Nutrition and Dietetics – Master of Science

This qualification is only available for full-time study, and you will enrol into prescribed courses every year. This full-time qualification is completed over 24 months and includes:

• course work (mostly in your first year)
• professional dietetics practice training as work integrated learning (mostly in the second year; at least 20 weeks), and
• research component (thesis - throughout both years).

You will follow a prescribed programme of study, where the courses, training and research components build on one another to achieve the required competencies and skills to comply with the New Zealand Dietitians Board requirements for registration.

Due to the specialised nature of the qualification and requirements of an accredited qualification, some course work and work integrated learning opportunities will be outside of the normal University semester weeks, utilising the full 24 months.

This is an intensive qualification placing high demand on both time commitments and personal resources.

Work integrated learning opportunities may be outside of Auckland, requiring students to travel. Travel and accommodation costs must be paid for by the students. Careful consideration should be given before committing to any part-time work whilst completing this full-time qualification.

A B grade average in your first year is required to be able to progress to the second year.  The second year involves the completion of the research thesis and professional practice components.

Meeting requirements for industry membership

The Massey University MSc (Nutrition and Dietetics) qualification outcomes align with the Professional Standards & Competencies for Dietitians (PSCD). This includes the Code of Ethics & Conduct for Dietitians as prescribed by the Dietitians Board, to ensure that on completion of this qualification, every graduate is competent to practise dietetics across the Scope of Practice for Dietitians in New Zealand.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics), you will have been awarded or qualified for:

• the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
• the Bachelor of Science with Honours, in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
• the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
• the Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course. and
• you will meet all the requirements of the New Zealand Dietitians Board for registration as an entry-level dietitian in terms of good character and fitness to be a dietitian.

Equivalent qualifications will be determined independently by considering whether you have successfully completed the required prerequisite knowledge. For equivalency, the qualification must include all of the following prerequisite subject areas:

At least four human nutrition majoring courses, with at least three at third year level:

• First and second year biochemistry
• First and second year physiology
• Food chemistry.

For each intake, subject to availability, places will be reserved for Massey University students who meet a GPA of 6 (B+ grade average) and above as well as other entry requirements.

An offer made for a place in the qualification is only valid for the particular application year, therefore deferment is not possible and you must apply again.

Documents you will need to supply to support your application:

• copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
• a copy of your current curriculum vitae (CV) (including your relevant training and experience, and a current photo)
• a personal statement/cover letter
• a short summary of your research interests (200 words or less)
• contact details of two referees (one work, one academic)
• a completed police vetting form.

If selected for an interview you will be required to attend in person or on zoom in early December at Massey University’s campus in Albany (Auckland).

Any offer of place on the programme is conditional on:

• passing the police vetting check and health screening (including full COVID-19 immunisation)
• availability of clinical placements.

See below for more details.

Application closing date

Applications for this qualification close on 1 November, for study in the following year.

There is only one intake at the start of each year, but applications are open throughout the year for future intakes.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards for postgraduate study.

•  Massey University English language requirements

The New Zealand Dietitians Board has additional English language requirements for registration (refer to their website).

Current curriculum vitae

This is a document of approximately three pages documenting your relevant training, experience and professional memberships, including a current photo.  Please include all work and volunteer experience.

Personal statement/cover letter

This is a one page document explaining why you would like to become a dietitian and why you chose the Massey University Dietetics qualification. List any personal characteristics you have that demonstrate your suitability.

Referees

We require two people who can act as referees for you and who are able to provide informed responses on your personal suitability for the qualification. They should know you well in relation to your professional potential as a registered dietitian.  One referee must be able to comment on your academic suitability, ie a lecturer from your most recent academic course.  The other referee should be someone who has known you for one year or more in the capacity of employer, educator, work colleague or person of community standing, ie Kaumatua, Minister or similar. This referee should not be a friend, flatmate, relative or someone who has not known you for at least a year. The information your referee supplies is confidential to those involved in the selection process. You will need to provide their full name, email, telephone number, organisation, position and relationship to yourself.

Health and disability

If you disclose any disability, health or personal information as part of your application, this will be assessed during the selection process and is confidential to the University staff processing your application.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

• Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
• View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

• Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

• Student loans (StudyLink)
• Fees Free
• Student portal

Scholarship and award opportunities

Graduates are eligible to apply to be registered with the New Zealand Dietitians Board to practise as a dietitian in New Zealand (NZRD), and will become eligible to apply for registration in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Working as part of a community or healthcare team, you will have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as diabetes or paediatrics, or apply your skills in the food or sports industries, education, research, or journalism. Career opportunities include:

• clinical dietetics (e.g. hospitals, clinics, private practice)
• community dietetics (e.g. marae, public health, rest homes, schools)
• consultancy and private practice
• management or research and development roles in food companies and food industry
• food service management
• industry (e.g. corporate health and wellness)
• health promotion or public health agencies (e.g. NZ Ministry Of Health, NZ Heart Foundation)
• media (e.g. publications, television, marketing)
• medical nutritional companies (e.g. nutrition and dietetics advisor, nutritional representative)
• research and education
• sports and exercise nutrition (e.g. elite and recreational sports teams, fitness industry).

DietitiansNZ is a professional association that represents dietitians practising in diverse areas of dietetics.