Bachelor of Food and Nutrition

This three-year course fuses scientific knowledge with core wellbeing and business principles. You will learn about the role of food and nutrition in disease prevention, as well as chronic disease management. This knowledge will be underpinned by nutritional science, to give you an understanding of macronutrients and micronutrients – and their relationship to an individual’s overall health. You will explore diets and lifestyles for optimum health and learn the associations between nutrient intake, energy output and obesity.

You will also learn how nutrition and diets affect physical activity and lifestyle changes. In addition, you will gain insight into key business principles required to start and run your own business. With this skillset, you’ll be able to confidently run a small business or work as a consultant. This intersection of knowledge is designed not only to ensure your confidence and capability as a professional in the food and nutrition industry but also to give you the freedom to have flexibility in your chosen career outcomes.

Through a combination of scientific, business and wellbeing principles, this course will set you up for success in the thriving food and nutrition industry. Not only will you gain advanced knowledge relating to nutrition and human physiology, but you’ll also learn key business skills to open the door to a variety of career opportunities.

These tools will allow you to create your own path, whether that be starting your own nutritional consulting business, working in a fitness facility, or supporting community health.

You will gain an understanding of how social and cultural practices impact food, allowing you to take a holistic approach when supporting people and organisations with their nutritional choices. By incorporating a focus on wellness, you’ll be able to understand the psychological impact of optimal nutrition, as well as the physiological benefits.

Recommended study pattern

First year units:

• Chemistry for Health and Nutrition (SCCHM1000)
• Introduction to Nutrition (SCBCH1001)
• Anatomy & Physiology for Health & Nutrition 1 (SCBFN1001)
• Scientific Communication (SCCOR1200)
• Anatomy & Physiology for Health & Nutrition 2 (SCBFN1002)
• Psychosocial Aspects of Health Behaviour (SCBFN1003)
• Health and Physical Activity Promotion (SCBFN1004)
• Health Behaviours and the Brain (SCBFN1005)

Second year units:

• Lifespan Human Development (SCBFN2003)
• Population and Global Health Perspectives (SCBFN2001)
• Pathophysiology 1 (SCMED2010)
• Nutrition and Metabolism (SCBCH2002)
• Nutrition for Health and Exercise (SCBFN2002)
• Pathophysiology 2 (SCMED2011)
• Behaviour in the Workplace (BEHAV2003)
• Biochemistry for Health and Nutrition (SCBH2000)
• Management and Marketing (SCBFN2004)

Third year units:

• Lifespan Nutrition (SCBCH3001)
• Health Promotion (SCBFN3001)
• Nutritional diversity in the Australian population (SCBFN3003)
• Industry Experience (SCCOR3016)
• Health and Behaviour Change (BEHAV3003)
• Science Communication Project (SCCOR3002)
• Nutritional Analysis (SCBFN3004)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Food and Nutrition, students must complete 360 credit points comprising:

• 24 units of study (360 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Electives

• Health and Physical Activity Promotion (SCBFN1004)
• Health Behaviours and the Brain (SCBFN1005)
• Nutrition and Metabolism (SCBCH2002)
• Management and Marketing (SCBFN2004)
• Industry Experience (SCCOR3016)
• Nutritional Analysis (SCBFN3004)

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $28,611

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Federation University Australia is a proud regional university with a strong reputation for personalised support and real-world learning. Through Open Universities Australia, you can study online programs designed with industry in mind, backed by a university that champions co-operative education and practical experience in every course. Wherever you are, you’ll graduate with a respected qualification and the confidence to make a meaningful impact in your career and community.

Learn more about Federation University Australia.

Explore Federation courses.

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

This course uses the applicants' entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory program.

Minimum of 1 unit of study, with a GPA requirement of 4/7.

Year 12 applicants.

Domestic applicants will have completed the equivalent of Victorian Year 12 with an English mark of at least 20, and a study score of at least 20 in one of any Mathematics or any Science subject.

International admission: Overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent, will be required.

Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher. 

Credit will be considered if you have successfully completed higher education or TAFE studies. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis, depending on your eligibility for credit transfer, prior experience and qualifications.

Applicants who have not completed secondary education or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course.