Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Nutrition)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Gain an in-depth understanding of nutrition and the dietary influences that impact on the health of individuals.
Nutrition is a science with real-life applications, providing a range of transferable skills and leading to a variety of careers. Nutrition involves the study of nutrients in food, how the body absorbs and uses these nutrients for growth and maintenance, and the relationship between diet, health and disease.
Nutrition is increasingly relevant in today's society due to its impact on the health of individuals, communities and populations. This specialisation will provide you with expertise in nutrition, and an awareness of what influences the nutrition of individuals and groups in New Zealand and globally.
As people are starting to take more responsibility for their own health to prevent illness, they are faced with a confusing range of often conflicting nutrition information. This programme will equip you with the ability to identify good sources of nutrition information in an ever-changing environment to empower people to make healthier food choices and make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
A sample of areas covered within the degree includes:
- Metabolic processes and how nutrients in food affect the human body
- Application of nutrition science to enhance the health of community groups
- Effects of major nutrition-related factors on non-communicable diseases that impact on the health of developed 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
- The use of genetics, physiology, culture, environment and social issues to assist in the management of body composition and nutrition choices
- Work placements with nutrition education programmes, health promotion organisations (governmental and non-governmental), nutrition consultancies, community initiatives, workplace wellbeing programmes and school holiday programmes
In our most recent graduate survey, 85.7% of 2016 Bachelor of Applied Science graduates were in employment (Ara Graduate Outcome Survey, 2016).
Entry requirements
- New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include:
- biology or human biology or physical education
- another subject, preferably core health/health education, physics, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, geography, home economics and psychology. (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
- Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing and
- Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR
Successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
Note: If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
- 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.
- In addition you need to:
- Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee reports.
- Consent to Disclosure of Information. Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement. The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
- 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 English Proficiency Outcomes Chart .
OR
- 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, Pearson 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 NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.