About our department

At the University of Auckland, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics is at the forefront of teaching, research, and clinical practice in nutrition science and dietetics. Our mission is to improve health outcomes by generating world-class research and translating that knowledge into effective education, clinical care, and workforce development.

Nutrition is the science of how food affects the body - from how nutrients function at the molecular and cellular level to how diet shapes health at the population level. Our department investigates this entire continuum, bringing together experts in clinical nutrition, public health, food science, biomedicine, and behavioural change.

We train the next generation of registered dietitians, nutrition researchers, and health professionals, while also delivering timely, evidence-based nutrition information to practitioners and the public. Our academic staff are active across the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science, creating interdisciplinary learning and research environments for students.

Our student-led Nutrition and Dietetic Clinic offers real-world learning opportunities for our postgraduate (Master of Nutrition and Dietetic) students while providing nutrition services to university staff, students, and clients referred from healthcare providers across the region.

There are many ways for students to engage with the research life of the department. We offer:

• Summer Research Studentships
• Postgraduate research projects (Master’s and Honours)
• PhD supervision by experienced nutrition scientists and clinical academics

Whether you're interested in metabolic health, food policy, early life nutrition, or clinical practice, our department offers a vibrant academic community and the tools to turn your passion for nutrition into real-world impact.