At a glance
36 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Integrate nutrition science with real-world applications.Hands-on Learning
- Access state-of-the-art labs, a nutrition clinic, gym, test kitchen, and food truck.Advanced Facilities
- Learn from award-winning, globally recognised staff.Expert Faculty
- Benefit from extensive industry networks in sport, public health, and global nutrition.Industry Connections
- Opportunity to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist.Professional Recognition
- Explore unique offerings like Sports Nutrition and Sports Science degrees.Specialised Study
Discover how food, nutrients, and eating patterns influence growth, development, physical performance, and health. In this program, you will explore societal challenges related to nutrition and its impact on all aspects of health, including healthy ageing, obesity, and the social and psychological effects of food. You will gain knowledge and skills to improve individual and population health and wellbeing, guided by experts and practising nutritionists. The program covers the biological foundations of nutrition, lifecycle nutrition, diet's role in chronic disease, and strategies for diverse communities, while also examining cultural and social influences on dietary habits. Practical projects allow you to monitor your body's response to food and develop research skills. Graduates can apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and may become Registered Associate Nutritionists.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Human Nutrition is a three-year degree. It provides a strong foundation in nutrition science, with opportunities to explore related subjects. Year 13 Chemistry is recommended, with bridging options available if needed for the compulsory CHEM 191 paper.
- 100-level
- Foundations of BiochemistryBIOC 192
- The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human HealthCHEM 191
- Human Body Systems 1HUBS 191
- Introduction to the Human BodyPTWY 131
- Human Body Systems 2HUBS 192
- Understanding Human NutritionHUNT 141
- 200-level
- Fundamentals of Nutrients and HealthHUNT 241
- Nutritional AssessmentHUNT 242
- Lifecycle NutritionHUNT 243
- 300-level
- Nutrition and Behaviour Change CommunicationHUNT 341
- Nutrition and Chronic DiseasesHUNT 342
- Community and Public Health NutritionHUNT 343
Careers
A Human Nutrition degree opens doors to a variety of fulfilling career paths. Graduates are well-prepared to contribute to health and wellbeing across different sectors.
- Public health
- Government organisations
- Research and teaching
- High-performance sport
- Private practice
- Food industry
- Registered nutritionist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Human Nutrition programme?
- For the Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition), you generally need NCEA Level 3 or equivalent. Specific academic qualifications and English language proficiency requirements must be met, with IELTS (Academic) overall 6.0 and no band below 5.5 being a common benchmark.
- How much does the Human Nutrition programme cost?
- International tuition fees are listed per paper in the downloadable fees document. In addition to tuition, there are compulsory Student Services Fee and Pūtea Tautoko | Student Relief Fund Fee, and potentially administration fees.
- How long does the Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) take to complete?
- The Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) is a three-year degree.
- What are the career prospects after graduating with a Human Nutrition degree?
- Graduates can pursue careers in public health, government organisations, research and teaching, high-performance sport, private practice, or the food industry. You may also be eligible to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist.
- How can I apply for the Human Nutrition programme?
- To apply, you should check the specific entry requirements, gather necessary documents like academic transcripts and English proficiency test results, and then submit your application online. Offers of place are typically issued on a rolling basis.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students in Human Nutrition?
- While specific scholarships for Human Nutrition international students are not detailed, the University of Otago does offer entrance scholarships like the University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship. Other undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships may also be available.
Entry requirements
NCEA Level 3University Entrance
Cambridge International or International Baccalaureate (IB) taken in New ZealandStandard literacy requirements for admission
Other secondary qualificationsCheck specific requirements for Discretionary Entrance, Admission ad eundem statum, Steiner School Certificate, Christian Education New Zealand Level 3 Certificate, Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Year 13 Certificate, Australian Secondary School ranking (ATAR).
IELTS (Academic module)Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5
TOEFL iBTOverall 80 (writing 20) for tests before Jan 2026; Overall 4 (writing 4) for tests from Jan 2026 onwards.
C1 AdvancedOverall 169 (no band below 162)
C2 ProficiencyOverall 169 (no band below 162)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicOverall 50 (no communicative skills score below 42)
Duolingo English TestOverall 105 (no individual subscore below 95)
For programmes with higher English requirements, please refer to specific programme details. Test results are valid for two years, potentially extendable to five years with evidence of continued English immersion.
Fees
Tuition (international)International tuition fees are listed per paper in the downloadable fees document.
Tuition (home)Domestic tuition fees are listed per paper in the downloadable fees document.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified.
Tuition fees increase annually. The fees document is for 2026. Additional compulsory fees include the Student Services Fee and the Pūtea Tautoko | Student Relief Fund Fee. Administration fees may also apply.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsReview the academic qualifications and English language proficiency requirements for the BSc programme.
2. Prepare Necessary DocumentsGather academic transcripts, certificates, and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS score).
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form. Specific instructions for international students will be provided.
4. Await OfferOnce your application is processed, you will receive an offer of place if successful.
5. Accept Offer and EnrolFollow the instructions to accept your offer and enrol in the programme.
Scholarships
University of Otago Māori Entrance ScholarshipVariable
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible to pursue postgraduate study in Dietetics at other New Zealand universities and accredited programmes in Australia. Graduates can apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Human Nutrition programme?
+
For the Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition), you generally need NCEA Level 3 or equivalent. Specific academic qualifications and English language proficiency requirements must be met, with IELTS (Academic) overall 6.0 and no band below 5.5 being a common benchmark.
How much does the Human Nutrition programme cost?
+
International tuition fees are listed per paper in the downloadable fees document. In addition to tuition, there are compulsory Student Services Fee and Pūtea Tautoko | Student Relief Fund Fee, and potentially administration fees.
How long does the Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) take to complete?
+
The Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) is a three-year degree.
What are the career prospects after graduating with a Human Nutrition degree?
+
Graduates can pursue careers in public health, government organisations, research and teaching, high-performance sport, private practice, or the food industry. You may also be eligible to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist.
How can I apply for the Human Nutrition programme?
+
To apply, you should check the specific entry requirements, gather necessary documents like academic transcripts and English proficiency test results, and then submit your application online. Offers of place are typically issued on a rolling basis.
Are there any scholarships available for international students in Human Nutrition?
+
While specific scholarships for Human Nutrition international students are not detailed, the University of Otago does offer entrance scholarships like the University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship. Other undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships may also be available.