Looking to study nutrition in New Zealand?
The study of Nutrition is based on a number of core sciences, including biology, chemistry, human anatomy, physiology and food science.
Nutrition and Dietetic Degrees
You are able to study for an undergraduate degree in nutrition at Massey University in Auckland & Palmerston North, and the University of Otago in Dunedin. Both universities offer post-graduate qualifications in human nutrition.
To study to become a dietitian, the University of Otago offers a post-graduate diploma in dietetics. They are proposing a Masters degree in Dietetics to the Ministry of Education. The proposal includes replacing the PG Dip Dietetics with the Masters Dietetics degree.
Massey University, Albany (Auckland) is commencing a two year Masters of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) in February 2012.
Auckland University is developing a Masters of Health Sciences in Nutrition and Dietetics, which would be offered for the first time in Semester One 2013.
For more information about dietetic qualifications go to www.dietitiansboard.org.nz
Short courses, and papers, in nutrition are offered at the following institutions:
Massey University (including extra-mural options)
University of Auckland (in Health Science, Science, Public Health degrees)
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Unitech (in Diploma in Sport & Fitness Education, Bachelor of Sport)
University of Waikato (in Sport & Leisure studies)
Wintech (in Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science)
Courses for Personal Trainers (which include nutrition topics) are available at:
Netfit – www.netfit.co.nz
AUT – www.aut.ac.nz
Unitech – www.unitech.ac.nz
To find a nutrition course
Go to; www.whichcoursewhere.govt.nz/
Choose a NZQA registered provider; www.tec.govt.nz/About-us/
Look at the websites of the New Zealand Universities;
- University of Auckland
- AUT University
- University of Waikato
- Massey University
- Victoria University
- University of Canterbury
- Lincoln University
- University of Otago
The New Zealand Nutrition Foundation offers free membership to tertiary students of nutrition at a New Zealand University or other educational organisation which is registered with the NZQA. The course of study must be full time and to at least NZQA Level 6.
To apply for student membership click here
What are the differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
A dietitian is a health professional with expertise in the effects food and nutrition have on our health and well-being. Dietitians have an undergraduate science degree in human nutrition, a post-graduate Dietetics qualification and once qualified must continue to demonstrate they meet the standards required by the NZ Dietitians Board, under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.
Dietitians are trained in the science of nutrition and diet therapy (clinical dietetics) and are qualified to work in areas that require nutritional assessment, prescription of special or modified diets and education and counseling of clients and other health professionals. They may work in a variety of settings ranging from hospital, community, public health, private practice, sports, research, education, business and the food industry.
Dietitians must adhere to a Code of Ethics, participate in a Continuing Competency Program and undergo regular auditing in order to maintain their practising certificate and to be able to legally call themselves a New Zealand Registered Dietitian. There is a complaints and disciplinary process available.
You can find out more about Dietitians at www.dietitians.org.nz.
A nutritionist may also have expertise in the effects food and nutrition have on our health and well-being. Like dietitians, nutritionists work in a variety of settings but may not work in a clinical dietetic role in public hospitals. In New Zealand, to date, there is no legal regulation or control over the use of the title of Nutritionist. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.
However the Nutrition Society of New Zealand maintains a register of nutritionists who meet their requirements and may call themselves a Registered Nutritionist.
Registered Nutritionists must have either:
a) an undergraduate degree in animal, plant or human nutrition, and;
either five years of professional experience
or
a post-graduate qualification and two years of professional experience in the field of nutrition,
or
b) a generic health science degree, a post graduate qualification specific to animal, plant or human nutrition and two years of professional experience in the field of nutrition.
The selection process is overseen by the Nutrition Registration Panel which is an expert group of Nutrition Society members drawn from academia, industry, government and private
practice.Registered Nutritionists adhere to The Royal Society of New Zealand Code of Professional Standards and Ethics and must participate in a Continuing Education Competency Programme.
You can find out more about Registered Nutritionists at www.nutritionsociety.ac.nz