Course details

Summary

The Master of Dietetics (MDiet) degree is an academic and professional dietetic training course which prepares graduates to work as dietitians in New Zealand and overseas. This full time, two-year course encompasses specialist papers in clinical nutrition, public health, food service, professional skills, research thesis preparation, a block placement and a research project.

The first year of the programme is taught in Dunedin. Early Learning in Dietetics (practical experience placements) will be completed under the supervision of dietetic tutors in hospital, community, public health and foodservice environments. The second year consists of one semester of placements and one semester of research in one of a number of centers.

The Master of Dietetics (MDiet) is an internationally recognised qualification which follows completion of a BSc, BASc, or BAppSc in Human Nutrition.

There is growing interest in food, nutrition and health in New Zealand and worldwide. Dietitians apply nutritional science to guide food choices, promoting health and treating disease. Using current research they plan and implement practical and effective ways of managing food and nutrition – both for individuals and for groups of people. Many people with chronic or acute diseases benefit from the services a dietitian offers.

Programme Requirements

Year One

• HUND 471 Clinical Nutrition
• HUND 472 Public Health Dietetics
• HUND 473 Food Service Management
• HUND 475 Applied Dietetics
• HUND 5A Thesis Part A

Year Two

• HUND 477 Professional Placement
• HUND 5B Thesis Part B

Note: A candidate must pass all the papers in Year One and also demonstrate the required level of professional behaviour before proceeding to Year Two.

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be determined by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) on the advice of the Dietetics Admission Committee.

Every applicant must either

• be a graduate, or
• have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences)

Note: It is expected that the following or equivalent papers should normally have been passed by applicants: HUNT 231, HUNT 311, HUNT 312, HUNT 313, HUNT 314, HUNT 331, BIOC 230, PHSL 251, FOSC 111, and STAT 110 or STAT 115.

In cases where evidence of competence in English is required, acceptable evidence shall consist of certified copies of results in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test with an overall score of at least 7.5, with a score of at least 7.0 in each individual band, or equivalent results in other recognised tests.