

Bond University calendar

Future outcomes

Professional outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program will be able to apply their skills and experience across a range of areas, including:

Clinical dietetics in hospitals and outpatient facilities
Private practice
Food service management
Corporate health and wellness
Sports nutrition
Nutrition communications and media
Food industry
Culinary nutrition
Nutrition in childcare, schools and aged care facilities
Community and public health nutrition in Australia and globally
Nutrition and dietetic research

Further study

Graduates may be eligible to progress to further post-graduate research, leading to potential career options in research organisations and academia.

Successful graduates of this degree may also be eligible to apply for the Bond University Bachelor of Medical Studies (Medical Program)*

* Domestic and international ~ students eligible to graduate from the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice meeting the minimum required GPA will be eligible to be considered for selection to enter Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt). The selection process will be based on GPA, psychometric testing and an interview. Places in Year 2 of the BMedSt for the graduates of the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice are limited and dependent on availability. Applicants must meet the entry requirements for the BMedSt.

Currently, this is the only pathway into the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine available to international students. Successful students will commence in Year 2 of the Bachelor of Medical Studies and will be allowed to progress to the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Important note for international/overseas students:
Students, including New Zealand citizens, who will not be Australian citizens or permanent residents at the time of enrolment, may not be automatically entitled to registration, internship, and access to a provider number in Australia. Graduates who wish to stay in Australia after graduation must make their own enquiries regarding their situation related to these matters as they lie beyond the control of the University. In Australia, the number of internships is controlled by the Department of Health or Human Services in each state/territory and Australian citizens and permanent residents currently receive priority for internship access. Graduates wishing to register in their home country or graduates wishing to practise medicine in countries other than Australia must contact the professional medical associations in that country to determine requirements to practice. Bond University is not responsible for organising any internship or medical registration of students upon their graduation.

Professional accreditation

Bond’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice (MNDP) program has Full Accreditation with Dietitians Australia (DA) up until 30 March 2023. Graduates from MNDP program are eligible to become DA members with dietetic qualifications and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Program.

The University is required to maintain a current accreditation status as outlined in the DA accreditation process which is detailed at www.dietitiansaustralia.org.au > Accreditation of Dietetics Education Programs > Accreditation Standards and Processes.

The Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program is also accredited as a Foreign Dietitian Education Program (FDE) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). From April 2021, graduates of the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program at Bond are considered graduates of an ACEND accredited program. To become a US Registered Dietitian, graduates will need to complete a program of supervised practice hours in the United States prior to being eligible to sit the Registered Dietitian Examination.

More information about the ACEND accreditation standards is available here. Contact Associate Professor Dianne Reidlinger for more information, email: [email protected].

Career readiness

As a graduate of Bond’s fast-tracked Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice, you will have a competitive edge in your career. Employer satisfaction with graduates from Bond University has been rated highest in Australia for two years in a row, according to the 2019 Employer Satisfaction Survey published by the Department of Education and Training.

The program offers 24 weeks of professional placement work integrated learning, which means you will enter the workforce with the skills, experience and employability to stand out.

Program mission, goals and objectives

The mission of the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice program at Bond University is to prepare competent, entry-level dietitians for practice in Australia and the rest of the world who improve health and performance through collaborative, innovative and evidence-based practice and research.

The program goals and corresponding objectives (Key Performance Indicators [KPIs]) are:

Goal 1: Prepare competent, collaborative graduate dietitians for existing and emerging areas of dietetics practice and research in Australia and the rest of the world.

Objectives (KPIs):

At least 80% of research internship preceptors* at the conclusion of students’ final research internship report “agree” or “strongly agree” regarding students’ preparation to work at an entry level in the nutrition and dietetics research field
At least 80% of elective internship preceptors* at the conclusion of students’ final research internship report “agree” or “strongly agree” regarding students’ preparation to work at an entry level in nutrition and dietetics practice
At least 90% of employers* of Program graduates in their first year of employment report “agree” or “strongly agree” regarding the graduate’s knowledge and skill preparation for entry-level practice
At least 80% of program students complete program/degree requirements within 3 years (150% of program length)

Goal 2: Prepare graduates to apply knowledge and skills relevant to the innovative and evidence-based practice of nutrition and dietetics.

Objectives (KPIs):

At least 90% of graduates* after their first year of employment report “agree” or “strongly agree” regarding their knowledge and skill preparation for entry level nutrition and dietetics practice.
Of graduates who seek employment, at least 70% are employed in nutrition and dietetics, or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
Of graduates who seek Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) status, at least 80% will become APDs within 12 months of program completion.

Outcome data measuring achievement of program objectives is available on request. To request more information, email [email protected].

* proportions relate to those who respond to a survey

Industry placements and research

You will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills related to nutrition and dietetics through extensive professional practice-related learning experiences. The professional placement internship program provides 24 weeks of work-integrated learning and 20 weeks of nutrition research internship.

Through your internships, you will develop competence in the areas of medical nutrition therapy, food service dietetics, and community and public health nutrition, plus an additional setting based on your area of dietetic interest. This may include sports nutrition, private practice, food industry, corporate health, food and health charities, aged care, nutrition communications and media, or paediatric nutrition.

In addition, you will complete an international nutrition project abroad to obtain a global perspective on nutrition and dietetics.

* There will be additional personal costs for undertaking placements in Australia and overseas. Refer to Additional compulsory costs

**There are health and security compliance requirements associated with completing placements. Refer to the compliance handbook for more information.

State-of-the-art facilities

Bond University boasts world class teaching facilities that create an invigorating learning environment. View some of the nutrition and dietetic facilities below.

HealthCert Medical Nutrition Management program

The Bond University Nutrition and Dietetic Practice team have developed a 3-part Professional Diploma program, delivered completely online and targeted at medical professionals looking for a better understanding of nutrition management in order to improve patient outcomes.

The program explores the role of therapeutic diets in the treatment of chronic illnesses and other nutritional disorders, highlighting the key nutrition assessment techniques and intervention strategies that will assist in providing comprehensive health care to patients. Below are some key features the course will cover;

How dietary guidelines can be used to guide treatment
Approaches for the management of chronic disease: Mediterranean, MIND, vegetarian, high protein, low GI
Myths and fads: superfoods, paleo, and organics
Vitamins, minerals and supplements
Gastrointestinal health
Malnutrition in older adults
Talking with patients about weight management

The course is run by HealthCert and delivered in trimester format across the year. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Medical Nutrition Management, Advanced Certificate of Medical Nutrition Management and Professional Diploma of Medical Nutrition Management.

For information on the courses or to enrol, please visit the HealthCert website.