Master of Dietetics

What is this course about?

The Master of Dietetics provides graduates with a body of knowledge that includes an understanding of recent developments in the dietetic discipline or an area of professional practice. It is designed to offer a pathway for graduates who have studied biochemistry, physiology, food and nutrition sciences in their undergraduate degree, to pursue a career as a dietitian.

Students will develop cognitive, technical and creative skills to enable them to demonstrate a mastery of knowledge of food science, the ability to interpret nutrition science and reflect critically on theory and professional practice. Students will also be able to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts, and apply established theories to clinical practice, public health nutrition and food service management.

Communication skills will be developed to enable students to interpret and justify theoretical propositions, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences. They will also be able to design, evaluate, implement and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship.

Graduates of this course will be able to:

• contribute to the wellbeing of others in society through their role as a dietitian
• exercise professional duty of care in accordance with the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) code of professional conduct and organisations' guidelines or protocols
• demonstrate a professional, ethical and entrpreneurial approach to advocating for excellence in nutrition and dietetics
• demonstrate and promote safe, evidence-based practice through understanding, interpreting and applying research information, whether in clinical practice or in population health activities
• clearly understand the dietetic professional relationship between the practitioner and the client
• develop appropriate communication, interaction and teamwork skills to work effectively in complex and changing workplaces
• self-audit dietetic performance in clinical, food service and public health nutrition practice using reflective practice to initiate self-directed learning activities
• integrate knowledge acquired from formal and informal sources and utilise reflective approaches to setting goals, examining achievements and engaging in lifelong learning
• demonstrate cultural competence
• integrate research and evaluation principles in dietetic practice
• demonstrate the 2009 DAA National Competency Standards for entry level dietitians in Australia.

This course may also provide a pathway to further study or a career in nutritional research.

Accreditation

The University has sought advice from the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) regarding the processes for the accreditation of the dietetic program. A graduate of an accredited program is eligible to become a DAA member with dietetic qualifications, and to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program. The University is planning to submit an accreditation review report within the required timelines. The University’s aim is to achieve accreditation prior to graduation of the first cohort of students. All enquiries regarding the progress of the program’s accreditation review should be directed to the University’s Dietetic Program Coordinator.

Workplace learning

Four of the subjects included in this course involve a professional work placement, while another subject has an optional professional placement. These placements incorporate community and public health, food service management, and clinical dietetic practice.

Study by distance education

Charles Sturt University is a leader in flexible delivery and offers an extensive range of course materials in a supported online environment. Interaction with teaching staff and other students is supported through online tools such as forums, as well as by phone and email.

Studying by distance education offers students the flexibility to complete their degree while still working or meeting family and lifestyle commitments.