Skip to main content

Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Nutrition)

Starts: February 2027
Madras Street

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

Food plays an important role in health and wellbeing. As you study human nutrition, you'll learn how the body uses nutrients and how eating patterns can support wellbeing across different stages of life.

You'll build practical, evidence-based skills for working with individuals and communities, with attention to culture, environment and real-life constraints. Industry practicums, guest speakers and a final placement project help connect classroom learning with nutrition work in practice.

Key features

  • Nutrition beyond the science:

    Consider the cultural, social and environmental factors behind food choices.

  • 200 hours industry experience:

    Complete industry practicums and a final-year project with a host organisation.

  • Strong industry connections:

    Learn from registered nutritionists, guest speakers and practicum providers.

  • Future-focused pathways:

    Progress towards nutritionist registration and advanced study opportunities.

What you'll learn

  • Human digestion, absorption and metabolism
  • Nutrients and their roles in health
  • Dietary assessment and nutrition planning
  • Evaluating nutrition evidence and research
  • Nutrition psychology and behaviour change
  • Phytonutrients and functional foods
  • Public health nutrition and policy thinking
  • Cultural, social and environmental influences
  • Sustainable food systems
  • Nutrition for sport and exercise
  • Nutrition, disease and special populations

Lani shares what studying nutrition was like, including placements, community work, and where it's taken her next.

Study Human Nutrition

Fees for 2026

Domestic Fee
$8,321 - $9,296 per year
International Fee
$26,572 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$392.50 per year

University Entrance as defined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which must include:

  • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
  • Biology or Physical Education or Health Education
  • another subject, preferably Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography or Psychology.
  • (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or alternative as approved by the specialisation coordinator.)
  • one other subject from the list of approved subjects*

OR successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

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

In addition you need to:

Consent to Disclosure of Information

  • Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
  • The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faculty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

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.

This may include Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact Ara for advice.

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
  • 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, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test 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 New Zealand University Entrance?

If you have achieved New Zealand University Entrance requirements, you are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

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

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.

Funding assistance

If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.

Find out more

Career opportunities

  • Nutritionist
  • Nutrition consultant
  • Health coach
  • Health promoter (nutrition focus)
  • Corporate wellness consultant
  • Sport nutritionist
  • Food product developer

Study pathways

Pathway into this qualification

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 2027
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
Credits 360
Level 7
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
Available Part time Yes
Reference CH3981-HUNU

Fees for 2026

Domestic Fee
$8,321 - $9,296 per year
International Fee
$26,572 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$392.50 per year
Enquire Now View Dates & Apply
Human Nutrition - Bachelor of Applied Science - Yr 1 - Feb 2027
Start date: 15 February 2027
Apply
More

Additional Entry Requirements

In addition you need to:

Consent to Disclosure of Information

  • Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
  • The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faculty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.

Apply for credit recognition

Documents

Area of Interest

tahatu-kis-button-300x250 (1).webp

Need some help picking the right course for you?

Send us an enquiry or book a tour and experience Ara for yourself!