New Human Nutrition major opens doors for aspiring health professionals

Human Nutrition Programme Lead Professor Cathryn Conlon says this fully online qualification creates a flexible and inclusive pathway into one of the most in-demand fields in health.

“This major opens the door to a wider range of students who are passionate about nutrition and public health but may not have come through a traditional science pathway. It’s about removing those barriers, building capability, and creating a health workforce that better reflects the communities we serve,” Professor Conlon says.

Responding to a real-world need

Driven by increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease across New Zealand and globally, the need for qualified nutrition professionals is on the rise. As awareness grows about the power of food and nutrition in preventing and managing these conditions, so too does the demand for skilled professionals in public health, policy and community roles.

In Aotearoa, becoming a registered nutritionist requires an undergraduate degree with a major in human nutrition and until now, this has only been available at Massey through the Bachelor of Science (BSc), which requires a strong background in science subjects.

“By offering this major through Health Science, more prospective students could start their journey in the nutrition field, particularly those without a background in chemistry or biology. Nutrition education affects us all, the bigger picture is to address real-world needs and that begins with accessibility,” Professor Conlon says.

Designed for today’s students

What sets the BHlthSc Human Nutrition apart is its accessibility. It’s designed for students who may not have studied chemistry or biology at school; are returning to education or changing careers; or want a flexible, fully online study option.

The programme builds fundamental science knowledge in the first year, ensuring students are fully prepared for higher-level nutrition courses.

This major creates new opportunities for Māori and Pacific students to bring their perspectives and leadership in the nutrition workforce. The BHlthSc builds students’ capacity to work respectfully and effectively with diverse communities, with compulsory courses in Māori health, kaupapa Māori frameworks, and a strong focus on hauora and equity in health systems.

School of Health Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr Angelique Reweti, Ngāpuhi, highlights the breadth of perspectives for course design as foundational to health education.

“As a university aspiring to be Te Tiriti-led, we don’t treat Māori health or kaupapa Māori frameworks as add-ons. They’re woven throughout our teaching, so students graduate equipped to engage meaningfully and support the wellbeing of Aotearoa’s diverse communities,” Dr Reweti says.

The new major also includes a Work Integrated Learning course that gives students the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience. This applied learning, alongside health communication, epidemiology, systems thinking and Māori health, means students are well-equipped for a wide range of careers.

Employment options include the public health profession, health education, research and policy. Graduates are eligible to register with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and start on their pathway to becoming a registered nutritionist. They can also continue their educational journey and study a Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) to become a registered dietitian.

Professor Conlon says this new major represents more than a course offering.

“We’re not only responding to workforce needs, but we’re also actively shaping them. I believe this programme will enable a new generation of health professionals who further champion community-led innovation and leadership to drive change across Aotearoa and beyond.”