Course overview
Build your foundation knowledge in nutrition science and learn how nutrition affects population health, disease and ageing, and gain a deep understanding of the commercial forces that guide Australia's $130 billion food industry.* With Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce, you will graduate with highly transferable skills that allow you to work in either field, or where nutrition and business connect.
Hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art food sensory labs will ensure you graduate with practical skills that prepare you for employment in the thriving health and food industries, with the advanced knowledge to provide evidence-based nutrition advice throughout community settings. Your commerce degree equips you with versatile skills that ensure you are ready for the commercial roles of the future. You will work with real commercial clients on industry projects and learn from today's business leaders.
Why not combine your passion for food and nutrition with business skills and help shape the future of Australia's food industry?
While studying nutrition science, you will gain expertise and insight into the overall impact of food on health and wellbeing, and graduate ready for a variety of career opportunities across health and nutrition industries.
Your commerce degree will equip you with highly transferable skills that ensure you graduate ready to confidently advise in roles across business and government. By choosing to complete a business major, you will gain insight into how a specialised area of commerce affects the nutrition industry. The majors available in the commerce stream of this degree include:
- accounting
- economics
- finance
- human resource management
- management
- management information systems
- marketing.
Both the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Deakin Business School house state-of-the-art facilities to expose you to industry-standard environments while you study. Put theories to the test in our food sensory labs and develop your skills in business focused learning spaces.
Broaden your cultural understanding of nutrition and commerce by taking the opportunity to study abroad for a trimester. International study provides invaluable experience that prepares you to transition from course to career within Australia and around the globe.
With more than 7% of the total burden of disease in Australia due to poor diet^, graduate with the practical skills to improve health and wellbeing through food and nutrition and the commercial prowess to make large scale changes to the food industry.
Discover our food, nutrition and dietetics courses.
*State of the Industry - Australian Food and Grocery Council, 2020-2021
^Australian Burden of Disease Study: Impact and causes of illness and death in Australia 2018
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310111 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400311351 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510111 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D301
- CRICOS code?
- 095522K Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce students must attain 32 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 32 credit points you will need to study 32 units (AKA 'subjects') over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises 32 credit points. 16 credit points are Nutrition Science units, and 16 credit points are Commerce units, which includes the completion of a prescribed Commerce major sequence from one of the following options: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Management Information Systems and Marketing, which must include the following:
- 16 core credit points studied within the Faculty of Business and Law that must include the 8 Bachelor of Commerce core units: MAA103, MAE101, MAF101, MLC101, MMK101, MMM132, MIS171 and MWL101, plus one Commerce major that consists of 8 credit points
- Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prior to your first laboratory based unit in this course.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001* Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Burwood offering
Core units
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
Please contact a Student Adviser for specific course planning by submitting an enquiry.
Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prior to your first laboratory- based units in this course.
Students may be able to complete their course in three years by undertaking units in Trimester 3, subject to availability of units in Trimester 3. Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.
All Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus enrolled students are required to attend seminars and practical laboratory classes (if any) at the Melbourne Burwood Campus for the units marked (#) below.
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings.
Geelong students can choose one from the below two options:
A. Online unit offering: Attend two x 2 day intensive practical classes (one day for HSN104 and one day for HSN106). These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus.
B. Burwood unit offering: attend four practical classes at Burwood. Geelong students who choose to enrol into Burwood offering can only do so if there is capacity and via manual enrolment.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence
Waurn Ponds campus
Core units
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult your course enrolment officer.
Please refer to the unit guides for campus locations and enrolment modes *,**,#
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.
Please contact a Student Adviser for specific course planning advice by submitting an enquiry.
Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prior to your first laboratory- based units in this course.
Students may be able to complete their course in three years by undertaking units in Trimester 3, subject to availability of units in Trimester 3. Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information. The course maps will guide the units you need to enrol in each trimester.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus two units from one Commerce major sequence**
* Units are offered for Geelong students as either online or at Burwood (Melbourne) please read unit descriptions for details.
** Units may not be offered at Waurn Ponds campus and could involve inter-campus travel or online enrolment.
# Units are currently offered at Burwood (Melbourne) however future offerings will be available for Geelong students as either online or at Burwood (Melbourne).
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong) with Burwood campus intensives and possible inter-campus travel.
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong) with Burwood campus intensives and possible inter-campus travel.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Alternative exits
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
Police Record Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience in HSN311 Food and Nutrition Practicum in your third year.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in any Business, any English, Food Studies, Health And Human Development or any Information Technology equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, Food Studies, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology or Maths: Further Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in Chemistry equals 2 aggregate points. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you are from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Elite Athlete Program
Student athletes may be eligible to receive 5 bonus aggregate points. Applicants wishing to be considered for an elite athlete bonus must complete a personal statement indicating how their studies have been impacted by participation in sport at an elite level. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of their participation in sport at an elite level to be considered for this. Learn more about the Elite Athlete Program eligibility and how to apply.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
Current year 12 students from regional and remote areas may be eligible for additional aggregate points to their selection rank through Deakin's Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Learn more about this scheme, eligibility and how to apply.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Commerce with our pathways finder.
This course can be a pathway to:
Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) (H418)
Master of Human Nutrition (H714)
Master of Nutrition and Population Health (H748)
Articulated courses
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Do you want to help shape the future of Australia’s food industry? This combined course will give you a competitive edge when it comes to employment. You will not only have the understanding of how nutrition affects our population, but the business skills to critically analyse its relationship to commerce. Find yourself in roles including:
- brand/product management
- consumer education
- consumer research
- food composition
- food policy
- food regulation
- management
- marketing and media
- quality assurance
- wholesale and retail.
Professional recognition
This qualification allows you to receive recognition from both nutrition and business professional bodies.
Enrolled students and graduates may apply for membership of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates may apply for registration which will ensure you’re recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Our courses are developed and reviewed with industry and professional input.
Graduates are eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:
Deakin’s accounting major enables students to apply for the:
The marketing major provides a one-year credit towards the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) five-year Certified Practicing Marketer and Chartered Marketer certification.
Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
The human resource management major enables students to apply for the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) membership.
Students should consult with a Student Adviser to identify any additional requirements for membership for each professional body, and also consult with the professional body.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
See course entry for Bachelor of Nutrition Science (H315) or Bachelor of Commerce (M300).
Footnotes
*2019 Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings
**ARWU Rankings 2020
^ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023