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Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Nutrition)

STARTS: February 2025
Madras Street

Gain an in-depth understanding of nutrition and the dietary influences that impact on the health of individuals.

Nutrition is increasingly relevant in today's society due to its impact on the health of individuals, communities and populations. As people are starting to take more responsibility for their own health to prevent illness, they are faced with a confusing range of often conflicting nutrition information.

Part-time up to 6 years.

I want to educate people about food and the benefits of eating right and exercising.

Stacey van Maanen

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,412 - $8,272 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$7,850 - $8,770 per year

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

14 credits at Level 3 in each of: biology or human biology or physical education another subject, preferably core health/health education, physics, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, geography, home economics and psychology

Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2) one other subject from the list of approved subjects*

  • Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
  • Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,

OR New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

In addition you need to:

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).

Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement. 

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more
 
Core courses
 
Elective courses

Career opportunities

Nutritionists can work as consultants for individuals, sports teams, or workplaces; in community-based health promotion programmes; in government to provide policy advice; in public health, food industry, and research; or as food writers for media and marketing. As a graduate of this programme, you’ll have a solid scientific base with critical thinking and communication skills that can be transferred to other scientific areas

Study pathways

Graduates of this programme can apply for postgraduate study in the fields of nutrition, dietetics, public health and other related disciplines. They can also complete a graduate teaching qualification to teach in primary and secondary schools.

Recommended school subjects

  • English
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Food and Nutrition

Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Nutrition)

FULL-TIME - 3 Years (Part-time options available)

Gain an in-depth understanding of nutrition and the dietary influences that impact on the health of individuals.

Information
Type Degree
Code CH3981
Next Starts February 2025
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
Credits 360
Level 7
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH3981-NUTR

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,412 - $8,272 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$7,850 - $8,770 per year

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Enquire Now View Dates & Apply
Human Nutrition - Bachelor of Applied Science - Yr 1 - Feb 2025 - CHCH
Start date: 17 February 2025
Apply
Human Nutrition - Bachelor of Applied Science - Yr 1 - July 2025 - CHCH
Start date: 21 July 2025
Apply

With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

In addition you need to:

Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).

Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement. 

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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