Career opportunities
We will equip you with skills that can be used in a number of careers. Our graduates work in the health sector, government organisations, corporations, research, teaching, high-performance sport, private practice, and the food industry. Māori and Pacific graduates are often sought after, particularly by health providers across the country.
Teaching style
There is a combination of lectures, small group laboratory classes, and tutorials. Your assignments may be individual or group-based and will aim to develop communication skills for both a scientific and lay audience. One of the best things about studying nutrition is you get to practise on yourself with practical laboratory classes where you assess your own diet, try foods and monitor your body's response. The department is friendly, welcoming and supportive. The smaller group classes allow greater interaction with lecturers and postgraduate students who are always willing to discuss any issues with you.
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Recommended background
Secondary school students are highly recommended to take chemistry to Year 13 and biology, statistics and English to Year 12, preferably Year 13.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Human Nutrition
Explore postgraduate study in Human Nutrition at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 |
| CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health | 18 | |
| HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1, or PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body | 18 | |
| HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 | 18 | |
| HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition
Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | 18 | |
| 200-level | HUNT 241 Fundamentals of Nutrients and Health | 18 |
| HUNT 242 Nutritional Assessment | 18 | |
| HUNT 243 Lifecycle Nutrition | 18 | |
| 300-level | HUNT 341 Nutrition and Behaviour Change Communication | 18 |
| HUNT 342 Nutrition and Chronic Diseases | 18 | |
| HUNT 343 Community and Public Health Nutrition | 18 | |
| One of: | 18 | |
| Plus |
144 further points; (POPH 192 recommended) Must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. Note: Cannot be taken by students majoring in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. | 144 |
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition | 18 |
| 200-level | Two of:
| 36 |
| 300-level | Two of: | 36 |
* PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | ||
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
HUNT papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUNT141 | 2025 | Understanding Human Nutrition | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| HUNT241 | 2025 | Fundamentals of Nutrients and Health | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT242 | 2025 | Nutritional Assessment | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT243 | 2025 | Lifecycle Nutrition | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT245 | 2025 | Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT246 | 2025 | Applied Nutrition | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT341 | 2025 | Nutrition and Behaviour Change Communication | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT342 | 2025 | Nutrition and Chronic Diseases | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT343 | 2025 | Community and Public Health Nutrition | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT345 | 2025 | Applied Sports Nutrition | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT346 | 2025 | Global Nutrition and Health | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT441 | 2025 | Research Methods | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| HUNT442 | 2025 | Applied Nutrition & Disease Management | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT443 | 2025 | Practice in Public Health Nutrition | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT444 | 2025 | Food - Systems, Services and Skills | 20 points | Full Year |
| HUNT445 | 2025 | Applications in Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT452 | 2025 | Nutrition and Human Health | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| HUNT454 | 2025 | Nutritional Biostatistics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| HUNT455 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Human Nutrition | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| HUNT460 | 2025 | Research Project in Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 20 points | Full Year |
| HUNT485 | 2025 | Research Project | 20 points | Full Year |
| HUNT490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| HUNT495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| NUTN401 | 2025 | Principles of Human Nutrition | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NUTN402 | 2025 | Nutrition and Health Promotion | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| NUTN404 | 2025 | Nutrition and Chronic Disease | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NUTN407 | 2025 | Advanced Sports Nutrition | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| NUTN590 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 12 June 2026) |
More information
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