Study Dietetics
- Prerequisites
- Application process
- Awards & Scholarships
- Opportunity for Māori
- Career profiles
- Presentation to FOSC111
Further study for Dietitians:
Interested in becoming a Dietitian?
Most of New Zealand’s dietitians begin their careers as science majors in high school before studying for a BSc or BCApSc at Otago University.
If you are studying a similar course at another University and are interested in becoming a dietitian, contact our Dietetic Course Advisor with details of your academic record for specific advice on how to proceed.
the Master of Dietetics
Admission to the Master of Dietetics (MDiet) is granted by the Divisional Admission Committee, who meet in early December to review applications.
This full time, two-year course is an academic and professional dietetic training course. The MDiet programme prepares graduates to work as dietitians in New Zealand.
There are currently 44 places available. The availability of practical placements limits the number of places offered on this course. Entry is competitive, based on academic record in 300 level Human Nutrition papers, referees’ reports and the completion of a work and extra-curricular experience reflection essays.
The course consists of six papers:
| HUND 471 |
Human Nutrition | 30 points |
| HUND 472 | Public Health Dietetics | 20 points |
| HUND 473 | Foodservice Management |
20 points |
| HUND 475 | Applied Dietetics |
20 points |
| HUND 477 | Professional Placement | 60 points |
| HUND 5A & B | Research Thesis | 90 points |
The MDiet is structured in two sequential parts:
Part one: Five papers HUND 471, HUND 472, HUND 473, HUND 475 and HUND 5A, which run in the first year of postgraduate study.
Part two: HUND 477 and HUND 5B, which run in two one-semester blocks in the second year of study.
The programme is taught in Dunedin in the first year. Each week students participate in lectures, clinical skills laboratories, small group sessions, and tutorials. 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 centres.
State registration
Upon successful completion of the Master of Dietetics graduates are eligible to apply to the New Zealand Dietitians Board for registration as a New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD).