Human Nutrition University of Otago

Overview

The Human Nutrition programme at the University of Otago provides a comprehensive scientific foundation in how dietary patterns and nutrients influence physical performance and disease prevention. Students explore the complex relationship between food intake and human health to drive meaningful wellbeing improvements across diverse global populations.

This course delves into the biological foundations of nutrition, examining how the body absorbs and metabolises essential compounds. You will investigate the social and psychological effects of food, addressing modern challenges such as obesity, healthy ageing, and the impact of diet on chronic illnesses within various communities.

Practical learning is a core component of the curriculum, with students accessing high-specification laboratories and a dedicated nutrition clinic.

Why Human Nutrition at University of Otago?

The university is home to world-leading experts and award-winning staff recognised for excellence in mentorship and teaching. Students benefit from unique facilities, including a cutting-edge test kitchen, a food truck for community meal provision, and an on-site garden to study sustainable food systems from garden to plate.

Otago maintains extensive networks across high-performance sport, public health, and global nutrition initiatives. As the only institution in the country to offer separate degrees in both Sports Nutrition and Sports Science, graduates are highly regarded by elite sports teams and national health organisations for their specialised expertise.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 45990 per year
• National fee: NZD 10891 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
• Human Body Systems 1
• Human Body Systems 2
• Human Nutrition
• Fundamentals of Nutrients and Health
• Nutritional Assessment
• Lifecycle Nutrition
• Nutrition and Behaviour Change Communication
• Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
• Food and Nutrition in Practice
• Global Nutrition and Health
• Research Methods
• Applied Nutrition & Disease Management
• Practice in Public Health Nutrition
• Food - Systems, Services and Skills
• Applications in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
• Nutrition and Human Health
• Nutritional Biostatistics

Careers with Human Nutrition

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand. This qualification opens doors to diverse roles within the health sector, government organisations, and the food industry, as well as opportunities in high-performance sport and private practice.

The degree also serves as a pathway to further academic specialisation. Many alumni pursue postgraduate study in Dietetics or advanced research degrees, leading to careers in teaching, public health policy, and international nutrition consultancy both locally and across Australia.