What does a nutritionist do?
Nutritionists draw on an understanding of scientific, social, cultural and environmental principles to work with communities and populations to promote and improve health and to prevent disease. Community or public health nutritionists monitor, assess and implement programs to improve the dietary patterns and habits of groups or populations as well as influence the wider food supply. They can also be involved in communication, advocacy, policy development, education, community development and research relating to the food, diet and nutrition.
Nutritionists can work in a range of settings including being able to work as community nutritionists, public health nutritionists, food journalists, food advertising consultants, food educators, and nutrition consultants.
Course Highlights
The Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) involves the understanding of the promotion of health, as well as the prevention of diet-related disease. The course is strongly grounded in a study of scientific principles and research methods, which are then applied to influence the wider environment affecting food supply, policy and eating behaviours.
During the course basic sciences such as physiology, biochemistry, sociology and nutrition are studied to provide a basis for more advanced concepts. Students also undertake core subjects in the area of public health, epidemiology, food studies, project management and community/public health nutrition. Students are expected to undertake practical placements outside the University in real-world settings.
There are opportunities to undertake a double degree Bachelor of Creative Industries (Media and Communication)/Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) for those interested in pursuing media communication careers with expertise in the areas of public health, nutrition and wellbeing.
Employment opportunities
Graduates have excellent employment prospects. Nutrition graduates can work in a variety of areas, including community health centres, public health areas and Indigenous health; providing nutrition expertise in a number of non-government organisations; as consultants to industry, government and other public institutions; in government, educational institutions, research, occupational health and the food industry. The Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) also allows entry to other health-related and graduate positions including dietetics such as the Bachelor of Nutrition Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics). There are also opportunities for graduates to undertake higher degrees via research.
Professional Recognition
Graduates of this three year full time program are eligible for membership of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), the Nutrition Society and other bodies. Graduates are also eligible for Associate membership of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA). Membership to the Nutrition Society enables graduates to register as nutritionists or public health nutritionists. DAA associate membership entitles graduates to participate in the Accredited Nutritionist program.
Student Testimonial
Read about a QUT Public Health Graduate on our Student Testimonial page.