Bachelor of Science (Nutrition), Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion)

4 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

Program Overview: The Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) and Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion) at Curtin University is a combined degree that focuses on how nutrition and public health work together to improve wellbeing across communities. It is designed for students who are interested in food, health education, and creating long-term positive change in people’s lifestyles through prevention-focused healthcare.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1: In your first year, you develop a strong foundation in human health and population wellbeing through units such as Human Nutrition, Foundations of Public Health, Human Biology, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics. These subjects help you understand both the science of nutrition and the basics of how health is studied and improved at a population level.

Year 2: In Year 2, you build applied knowledge through units like Nutrition Across the Lifespan, Health Promotion Principles, Social Determinants of Health, and Food and Health Behaviour. This stage helps you understand how lifestyle, environment, and social factors influence health outcomes and how to design early health interventions.

Year 3: In your third year, the focus shifts to practical and professional skills with units such as Health Promotion Practice, Nutrition Communication, Program Planning and Evaluation, and Health Policy and Advocacy. You also begin applying your knowledge through community-based projects and applied learning activities.

Year 4: In your final year, you complete advanced study and professional placement through units such as Advanced Health Promotion Practice, Global Health and Nutrition Systems, and a 100-hour fieldwork placement in a health promotion organisation. This year prepares you for real-world practice and strengthens your industry readiness.

Focus areas: Nutrition science, public health, health promotion, epidemiology, health communication, community health, policy development, disease prevention, and population wellbeing.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to analyse public health issues, design and evaluate health promotion programs, apply nutrition knowledge in community settings, communicate effectively with diverse populations, and contribute to evidence-based health interventions.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This degree meets the academic requirements for Associate Nutritionist status with the Nutrition Society of Australia and supports membership pathways with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education. It also provides a pathway into the Master of Dietetics for further professional qualification.

Reputation (employability rankings): Curtin University is recognised as one of the top universities globally and is the leading public university in Western Australia for graduate salary outcomes and full-time employment in health-related fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Curtin University in Perth, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition or Health Promotion are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience. The university is committed to providing students with hands-on opportunities that enhance their understanding of the subjects and prepare them for successful careers in health and nutrition. With state-of-the-art facilities and a range of experiential learning opportunities, students can expect to engage in meaningful projects and collaborations that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Here are some of the key experiential learning components available to students in these programs:

- Practical Workshops: Engage in workshops that focus on food preparation, nutrition assessment, and health promotion strategies, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios.

- Laboratories: Access specialized laboratories equipped for nutrition research, including food science labs and health assessment facilities, where you can conduct experiments and analyze data.

- Internships: Participate in industry placements and internships with local health organizations, community health programs, and nutrition-focused businesses, providing invaluable work experience and networking opportunities.

- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on group projects that tackle real-world health issues, fostering teamwork and communication skills essential for your future career.

- Field Trips: Experience learning outside the classroom with field trips to health promotion events, community health initiatives, and nutrition-related organizations, giving you insight into the industry.

- Digital Tools: Utilize software and digital tools such as dietary analysis programs and health promotion planning software, which are integral to modern nutrition and health promotion practices.

- Research Institutes: Benefit from the resources and expertise of Curtin’s research institutes focused on health and nutrition, where you can engage in cutting-edge research projects.

- Libraries and Resources: Access extensive library resources, including databases and journals specific to health and nutrition, to support your studies and research.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career. If you're ready to take the next step in your education and make a difference in the field of health and nutrition, consider applying to Curtin University.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Curtin’s Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) and Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion) are well prepared for careers focused on improving health at both individual and community levels. With expertise in nutrition and public health, you can work in prevention-focused roles across government, community services, and health organisations where there is growing demand for professionals who can design and deliver effective health programs.

Typical roles include: Nutritionist, Health Promotion Officer, Community Health Officer, Health or Nutrition Policy Officer, Health Project Consultant, Research Officer, and other roles within public health and community wellbeing services.

What supports your career success at Curtin:

• Curtin Careers and Employability Services provide personalised support such as career planning, resume and interview preparation, job search guidance, and access to employer networking events and graduate opportunities
• The course includes work-integrated learning and a compulsory 100-hour fieldwork placement in a health promotion organisation, giving you real workplace experience before graduation
• Strong connections with public health agencies, community health organisations, and government sectors ensure your learning is closely aligned with real industry needs
• Graduates meet the academic requirements for Associate Nutritionist status with the Nutrition Society of Australia and can also pursue professional recognition through international health promotion networks
• Curtin is recognised for strong graduate outcomes in health-related fields, with high employment rates and competitive graduate salary performance in health services and support roles

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, you can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Dietetics to become a qualified dietitian, or pursue honours, master’s, or research pathways in public health, nutrition science, health promotion, epidemiology, or health policy.