By QUT Health Marketing, 16 May, 2025
The study of nutrition and dietetics emphasises the importance of understanding the interaction between nutrients and their impact on health. In its current form, the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), sets graduates up to become accredited practising dietitians. Graduates work in a range of settings including education, research, and also their own businesses.
Jump to:
1970s – where we began
The Gardens Point campus looked slightly different in 1975. Then called QIT, the institution hosted the postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics, which took three semesters to complete; starting and finishing in autumn.
The course had a broad advisory committee who ranged from dieticians to lecturers in catering management. One could only imagine what you’d learn in PSP131 Large Scale Feeding, and the subsequent unit PSP132 Practice in Large Scale Feeding!
1980s – a personal approach
Applications were more personal back then. A handbook in 1988 suggests that applicants were to ‘make direct contact with the Head of the Department of Public Health and Nutrition by letter or personal interview’ in order to apply for admission. Additionally, those that didn’t satisfy the subject requirements were prescribed bridging courses by the Head of Department.
The end of the 80s was marked by a commemorative milk carton, announcing that QIT will become QUT.
1990s – Moving to Kelvin Grove
The 90s saw the Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics change to the Kelvin Grove campus (a fun run was also held from Gardens Point campus to Kelvin Grove to commemorate the new campus).
The course also moved from the Faculty of Health Science to the Faculty of Health. Units were refreshed, with topics like ‘large scale feeding’ disappearing from course structures.
2000s – undergraduate course introduced
The millennium year saw nutrition and dietetics as a major in an undergraduate format – the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics).
In 2008, the Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Clinical Education was established in the Kelvin Grove Urban Village. Along with a generous $20 million donation from The Atlantic Philanthropies, the project was completed in collaboration with the government and commercial partners. Now better known as the QUT Health Clinics, it included optometry, podiatry, human movement studies, wound healing, and nutrition and dietetics.
2010s – Health Clinics
The course name changed to the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2018, the same year telehealth appointments were introduced. The very first telehealth trial appointment was conducted by a nutrition and dietetics student who helped a patient in Brisbane. Not long after, services expanded to regional cities in Queensland and beyond.
The health clinics still played a big part in engaging with the community. Annual ‘Healthy Lunchbox’ workshops included QUT nutrition and dietetics students, qualified dieticians and notable figures like MasterChef contestants as guests.
Alumni voice – Craig Patch
We chat with Craig Patch, a QUT alumnus who is now the CEO, executive chairman, and co-founder of Adepa Lifesciences.
“Previously I played professional rugby league and was very interested in nutrition and its effect on performance. When I retired from rugby league, this passion only grew and its profound impact on health inspired me to pursue a career in dietetics and a PhD in nutrition. Witnessing the transformative power of proper nutrition in disease prevention and health promotion motivated me to delve deeper into this field and contribute to advancing nutritional science.”
“In my role, I lead our mission to develop innovative nutritional solutions that enhance health outcomes. We provide evidence-based nutritional products that support individuals in achieving better health outcomes and our vision is to improve gut health of infants and in particular premature infants. Our initiatives aim to address nutritional deficiencies and promote wellness, thereby contributing positively to community health.”
“As QUT’s nutrition and dietetics course marks its 50th anniversary, it’s a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence in health education. I’m honoured to be part of this legacy and look forward to witnessing the continued advancements and contributions of future graduates to the field.”
“QUT’s emphasis on real-world learning, particularly through its professional placement program, equipped me with the skills and confidence necessary for the workforce. The connections established during these placements opened doors to collaborative opportunities and were pivotal in launching my career. It set a solid foundation to branch out into a number of new and exciting areas.”
“Reflecting on my time at QUT, I recall the invaluable hands-on experience gained during professional placements. Working directly with diverse populations in community health settings provided practical insights that were instrumental in shaping my career.”
“For those considering a career in nutrition and dietetics, I recommend embracing both the scientific and interpersonal aspects of the field. Cultivating strong communication skills is essential, as translating complex nutritional science into actionable advice is a key component of the profession. Additionally, seeking out practical experiences and networking within the industry can provide valuable insights and opportunities.”
Alumni voice – Kellie Hogan
With an exciting career in the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), Kellie Hogan shares how her degree led her to working with elite athletes.
“Dietetics is a field that allows me to blend scientific, analytical thinking with practical, real-life application in order to help individuals to thrive. As QAS Nutrition Lead I am responsible for supporting a team of 15 fantastic Accredited Sports Dietitians in the delivery of best practice, and integrated performance nutrition services for athletes training and competing across 20+ Olympic and Paralympic sporting programs.”
“Alongside my lead role, I continue to work with athletes ‘at the coalface’, directly servicing elite swimming athletes. I collaborate daily with other discipline leads both within the QAS and across the National Institute Network (NIN) and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs). In my servicing role I work closely coaches, medical staff, S&Cs, sports psychologists and performance scientists to support my athletes in achieving their goals.”
“QUT’s strong industry connections were instrumental in shaping my career pathway. Through placements and guest lectures from professionals actively working in sports dietetics, I gained first-hand insight into what it takes to get a foot in the door, and thrive in high-performance sporting environments. These experiences allowed me to begin forming a professional network very early in my career. In fact, one of my first opportunities to work as a sports dietitian in elite sport came in 2001 via QUT who were partnered with Queensland Rugby Union’s Reds Development Academy. I also shadowed Dr Kelly Stewart in her role, who I now consider as a great mentor and friend.”
“There are many memorable experiences that I have taken from my time as a student – with a disproportionate number of those of those relating to final year practical placements! From the experience of working in a rural hospital and finding ourselves watching an up-and-coming, largely unknown country music singer at the local restaurant on an otherwise unremarkable Tuesday night (Keith Urban) to a food service placement which saw our cohort of nutrition and dietetics students designing and implementing a meal service for 100’s of girl scouts on camp spring to mind.”
“The profession is evolving rapidly, and it’s a great time to be part of shaping what high-performance nutrition can look like in the years ahead. It can be a demanding but incredibly rewarding field. The wonderful dietitians I have and continue to work with, have a number of things in common: they are proactive, collaborative, creative and resilient. If you’re someone who thrives on continual learning, enjoys working with people, and can stay calm and solution-focused under pressure, then you will be well suited to this profession.”
Looking ahead
As we celebrate 50 years of nutrition and dietetics at QUT, we also look to the future with optimism and excitement. The field continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by emerging science, technology, and a growing awareness of the role diet plays in public health and chronic disease prevention. Our talented academics are well-positioned to remain at the forefront of this evolution, building on a proud legacy of innovation, real-world learning, and community engagement.
As the course moves forward, it will continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of dietitians who will shape healthier communities across Australia and beyond.
Join our celebrations!
Real Health: Past Wisdom, Future Vision: Celebrating 50 Years of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Real Health Panel Series unpacks the latest issues affecting the health and wellbeing of our communities. This special event marks 50 years of nutrition and dietetics at QUT, bringing together QUT alumni and those passionate about the future of food and nutrition. Together, we will reflect on the evolution of the profession and to explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Esteemed panellists will bring unique experiences and perspectives from their careers within and beyond the field of nutrition and dietetics, including those who have forged their own paths or represent diversity in the profession. Our panellists will create a meaningful conversation around the past, present, and future of nutrition and dietetics exploring topics such as:
- Reclaiming credibility in a crowded landscape of nutrition voices
- The future of nutrition and dietetics: future visions and emerging opportunities and what skills the next generation of professionals will need
- The importance of diversity in leadership to embed nutrition and dietetics into policy, politics, education and the economy.
Date: |
Wednesday 26 November 2025 |
Time: | 7.00am to 9.00am (or 7.30-9.00 for online) |
Location: | Function Room, Level 5, E-Block, QUT Kelvin Grove Campus or online |
Cost: RSVP: | Free – registration is essential Register your RSVP to attend here |
QUT Nutrition and Dietetics 50th Anniversary Alumni High Tea Celebration
An afternoon of reconnection, reflection and celebration as we mark 50 years of Nutrition and Dietetics at QUT.
Reconnect with old classmates, share memories with past lecturers, and make new connections as we honour our shared history and look ahead to the future of the profession.
Let's celebrate the past and toast to the next 50 years!
Date: | Saturday 29 November 2025 |
Time: | 1:00pm to 4:00pm |
Location: | Ballroom, Victoria Park Function Centre, 309 Herston Road, Herston |
Cost:
RSVP: | $65 (ticket covers a glass of sparkling on arrival, selection of sandwiches, sweet and savoury pastries, and tea/coffee/juice) Register your RSVP here by 15 November |
Sources
See the original archived documents below, in order of appearance:
