The Master of Sports Nutrition by Research is a research-based masters degree designed for students who wish to develop their professional standing in the field of sports nutrition. It will help you to increase your professional credibility in sports nutrition, and equip you for senior positions and leadership.
The program offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of sports nutrition through research. It can be tailored to suit your individual interests, and you complete a research thesis relevant to your chosen topic. All research components of the program must be approved by the program coordinator and are based on the availability of supervisory staff with relevant expertise. The program can be upgraded to a Doctor of Philosophy with approval from the Dean and program coordinator.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
The program offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of sports nutrition through research. It can be tailored to suit your individual interests, and you complete a research thesis relevant to your chosen topic. All research components of the program must be approved by the program coordinator and are based on the availability of supervisory staff with relevant expertise. The program can be upgraded to a Doctor of Philosophy with approval from the Dean and program coordinator.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to Master of Sports Nutrition by Research candidature, applicants are normally required to hold an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and/or Dietetics or Exercise and Sports Science and have completed a diploma in sports nutrition (eg The IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition) or have suitable industry experience, and are wishing to gain a higher degree through undertaking practice-based research.
Applicants must show that they have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in a course on research design and methodology (eg RES401 Tourism, Sport and Leisure Policy and Planning or equivalent).
Enquiries
Faculty HDR Coordinator
Dr Hattie Wright
Tel: +61 7 5459 4775
Email: hwright@usc.edu.au
Office of Research
Higher Degrees by Research Administrator
Tel: +61 7 5456 5890
Fax: +61 7 5459 4727
Email: researchtraining@usc.edu.au
Program structure
Program structure
As a candidate you are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis.
You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.
You must clearly articulate in the research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe.
Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives.
The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures.
Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work.
Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.
Program requirements and notes
- Prospective applicants wishing to undertake this program will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- For further information, refer to the Research Master Degrees - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- Refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- External mode not available to international students on a Student Visa.
Enrolment and fees
- Domestic candidates: Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are not required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their HDR program. The Australian Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) covers the cost of HDR tuition fees for these candidates. Research Master candidates are entitled to a maximum of two years full-time equivalent study. Candidates who do not complete their degree within the maximum RTS allowable completion times may be required to pay fees for any additional periods of enrolment. Please refer to Higher Degree by Research fees.
- International candidates: tuition fees apply. Refer to International HDR tuition fees.
- In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL.*
- In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL.*
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
# External mode is not available to international students on a Student Visa.
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.