Master of Nutrition and Dietetics – MND

Entry requirements

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 several extra requirements you must meet.

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

• the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Health 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 or Bachelor of Health Science with Honours, in the intended postgraduate 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 postgraduate subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses
• the Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology in the intended postgraduate subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses
• 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 4 human nutrition majoring courses, with at least 3 at third year level: 

• First and second year biochemistry
• First and second year physiology
• Food chemistry or food science

For each intake, subject to availability, places will be reserved for Massey 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 2 referees (1 work, 1 academic)
• a completed police vetting form.

If selected for an interview you will be required to attend in person or on Zoom in late November/early December at Massey University’s Auckland campus in Albany.

Any offer of place is conditional on: 

• passing the police vetting check and health screening
• availability of placements.

Current curriculum vitae

This is a document of approximately 3 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 1-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 2 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 1 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.

Application closing date

Applications for this qualification close on 1 November, for study in the following year. Late applications may be considered if places are still available.

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. 

• Massey University English language requirements

The New Zealand Dietitians Board has additional English language requirements for registration.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact us through the Get advice button on this page.

English language skills

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

Meeting requirements for industry membership

The Massey University Master of 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 every graduate is competent to practice dietetics across the Scope of Practice for Dietitians in New Zealand.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

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.