University of Queensland
Master of Dietetics Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Prepare for a career in dietetics through approximately 850 hours of supervised practice, hands-on learning in UQ's student-led clinic and opportunities to explore research in nutrition and dietetics.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Dietetics Studies is designed for graduates with a relevant academic background who want to pursue a career in dietetics. The program develops the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to understand how food and nutrition influence health, prevent disease and support the management of a range of medical conditions.
You'll study medical nutrition therapy, food chemistry, community and public health nutrition, foodservice management and professional counselling. You'll explore nutritional approaches to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malnutrition and gastrointestinal disorders, while developing skills in clinical reasoning, communication and evidence-based practice.
Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus over two years of full-time study, the program includes approximately 850 hours of supervised practice across healthcare, community and industry settings. You'll also gain hands-on experience in UQ's student-led dietetics clinic, working with real clients and contributing to nutrition education activities. An optional research pathway offers opportunities to investigate nutrition and dietetics topics alongside experienced researchers. Accredited by Dietitians Australia, the program prepares graduates to meet the educational requirements for Accredited Practising Dietitian status, subject to the relevant professional requirements, and pursue careers in clinical, community, public health and food industry dietetics.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Dietetics Studies, you must successfully complete 32 units, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
Complete 30 units of the following core courses:
- Interviewing & Counselling for Dietetics Practice
- Community and Public Health Nutrition Principles for Dietetics
- Food Chemistry
- Medical Nutrition Therapy Principles 1
- Food from science to systems
- Medical Nutrition Therapy Principles 2
- Foodservice Management Principles for Dietetics
- Foodservice Management Practice
- Community and Public Health Nutrition Practice
- Medical Nutrition Therapy Practice 1
- Evidence based practice in Dietetics
- Medical Nutrition Therapy Practice 2
- Management, entrepreneurial skills and leadership for dietetics professionals (four units)
- Research Project B
- Advanced Professional Practice
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- An approved degree that includes tertiary studies in biochemistry, physiology and nutrition, meeting the national accreditation standards for dietetics.
- A minimum GPA of 4.0 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- Successful completion of the required prerequisite studies within the 10 years immediately preceding the proposed commencement date.
Previous studies must include:
- Intermediate nutrition: Eight units at second-year undergraduate level or higher.
- Introductory biosciences: Eight units covering chemistry and human biology, including four units of chemistry.
- Intermediate food sciences: Two units at second-year undergraduate level or higher.
- Advanced biosciences: Eight units covering biochemistry and human physiology, including four units in each discipline.
Entry is competitive and places are limited. Results pending in the semester of application will not be included in the selection process.
Applicants must also meet the program's inherent requirements and ensure they can satisfy the relevant clinical placement requirements.
English language requirements
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English language proficiency must meet the following requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 100, with a minimum of 25 in listening, 25 in reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 72, with a minimum of 72 in each communicative skill.
- Cambridge English Scale (CES): Overall score of 185, with a minimum of 185 in each component.
Bridging English (BE) and the Occupational English Test (OET) are not accepted.
Other ways of meeting English language requirements may be available. Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in roles such as:
- Dietitian
- Clinical dietitian
- Community dietitian
- Food industry dietitian
- Food service dietitian
- Private practice dietitian
- Public health dietitian
- Researcher
- Sports dietitian
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $9,540 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.