Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives.
Next Intake Monday 1st September
Campus Locations
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth
Course Length
3 years full-time
Part-time options available
Payment Options
FEE-HELP available for domestic students
Upfront payment
Contact hours
From 6 hours per week (part-time)
Learn how to improve lives through food with the Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition). Deep dive into biological and social sciences, nutritional biochemistry, metabolic regulation, clinical nutrition, dietary planning, sports nutrition, public health nutrition and more, and put theories and concepts are put into practice in our Wellness Clinics.
"Endeavour has exceeded my expectations in its course content and delivery. The tutorials and support and forums are so valuable, I’ve found if you have a question, reach out. It will always get answered."
Learning Outcomes
Learn how to integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives.
Prepare client centred, evidence-based treatment plans which support client health and consider the three pillars of clinical nutrition (diet, lifestyle, supplementation).
Develop an understanding of how different foods influence function and balance in the body as a whole and in specific organ systems, by way of their energetic properties.
Refine your clinic management, decision-making and marketing skills that are instrumental to your future career – all within the on campus, practical, consumer environment of our Wellness Clinics.
Student and Alumni Profiles
Alumni Profile
Check out our interview with Nutrition alumna Gina Urlich.
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is offered in mixed mode, with a combination of online, blended, live-streamed and on campus subjects. Your 1st year of study is completed fully online.
Online – fully digital structured learning, supported by our expert academics. Asynchronous (not live) delivery; can study this subject at any time during the week within specified delivery periods. Specific due dates still apply to assessment items.
On campus – attend live classes on one of our 6 campuses at specific timetabled times throughout the week. Supported by online study materials.
Livestream – attend live classes virtually at specific timetabled times throughout the week. Supported by online study materials.
Blended – a mixture of online content delivery with an on campus intensive (typically 3 – 5 days) at the end of the trimester
Contact our admissions team for additional details on the delivery mode for each subject or download the course structure here.
This program is an accredited AQF Level 7 Higher Education qualification
This subject introduces students to human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry starting with the cell, through the various levels of structural organisation of systems to the organism, as a whole. The integration of basic chemistry, cellular biochemistry, and metabolism into the cell function is discussed. Further, students are introduced to the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiac, respiratory, renal, reproductive, and integumentary systems.
This subject establishes an essential bridge between health science and nutritional medicine. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of human nutritional science, including the biochemical and physiological functions of individual macro- and micro- nutrients, the importance of nutrients in normal cell function, energy balance and metabolism and the consequences of deficiencies or excesses on human health. This subject explores the role of scientific research and its application in nutritional medicine practice. Foundations of Human Nutrition is essential to the further study of nutritional medicine where students will develop a deeper understanding of the role of diet and nutrition in restoring, maintaining, and promoting optimum health and wellbeing.
This subject brings together the disciplines of sociology and nutrition by drawing awareness to the complex influences upon food choices and dietary behaviours, examining the social determinants of health. Sociology of Food provides an understanding of the fundamental theories and sociological constructs to facilitate holistic practice within individual clients and associated communities. This subject builds on students’ knowledge and competency in understanding the barriers particular individuals and groups have regarding food choice. Students’ will explore and challenge their own personal experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs related to food choices and behaviours. These learnings aim to enhance the students’ social and cultural competency to better meet diverse nutritional needs in client settings, as a clinical nutritional practitioner.
This subject will develop students’ knowledge of counselling skills and cultural competence relevant to complementary medicine health care. Students will explore the concepts of 'cultural competence and safety’ and a holistic person-centered approach as essential for working with individuals in a complementary medicine, community-based setting, and within a broader healthcare system. This subject will increase awareness of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous peoples’ culturally sensitive histories and their contemporary ways of living, relevant to developing and providing appropriate healthcare services.
This subject is designed to build on the knowledge gained in Introduction to Human Biology (BIOA111) by providing the student with the principles of physiology that underpin natural medicine. Students will explore physiology of the human skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiac, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. This subject also explores how these body systems are integrated to maintain homeostasis within the body in a coordinated manner. The study of systems physiology is fundamental to the development of student’s understanding of the normal physiological function. Being able to integrate the normal physiology of the systems provides a strong foundation for ongoing studies where students will develop a deeper insight into diseases that affect these systems.
This subject introduces the skills for assessing clients’ diets and determining appropriate plans for modifying diet and food choices in individuals at different life stages. Building on knowledge from previous nutritional medicine and bioscience subjects, students explore nutritional assessment tools such as anthropometric measurements and dietary analysis software and learn principles for working with clients to assist them with implementing changes to their diets. The changing nutritional needs across the human lifespan are examined with reference to common conditions. This subject prepares students for clinical practice for the nutritional management of clients’ health.
In Medicinal Food Science, students explore the therapeutic potentials of various whole foods through the examination of natural chemical constituents and the potential effects on health outcomes. This subject also introduces students to the theory and practice of food-based science. Students are encouraged to explore, present and analyse methods of food preparation and cooking, as well as cultivation and storage practices. Medicinal Food Science provides a foundation for later subjects where nutrition and diet therapy are discussed and applied in more depth.
This subject introduces students to reflective inquiry and research methodologies in complementary medicine and health sciences. It covers research terminology, designs, and data analysis, alongside traditional practitioner knowledge. Students will explore clinical research, ethical considerations, and research literature related to therapeutic modalities. Emphasising personal values and motivation in research, the course highlights the importance of selecting appropriate methodologies and understanding the evidence produced. This foundational subject prepares students for further studies by building a strong foundation in research processes and reflective inquiry.
This subject introduces the study of pathology and disease states, and their pharmacological treatment in conventional medicine. This subject also integrates the clinical examination techniques used in the assessment of specific signs and symptoms that are essential to clinical competence of health professionals. The pathological processes of inflammation, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency are covered. The pathological mechanisms related to bacterial, viral and fungal infections and their pharmacological treatment are also explored. The remainder of the course examines the disease states of the musculoskeletal/neuromuscular system and gastrointestinal system. These systems are taught with respect to their pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatments. Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of pathology and disease states, and their pharmacological treatments.
The first clinical skills subject introduces students to the principles and decision-making processes that will support effective professional and safe management of clients in clinical practice. Blending natural medicine philosophy and principles and evidence informed practice, students will develop a framework for decision-making, communication and client management preparing students for supervised clinical practicum.
This subject builds on biochemistry knowledge to examine how nutrients affect metabolic processes in the human body. Students explore the clinical impact of macro and micronutrients on biochemical pathways to address physiological dysfunction. They integrate knowledge of food sources and nutrient imbalances with clinical signs and symptoms, contrasting normal and dysfunctional metabolic states. The course covers biological oxidation, microbiome dysbiosis, epigenetics, and their roles in disease. Students study liver detoxification, neurotransmitter synthesis, antioxidant mechanisms, inflammation, immune responses, and mitochondrial function. This subject enhances understanding of clinical nutrition and diet therapy, while developing research skills for future nutritional medicine and clinical practice
In this subject, students will learn advanced counselling skills, and the theory and practice of the crisis intervention. Students will further develop their active listening, communication, engagement, and feedback skills, learning how and when to apply Solution Focused approach and Motivational Interviewing. The aim is to provide a formal accidental counselling training for students who are not trained to be counsellors with the opportunity for the students to: reflect on their own conditioned responses and further develop healthy professional and personal boundaries and a variety of self-care strategies while demonstrating compassionate, culturally safe, and effective accidental counselling techniques.
This subject builds on the knowledge gained in Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1. It covers disorders related to the endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. The pathophysiological disease states are taught with respect to their aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests and pharmacology. Upon successful completion of this subject, the students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and disease states and their pharmacological treatments.
In Clinical Nutritional Skills 2, students prepare for the clinical practicum subjects. Students develop their ability to apply the Nutritional Case Management Process: nutrition focused case taking, nutritional health assessment, holistic nutritional diagnosis, nutritional treatment planning, monitoring and evaluation. This process is applied to case studies and client volunteers to integrate theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and cultural awareness, and to demonstrate reflective practice. Students will attend and be orientated to Endeavour Wellness Clinic policies and procedures.
This subject integrates and consolidates knowledge gained from previous health science and clinical nutrition subjects through an exploration of the nutritional management of various health conditions and individual cases. Students learn to develop nutritional treatment plans that incorporate dietary and lifestyle behaviour modification and nutrient prescribing. They learn to critically evaluate these treatment plans from the perspectives of evidence based practice and natural medicine principles. Clinical Nutritional Medicine is an essential foundation for clinical practice.
This subject addresses the underlying principles of human metabolism and provides students with a current and integrated understanding of metabolic regulation. Students learn to apply this knowledge to the nutritional case management of clients with a range of conditions related to metabolic alterations including weight management in obesity, malnutrition, and repletion, along with pathologies associated with disturbances in regulation systems.
This subject builds on the knowledge gained in Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1 and 2. It covers disorders related to the nervous, integumentary, lymphatic, and haematological systems. This subject further considers neoplasia and disorders that affect the ear, nose, throat, and paediatric disorders as well as multisystem disorders. These systems are taught with respect to their pathophysiology, clinical presentation, medical red flag symptoms, diagnostic tests, clinical examination, and pharmacological treatments. Upon successful completion of this subject, the students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and disease states and their pharmacological treatments.
Students will continue to develop their ability to apply the Nutritional Case Management Process. This includes client-centred case taking, nutritional health assessment, holistic nutritional diagnosis, nutritional treatment planning, monitoring and evaluation for a diverse range of clients with acute and chronic conditions. Students will develop and demonstrate their clinical skills through research, professional development and reflective practice activities and contribute to the clinic. Clinical nutrition students will continue to practise under the direct supervision of qualified practitioners in the Endeavour Wellness Clinics, and they will be assessed against the five (5) core domains:
• Domain A - Professional practice
• Domain B - Clinic management
• Domain C - Nutritional case management
• Domain D - Client-centred experience
• Domain E - Reflective practice
This subject introduces students to the central principles and practices of community and public health nutrition and the current and emerging issues in this growing field. Students will develop core public health nutrition competencies for a balanced and effective practice. These will include nutrition monitoring and surveillance, program planning, implementation and evaluation, communication, and advocacy techniques. The topics include key principles, goals and initiatives in public health nutrition, the social and systemic context of food and nutrition related problems the nutrition transition, food security and food sustainability.
This subject introduces students to the specific nutritional requirements for athletes with emphasis placed on the practical application of sports nutrition guidelines and practices. Students will critically evaluate the science and practice of sports nutrition and review the principles and research underpinning current recommendations. Sportsrelated nutritional deficiencies and eating behaviours will be discussed. Students will explore current and emerging sports nutrition dietary information and apply this learning to the development of dietary programs for optimal nutritional health in specific sports and populations of athletes.
Students will continue developing from their previous study in NMDC315 to develop their ability to further apply the Nutritional Case Management Process. This includes client-centred case taking, nutritional health assessment, holistic nutritional diagnosis, nutritional treatment planning, monitoring and evaluation for a diverse range of clients with acute and chronic conditions. Students will develop and demonstrate their clinical skills through research, professional development and reflective practice activities and contribute to the clinic. Clinical nutrition students will continue to practise under the direct supervision of qualified practitioners in the Endeavour Wellness Clinics, and they will be assessed against the five (5) core domains:
• Domain A - Professional practice
• Domain B - Clinic management
• Domain C - Nutritional case management
• Domain D - Client-centred experience
• Domain E - Reflective practice
Students will continue developing from their previous study in NMDC321 to develop their ability to further apply the Nutritional Case Management Process. This includes client-centred case taking, nutritional health assessment, holistic nutritional diagnosis, nutritional treatment planning, monitoring and evaluation for a diverse range of clients with acute and chronic conditions. Students will develop and demonstrate their clinical skills through research, professional development and reflective practice activities and contribute to the clinic. Clinical nutrition students will continue to practise under the direct supervision of qualified practitioners in the Endeavour Wellness Clinics, and they will be assessed against the five (5) core domains:
• Domain A - Professional practice
• Domain B - Clinic management
• Domain C - Nutritional case management
• Domain D - Client-centred experience
• Domain E - Reflective practice
This subject provides students with the tools to manage and operate a clinical medicine practice by exploring business planning, marketing and finance as well as gaining an understanding of legal and regulatory issues. It also enables students to reflect upon their professional ethical responsibilities in relation to codes of conduct and / or ethical codes within their respective professional associations’ membership protocols. Students will also learn how to be prepared for starting their own clinical practice and become familiar with the processes they will need to follow, as practitioners, for setting up and managing their practice in complementary medicine.
Endeavour Clinic
Students gain significant clinical experience at Endeavour Wellness Clinics under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Book an appointment today or simply drop in for a first-hand look at where you'll complete your practical/clinical subjects.
Professional Associations
Endeavour's Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) Graduates may apply for membership with the following professional associations:
Additional Course Options
Diploma of Health Science
Gain foundational knowledge of biological and social sciences. Choose from electives available in Nutrition & Naturopathy.
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practice that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health.
Clinical Nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives.
Both Clinical Nutritionists and Dieticians practice evidence-based medicine and hold the same overarching vision – better food, better health and wellbeing for all. However, the two practices draw on different philosophies. Clinical nutritionists use a holistic approach to healing, taking into consideration the whole person, mind, body and soul. This approach is evidence-informed, meaning research findings and traditional medicine knowledge are combined to inform treatment plans. Dietitians use knowledge in the science of nutrition to advise on an appropriate diet, food preparation and menu planning to treat and manage nutrition-related disease.
It takes three years of full-time study to become a nutritionist in Australia.
The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpinning of biological and social sciences subjects. Your studies broaden throughout the degree to include nutritional biochemistry, metabolic regulation, clinical nutrition, dietary planning, sports nutrition and public health nutrition. These theories and concepts are put into practice through developing clinical skills and clinical experience in Endeavour's Wellness Clinics.
Instead of committing to at least four years of study, ease into your study journey with our one-year full-time (two-year part-time) online Diploma of Health Science – the perfect stepping stone into a Bachelor degree. Gain essential foundational knowledge of biological and social sciences and be exposed to an array of complementary medicine electives. On completion, you’ll receive up to 32 credits points towards Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) should you choose to continue your studies.
You can start your natural health journey by enrolling in a 100% online, Diploma of Health Science. Intakes available four times a year! Plus, you’ll receive credits into a Bachelor degree on successful completion of your course.
In our open-to-the-public Endeavour Wellness Clinic, Nutrition students complete hundreds of clinical hours. Putting theory into practice is an essential component of a well-rounded educational experience at Endeavour. Enabling students to join the workforce equipped with the knowledge, expertise, contacts, and self-assurance required to succeed in their chosen fields.
Select subjects can be completed online, fully supported by academic and support staff. As you move further into your degree and into clinical experience there will be an on-campus requirement.
Undertaking higher education requires a high level of commitment and definitely comes with its own challenges along the way. However, we are here to support you in your learning journey! You can book individual consultations with academics to help you with course work and get the results you want out of your degree. You’ll also have a student success adviser you can reach out to as well as Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) to support you as you study.
Completion of high school or equivalent or alternative pathway.
Working as a Clinical Practitioner offers you a level of flexibility that is unusual in other occupations. You can choose your own hours and be your own boss, all the while offering clinical support that transforms lives. We make sure you are as knowledgeable and equipped to take care of a client's wellbeing by delivering quality education and clinical experiences at Endeavour. Nutritionists work in:
Clinical practice
Private practice
Multi-disciplinary clinics
Health food stores
Product development
Education
Corporate health
Public health
Publishing
Research
Marketing
Apart from being the largest private Higher Education provider of natural medicine courses in the Southern Hemisphere, there are a number of reasons to consider studying at Endeavour:
Six centrally located campuses across Australia
We have first-class digital learning experience with content specifically designed for online learning
Smaller class sizes
Access to 24/7 subject and assignment support
Fit study around work and personal commitments with flexible study options
Study alongside other students who share your holistic beliefs
Dedicated student success consultant to assist you along your education journey
Clinical experience built into our degrees
Talk to our Admissions team about studying at Endeavour today.