Master of Dietetic Practice
La Trobe University
Program Overview
The Master of Dietetic Practice is a two-year full-time degree that aims to give students with a relevant undergraduate degree the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification as a dietitian. The course provides a background in individual case management, clinical dietetic practice, community and public health nutrition and food service management, with a focus on evidence-based practice in nutrition and dietetics.
Dietitians have a key role in the nutrition management of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, malnutrition, food allergy and intolerance. Dietitians are active in the prevention of many diseases and conditions through nutrition education, health promotion and advocacy. They may work independently or as members of health care teams. Dietitians are also involved in research, food industry and health services management.
The course aims to prepare graduates for entry-level roles in all areas of dietetics, including patient/client care in hospitals, private practice, community nutrition and public health and food service. Dietitians also work in a range of other fields including research, teaching and training, management, writing, media, marketing, public relations and the food industry (including product development, food regulation, safety, consumer nutrition education and nutrition marketing).
Students in this course will acquire and apply knowledge of food, food science and nutrition, develop practical skills of dietetic management of health and disease and develop skills in research and evidence- based practice in dietetics.
Students will undertake professional practice placements over 100 days during the course. Clinical placements often occur outside normal University semester periods. Students are required to undertake placements in a variety of settings, including 60 days of individual dietetic case management (medical nutrition therapy), 20 days of community care and 20 days of food service management.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9.
Melbourne, Australia
24 Months
AU$ 44,600
IELTS: 7 TOEFL: 98
Study options
Core subjects
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
- Academic Integrity Module
- Dietetic Practice Skills
- Epidemiology And Research Methods
- Food Science And Food Skills
- Lifespan Nutrition
- Nutrition Counselling
- Nutrition Education
- Dietetic Practice Theory And Case Management A
- Individual Case Management Practice B
- Individual Case Management Practice C
- Individual Case Management Theory B
- Individual Case Management Theory C
- Community And Public Health Nutrition
- Food Service Management Theory And Practice
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Specialisation - compulsory: Biochemistry studies must have included fundamentals of molecular biology, protein structure and function, cellular metabolism and regulation, energy and macronutrient metabolism.
Specialisation - compulsory: Physiology studies must have included systemic physiology and/or pathophysiology, including homeostatic mechanisms and at least six of the following eight systems: body defences (immune system), gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and nervous systems.
Subject prerequisites in the Bachelor's degree or postgraduate course, or taken as single subject (non-award) studies are: Two full semester subjects of chemistry at first year tertiary level followed by two full semester subjects of biochemistry at second year tertiary level or higher.
Subject prerequisites in the Bachelor's degree or postgraduate course, or taken as single subject (non-award) studies are: Two full semester subjects of human biology at first year tertiary level followed by two full semester subjects of human physiology at second year tertiary level or higher.
Specialisation - compulsory: Nutrition science must have included macronutrients and micronutrients (food sources, metabolism, storage and function), principles of energy balance, nutrient analysis of foods and aetiology of nutrition-related diseases.
Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in a health or science related area, completed within the last five years with a minimum grade average of 70 per cent (or subsequent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience).
WAM - Weighted Average Mark (WAM) 70%
Subject prerequisites in the Bachelor's degree or postgraduate course, or taken as single subject (non-award) studies are: Two full semester subjects of food and nutrition science at any tertiary level.
Subsequent postgraduate study and/or work experience in a relevant area may also be considered.
Note: Each subject must be equivalent to at least 0.125 Effective Full-time Study Unit (EFTSU). Prerequisite subjects specified to be at second year tertiary level or higher must be at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 6 or higher or equivalent.
Annual tuition fee
A$44 600 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Graduates may find work in all areas of dietetics, including patient/client care in hospitals, private practice, sports associations, community nutrition, and public health and food service companies. Dietitians also work in research, teaching and training, management, writing, media, marketing and public relations.
Professional recognition
The Master of Dietetic Practice is accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA). Graduates of the Master of Dietetic Practice may apply for membership with Dieticians Australia (DA). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.