Microcredentials in Culinary Nutrition Science

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 1 locations

Duration

Each microcredential should be completed within a single study period.

Fees (first year)*

$2198 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

These microcredentials present theory and practical components in culinary nutrition science for continuing professional development for a range of professions from nutrition and dietetics, to general practitioners, teachers and culinary professionals. The theory microcredentials are delivered online, and the practical microcredentials are delivered in either face-to-face intensive mode in the commercial teaching kitchens of our third-party partners in Melbourne and North Sydney, or virtually. Successful completion of the one 5-credit point theory and one associated 5-credit point practical microcredential (equivalent of one 10-credit point unit) would allow entry into the Graduate Certificate in Culinary Nutrition Science.

The microcredentials are:

  • UNMC593 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory (5cp)
  • UNMC594 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical (5cp)
  • UNMC597 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical - Virtual (5cp)
  • UNMC595 Food for Special Diets in Practice - Theory (5cp)
  • UNMC596 Food for Special Diets in Practice - Practical (5cp)
  • UNMC598 Food for Special Diets in Practice - Practical - Virtual (5cp)


The practical microcredentials UNMC594 and UNMC596 are delivered face-to-face in Melbourne and North Sydney while UNMC597 and UNMC598 are delivered virtually with practicals completed in student's kitchens. Only one of UNMC594 or UNMC597 and UNMC596 or UNMC598 needs to be completed.

For further information on the specific microcredential units see Course Details -> Course Structure-> View Course Rules below.

Professional experience

There are two practical microcredential units: Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science and Foods for Special Diets in Practice

Accreditation

These microcredentials will be considered as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for professional bodies such as Dietitians Australia. Each year Accredited Practising Dietitians need to complete and log 30 hours of CPD. Clarification with other organisations about CPD requirements and recognition of the microcredentials is ongoing. The assessable aspect of the microcredentials will be an attractive option for students and organisations.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Culinary Nutrition Science Microcredential Map 2025

For Practical Microcredentials:

Students are to complete either UNMC594 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical or UNMC597 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical - Virtual

Students are to complete either UNMC596 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical or UNMC598 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical - Virtual


  • Microcredentials in Dietetic Practice/Culinary Nutrition ScienceUNMC593Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory

    This microcredential is also offered in Semester 2 2025.

    5 cp
  • Microcredentials in Dietetic Practice/Culinary Nutrition ScienceUNMC594Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical

    (Pre: UNMC593 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory

    or submission of a statement to demonstrate evidence of prior learning equivalent to UNMC593 - Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory Microcredential.

    Inc: UNMC597 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical - Virtual)

    5 cp
  • Microcredentials in Dietetic Practice/Culinary Nutrition ScienceUNMC597Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical - Virtual

    (Pre: UNMC593 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory

    or submission of a statement to demonstrate evidence of prior learning equivalent to UNMC593 - Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Theory Microcredential.

    Inc: UNMC594 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical),

    5 cp
  • Microcredentials in Dietetic Practice/Culinary Nutrition ScienceUNMC595Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Theory5 cp
  • Microcredentials in Dietetic Practice/Culinary Nutrition ScienceUNMC596Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical

    (Pre: UNMC595 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Theory

    or submission of a statement to demonstrate evidence of prior learning equivalent to UNMC595 - Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Theory Microcredential.

    Inc: UNMC598 - Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical - Virtual)

    5 cp
  • Microcredentials in Dietetic Practice/Culinary Nutrition ScienceUNMC598Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical - Virtual

    (Pre: UNMC595 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Theory

    or submission of a statement to demonstrate evidence of prior learning equivalent to UNMC595 - Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Theory Microcredential.

    Inc: UNMC596 - Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical)

    5 cp

Culinary Nutrition Science Microcredential Map 2026

For Practical Microcredentials:

Students are to complete either UNMC594 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical or UNMC597 Advanced Culinary Nutrition Science in Practice - Practical - Virtual

Students are to complete either UNMC596 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical or UNMC598 Foods for Special Diets in Practice - Practical - Virtual


Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Graduate Certificate - AQF Level 8

Entry requirements

No admission requirements

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$2198 Fee-paying

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Staff Profile

Mrs Emma Stirling

Senior Lecturer Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences

Emma Stirling is recognised as one of Australia's leading dietitians in the areas of food and culinary nutrition, plus effective nutrition communication and innovative thinking, and she brings over twenty years of industry experience to academia and teaching at ACU.

An Accredited Practising Dietitian with the Dietitians Association of Australia since 1994 Emma won an National Award of Merit for her pioneering work in social media for the profession in 2012. In 2018 she obtained the prestigious Advanced APD status. During her time working in the UK she was also a member of the British Dietetic Association and has international membership of the USA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) in particular the Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group.

Prior to joining ACU Emma developed and lead Australia's largest online nutrition degree and as course coordinator received a teaching award and achieved national recognition for online teaching best practices. She is also experienced in the design and delivery of experiential learning including an International study tour with a New Colombo Grant along with offshore teaching in Hong Kong.

Emma is co author of the textbook Understanding the science of food: from molecules to mouthfeel. This book is a first of its kind for Australia where previously American textbooks were used that are out of step with our food supply and consumer behaviours.

Emma completed a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) from The University of Melbourne in 1991 and a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics degree from Deakin University in 1993. She completed a Graduated Certificate in Higher Education Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in 2018 and is currently a PhD candidate.

 

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