Graduate Certificate in Culinary Nutrition Science

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

• LO1 - Knowledge and skill acquisition and application  

Apply advanced understanding of nutrition, food science and culinary arts to inform current and future work practices.

• LO2 - Critical and cognitive skills  

Use an enquiring, critical approach when evaluating complex ideas and concepts related to food, nutrition, and health.

• LO3 - Problem solving and adaptability  

Demonstrate advanced practical problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to a range of environments in response to complex food, nutrition, and health issues.

• LO4 - Literacy, education, and advocacy  

Apply advanced skills in health, cultural and digital literacy, and food and nutrition to influence food and nutrition states for individuals and communities.

• LO5 - Communication  

Use advanced communication skills to motivate audiences to positively respond to food, and nutrition issues.

• LO6 - Independence and collaboration  

Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability alongside sustained leadership, teamwork, and collaboration with a range of stakeholders to improve food, and nutrition outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate of Culinary Nutrition Science (GCCNS) is a 40-credit point, 6-month full-time, or 12 months part-time, program. This course includes two core units in culinary nutrition science and two electives. Electives will be available from the Master of Dietetic Practice and other courses across ACU. The Graduate Certificate in Culinary Nutrition Science will be a standalone degree but also an exit point for students who do not complete the Master of Dietetic Practice.

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator

Part A : Specified Units

Complete exactly 20 credit points from the following:

• NUTR500 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice 10 CP

OR

• NUTR506 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice (Virtual)- 10 CP

• NUTR504 Foods for Special Diets in Practice 10 CP

OR

• NUTR507 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - (Virtual) 10 CP

Part B : Elective Units

Complete exactly 20 credit points from the following:

• NUTR505 Research in Food Nutrition and Dietetics 1 10 CP
• NUTR603 Engaging with Communities 10 CP
• PUBH642 Global Nutrition and Food Security 10 CP
• HLSC603 Organisational Culture and Management 10 CP
• HLSC661 Facilitative Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring 10 CP
• MGMT641 Organisational Dynamics and Behaviour 10 CP
• ENTR601 Entrepreneurship 10 CP
• BUSN602 Money Management 10 CP
• BUSN609 Business Communication for the 21st Century 10 CP
• EXSC668 Performance Nutrition 10 CP
• HLSC605 Leadership in Health Care 10 CP
• NUTR601 Entrepreneurial Dietetic Practice 10 CP
• NUTR602 Research in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics 2 10 CP
• NUTR605 Dietetic Practice and Management 10 CP
• NUTR609 Food and Culture Study Experience 10 CP

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Culinary Nutrition Science, a student must complete 40 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

• 20 cp from Culinary Nutrition Units AND
• 20 cp from Elective units

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Indicative total fee $4,768

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.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

27

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

• Have completed a Bachelor degree or higher; OR
• Submit a resume alongside their formal application, demonstrating suitability for study and evidence of relevant industry experience and/or prior learning over a sustained period.

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International applicants must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) : Overall score 7.0, with an individual score of 7.0 in all tests
• Pearson Test of English : 65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills
• Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL): Internet based total of 94: with a minimum of 27 in writing, 23 in speaking, 24 in reading and 24 in listening
• ACU English Language Test: A (75-100%)
• C1 Advanced: Overall score of 185, with an individual score of 185 in all tests

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

Community engagement

Students can choose to undertake a unit ‘Engaging with communities’ where principles of community engagement is integrated within the context of solving food and nutrition problems