Health and social development, News

Feeding the increasing demand for nutrition experts

June 22, 2020 - 3 min read

Today the world is facing many challenges related to food and nutrition. Two prominent public health problems, obesity and hunger, are leading to malnutrition and a range of other health concerns. There are also issues surrounding food intolerances, disease prevention, the spread of misinformation, and the impact of food on our wellbeing.

Now more people are becoming aware of the impact their diet can have on their daily life, and growing invested in improving their health through nutrition. It is well known that a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent health problems, treat illnesses and improve general quality of life. However, we are also surrounded by misleading information about fad diets, influencers sharing rapid weight-loss products, and the benefits of supposed ‘superfoods’. It can be overwhelming, and difficult to sort through the huge volume of information to make choices that are actually beneficial for our health.

With so much information and misinformation about nutrition out there, trying making healthy choices can be overwhelming.

With all this comes global demand for qualified nutrition professionals, who can apply their expertise to improve public health and engage in health promotion. It is an exciting field with many career opportunities which allow you to improve people’s lives with evidence-based insights about food and nutrition.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss sector was worth an estimated $702 billion in 2018. In Australia, job opportunities for nutrition professionals are expected to increase by 17.6% over the next five years (Australian Jobs Report 2019; Department of Education, Skills and Employment), making it one of the fastest growing industries, offering excellent employment prospects.

“It is an exciting field with many career opportunities which allow you to improve people’s lives with evidence-based insights about food and nutrition.”

A career in the nutrition industry can take many different forms, from clinical dietetics and public health research to sports nutrition and food sensory evaluation. As a nutrition professional, you could find yourself helping people make healthier eating choices, working in food analysis and conducting clinical trials, creating healthier varieties of existing food, researching food sustainability, utilising nutrition for disease prevention or writing national nutrition policy.

Of course, these are just some of the career paths available in the nutrition industry – there are new and exciting possibilities opening up all the time. And studying a degree in food and nutrition is your pathway to this world of opportunity.

Deakin’s purpose-built facilities have been modelled on commercial laboratories. They provide you with experience using professional equipment and engaging in the same kinds of work that await you in the nutrition industry.

Our Bachelor of Nutrition Science explores the role of food and nutrition in human health and disease prevention. We also offer a Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics Pathway), designed to include the prerequisite units needed to meet entry requirements for Deakin’s Master of Dietetics.

You will have the opportunity to work in Deakin’s purpose-built facilities and gain 100 hours of valuable practical experience. Discover the nutrition degree for you today.

For further information about studying at Deakin and courses that relate to nutrition, visit our nutrition and dietetics page.

Related articles See all articles

Ask us a question close

Why study at Deakin?

As one of Australia's leading tertiary education providers, Deakin offers a personalised experience enhanced by world-class programs and innovative digital engagement. We lead by creating opportunities to live and work in a connected, evolving world.

#1 university in Australia for educational experience*
Top 1% of universities worldwide**
#1 university careers service in Australia^
Victoria's #1 university for teaching quality^^
#1 university in Victoria for student satisfaction#

* 2022 Student Experience Survey, based on undergraduate students, UA benchmark group Victorian universities.
** ARWU Rankings 2023
^^ 2022 Student Experience Survey, UA benchmark group Victorian universities.
# Australian Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).

Make an enquiry

You can access our enquiry form here or by using the Learn More button at the bottom of this page.