- Where you can study
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Distance and online
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Not open to international students
Specialise in Human Nutrition for your Bachelor of Health Science at Massey
This degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to improve nutrition-related health outcomes across Aotearoa. This major focuses on the vital role nutrition plays in promoting health and preventing disease at individual, whānau, and population levels.
Develop a holistic understanding of nutrition and health by examining the physical, social, and environmental factors influencing well-being. You'll explore:
- How nutrition and lifestyle influence overall health and wellbeing
- Strategies to promote healthy communities and disease prevention
- The role of health policy and public health initiatives in shaping healthcare systems
- Practical skills for educating, supporting, and advocating for better health outcomes.
Choosing the right nutrition degree
Massey offers two distinct pathways for studying human nutrition at undergraduate level; the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and the Bachelor of Health Science (BHlthSc), each with a major in Human Nutrition. While both degrees provide a strong foundation in nutrition, they differ in focus, structure and career outcomes.
Bachelor of Health Science in Human Nutrition
- Health-focused, with public health nutrition emphasis.
- University entrance requirements only.
- Leads to careers in:
- Public health nutrition
- health promotion
- community nutrition
- lifestyle coaching
- pathway to study the Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) and become a registered dietitian.
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
- Strong focus on biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition.
- University entrance requirements plus:
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry
- Leads to careers in:
- research
- food industry
- lifestyle coaching
- pathway to study the MSc Nutrition and Dietetics to become a registered dietitian
- Study full-time or part-time via distance learning
You can study either degree part-time or full-time. In both cases, study is via distance learning.
Graduates of either degree are eligible to register with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and start on their pathway to becoming a registered nutritionist. You’ll also have a strong foundation for postgraduate study in human nutrition, public health or health science.
Real-world application
Whether you want to work in healthcare organisations, health promotion or food industry, this degree prepares you for a rewarding career helping others. With hands-on learning and industry connections, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference to the health of individuals and communities.
Further study
Your Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Human Nutrition can be a pathway to the Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics), which allows you to become a registered dietitian.
A Bachelor of Health Science in Human Nutrition is a good fit if you:
- are passionate about making a difference in your community
- enjoy working with others to improve health and well-being
- are curious about how food impacts health and disease prevention
- want to help shape healthier food environments and policies.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses each year.
To complete the Human Nutrition major in the Bachelor of Health Science you must pass 120 credits in specified areas.
This qualification is offered via distance learning.
Full-time study plan
This includes compulsory core courses, major courses, prerequisite courses and recommended electives.
Year 1
Semester One
151131 Intro to Food and Nutrition (or can be taken in semester 2)
214101 Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function
231106 Intro to Public Health
250100 Health Communication
Semester Two
150112 Hauora Tangata: Foundations of Māori Health
214102 Applied Science for Health Professionals
231107 Social Determinants of Health
Elective
Year 2
Semester One
151231 Science of Food
194241 Physiological Control Systems
214201 Human Bioscience: Impaired Body Function
250205 Principles & Practice of Epidemiology
Semester Two
151232 Nutrition and Metabolism
194242 Physiology of Mammalian Organ Systems
214212 Research Methods in the Health Sciences
Elective
Year 3
Semester One
150202 Mauri Ora: Māori Wellbeing & Vitality
151331 Maternal & Child Nutrition
151332 Nutrition for Sport & Performance
250331 Health of Communities
Semester Two
151333 Adult Nutrition & Positive Ageing
151334 Nutrition Communication & Promotion
250303 Systems Thinking & Design for Health
Elective
In the final semester of your study, you have the option to gain practical experience by taking the elective course 250320 Work Integrated Learning in Health Sciences.
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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Health Science
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Health Science core courses
Human Nutrition courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 151231 Science of Food 15 credits
Chemical composition and physical properties of food. Modification of nutrient content of foods due to formulation, processing and preparation. Food regulation and food safety.
View full course detailsCourse code: 151232 Nutrition and Metabolism 15 credits
Physiological function and metabolic fate of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and their involvement in meeting energy needs for maintenance, growth and performance. Nutritional and physiological functions of vitamins, minerals, water and electrolytes in humans. The pharmacological role of specific micronutrients. Physical and biochemical measurements of nutritional status of populations and individuals; including assessment of body composition and dietary intake.
View full course detailsCourse code: 151331 Maternal and Child Nutrition 15 credits
Nutrient functions, requirements and partitioning during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence: determination of nutritional requirements; assessment of normal growth and body composition; evaluation of food and nutritional issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 151332 Nutrition for Sport and Performance 15 credits
Nutritional aspects of exercise physiology and metabolism. Nutritional principles for enhancing performance in recreational and elite athletes Food and nutrition for specific sporting codes and specific groups (e.g. children, adolescent athletes, female athletes, elite athletes). Assessment of nutritional status of athletes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 151333 Adult Nutrition and Positive Ageing 15 credits
An overview of physiological, metabolic, nutritional and social changes associated with ageing. Review of current research on nutrient needs and factors affecting nutritional status of adults as they age and the role of nutrition in the development and prevention of degenerative diseases.
View full course detailsCourse code: 151334 Nutrition Communication and Promotion 15 credits
The impact of food policy, marketing and nutrition promotion on behavioural aspects of food choice. Nutrition communication and health promotion measures to influence nutritional status will be covered, including models of food choice. Examples will be drawn from health promotion initiatives in New Zealand, related to a range of socio-cultural groups. Food insecurity and food politics will also be included.
View full course detailsCourse code: 194241 Physiological Control Systems 15 credits
The principles of control systems involving nerves and hormones are examined. Control at the cellular, tissue, organ system and whole-body levels is explained with reference to the basis of cell excitability, basic functions of the nervous system, muscle contraction, actions of hormones, the immune system and the renal system.
View full course detailsCourse code: 194242 Physiology of Mammalian Organ Systems 15 credits
An examination of the roles of organ systems in maintaining life and health in mammals, including humans, with emphasis on the alignment between structure and function. Topics include the functions of the heart and blood vessels, breathing, reproduction, and the digestive system.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
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 and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $8,420
- International students: Not applicable
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
The Bachelor of Health Science (Human Nutrition) prepares you for a career focused on improving nutrition and health outcomes for individuals, whānau, and communities. With strong foundations in nutrition science and public health, this degree opens up opportunities in health promotion, food systems, and community development.
Graduates are equipped to work in a range of roles and settings, from public health and government organisations to community-based initiatives including Māori and Pacific health providers and international agencies. Potential roles include:
- public health nutritionist
- community nutrition advisor
- health promotion specialist (nutrition)
- food systems or nutrition policy analyst
- food industry consultant
- nutrition educator or trainer
- workplace wellbeing advisor
- health coach/nutritionist.
Related study options
Human Nutrition – Bachelor of Science
If you are passionate about food and nutrition and want to learn more about the science behind how diet affects health, then Massey’s Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) is for you.
Nutrition and Dietetics – Master of Science
Study Massey’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics to learn about the intricacies of and relationships between food, nutrients, health, and disease, and how they can be manipulated to improve health and wellbeing.
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