Nutrition and Dietetics
Not sure where you want to work after graduation? A rural placement with us lets you try out the wide variety of different options in nutrition and dietetics. You can undertake short-term rural placements within our NSW footprint or, go rural for your entire final year in Tamworth, Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour.
Rural placements are such a valuable and unique experience. I’ve built really good friendships with my supervisors and students from other disciplines, and learned how to work in a multidisciplinary team."
Paige, Nutrition and Dietetics
Top reasons nutrition and dietetics students choose rural:
- Year-long Rural Immersion Program
- Opportunities to engage with the local community
- Local Honours research project opportunities
- Subsidised student accommodation*
*Students can access free accommodation in Moree or apply for subsidised accommodation at one of our other main locations. Read more about student accommodation in our Student Orientation Manual.
Year-long Rural Immersion Program
Year long nutrition and dietetics program for fourth year students
Nutrition and dietetics students are required to complete multiple placement blocks during their final year. Our year-long option lets University of Newcastle students complete their final year academic coursework and placements while based in Tamworth, Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour.
When you’re not on placement, you’ll continue to complete your normal course work from your rural location.
All of our rural immersion students have access to on-site academic support, subsidised accommodation, and interprofessional learning and community engagement activities.
Short term placements
University of Newcastle Students
Choose to complete a placement with the Department of Rural Health and receive mentoring from local academics, access to local study centres, and the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary engagement experiences.
A rural placement with our Department includes:
- Mentoring from local academics
- Subsidised accommodation
- Opportunities to collaborate and learn alongside students from other disciplines
- Access to local study centres
- Work on projects that make a difference in rural communities
If you're considering a rural experience, make sure to select “rural placement” in SONIA to express your interest.
Once you have your placement (year-long or block), you will need to register with us via our placement portal to access our support.
Placement availability may vary, and final allocations depend on multiple factors.
Not from the University of Newcastle but completing a placement within our footprint?
We support all students, no matter the uni
Register your placement with us to unlock support such as academic mentoring and potential financial assistance. All students from external universities must upload proof of placement when registering. This can be a placement confirmation letter from your university.
Check out our footprint here.
Once your rural placement is confirmed through your university’s portal, register via our placement portal to access our support.
Funding support
You may be entitled to a scholarship or grant to assist your studies, such as Health Education and Training scholarships or the University of Newcastle’s Betty Josephine Fyffe Rural Health Scholarships. To find out more, talk with your university on application.
More information
Tamworth
Lucy Kocanda
Phone: + 61 2 6755 3500
Email: lucy.kocanda@newcastle.edu.au
Armidale
Erin Fisher
Phone: + 61 2 6773 0124
Email: erin.fisher@newcastle.edu.au
Coffs Harbour
Lisa Urquhart (currently on maternity leave)
Phone: + 61 2 4055 1962
Email: lisa.urquhart@newcastle.edu.au
Sheree Riley
Phone: : + 61 2 4055 1977
Email: Sheree.Riley@newcastle.edu.au
Moree
Renaye Madden
Phone: + 61 2 6773 0135
Email: renaye.madden@newcastle.edu.au
Port Macquarie
Amy Robinson
Phone: + 61 2 4055 3445
Email: amy.robinson@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.