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Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Nutrition)

Starts: February 2026
Madras Street

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

During this three-year degree you’ll study theory and develop the practical skills needed for working in the area of human nutrition.

Some of the areas covered include: metabolic processes and how nutrients in food affect the human body; application of nutritional science to enhance the health of community groups; effects of major nutrition-related factors on non-communicable diseases that impact on the health of nations; identification of reliable sources of up-to-date nutritional information; communication of nutrition principles in a range of contexts using awareness of psychological, cultural and environmental influences on eating behaviour; genetics, physiology, culture, environment and social issues that assist in the management of body composition and nutrition choices.

Work placements with governmental and non-governmental health promotion organisations, nutrition education programmes, nutrition consultancies, community initiatives, workplace wellbeing programmes and school holiday programmes will give you real-world experience and ensure you’re work-ready when you graduate.

Part-time up to 6 years.

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, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or 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 face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

Nutritionists can work as consultants for individuals, sports teams, or workplaces; in community-based health promotion programmes; in government to provide policy advice; in public health, food industry, and research; or as food writers for media and marketing. As a graduate of this programme, you’ll have a solid scientific base with critical thinking and communication skills that can be transferred to other scientific areas

Study pathways

Graduates of this programme can apply for postgraduate study in the fields of nutrition, dietetics, public health and other related disciplines. They can also complete a graduate teaching qualification to teach in primary and secondary schools.

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 2026
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 2026
Start date: 16 February 2026
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With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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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

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

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