CPIT launching nutrition degree

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16 Oct 2012

CPIT is launching a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in human nutrition in 2013, to complement its existing Physical Activity, Health and Wellness, and Sport and Exercise Science programmes.

CPIT is the only polytechnic in New Zealand to offer human nutrition at degree level. The institute also plans to launch a one-year post graduate diploma in human nutrition for 2014, catering to a range of health graduates who want to specialise in this area.

Nutrition and our wellbeing

Nutrition has far reaching consequences on our wellbeing. One in four New Zealanders are obese (Ministry of Health, Sept 2011) and contemporary diseases and disorders such as obesity affect not only individuals, but also families and communities.

The impact of diet on diseases and disorders, on general wellbeing and on sports performance is a fascinating field of study and CPIT’s new programme means that students interested in human nutrition can now study in the upper South Island.

Physical Activity, Health and Wellness; Sport and Exercise Science; and Human Nutrition programmes are all three year Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

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“Human nutrition complements our Applied Science specialisations and we had always planned to add it to our offerings,” CPIT Head of Applied Sciences and Allied Health Dr Jerry Shearman said. “The timing is right because there seems to be a demand for nutritionists in Canterbury. Also we've noticed students getting really excited about the nutrition component of our current programmes, so the interest is there and I think this will be a very popular programme.”

Communication skills important

Communication skills are an important part of the programme so that students learn to effectively discuss nutrition principles in a range of settings. A clinical placement component develops valuable workplace skills and experience. The programme also cultivates an awareness of cultural and environmental influences on nutrition.

Human nutrition graduates can choose from a variety of roles such as research, working in the public health or education sector, consulting, promoting health, or specialising within the catering and hospitality industry. The new qualification is industry endorsed and graduates will also be eligible to apply for registration with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand for accreditation.

Contact CPIT for an application pack on 0800 24 24 76, email info@cpit.ac.nz, come to the CPIT Open Day on 25 October to talk to Applied Science staff.

CPIT launching nutrition degree

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Nutrition and our wellbeing

Communication skills important