Imbalanced diet plays a vital role in development of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the burden for the individual, these diseases are expected to constitute the largest global health problem by 2020, and thereby pose a burden threat on the health system and the society.
The Postgraduate Diploma of Human Nutrition programme builds on the basic nutrition knowledge and principles taught in most nutrition related undergraduate programmes. It will enable students to understand and learn to apply knowledge in the areas of: changing disease patterns related to nutritional and dietary habits, the physiological basis of nutrition, nutritional requirements, the nature and composition of foods and food groups, nutritional assessment, nutritional policy planning and sociocultural aspects of nutrition. With the changing workforce structure under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji (MoHMS) requires manpower to be specialized in two fields which are, Food and Nutrition Security, and Dietetics and Food Service. The proposed programme aims to establish Food and Nutrition Security professionals. Graduates from the PGDHN will have knowledge on nutrition and health, and can make a contribution to handling the global health challenges. It is completed over a minimum of 2 semesters (full time study equivalent) over a maximum of 4 semesters part-time study.

Bachelor of Dietetics and Nutrition, Bachelor of Science (Food Technology/ Biology and Chemistry majors) and Bachelor of Education major in Home Economics, Food and Nutrition or any nutrition related bachelor programme with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent out of 4.5 and/ or out of 5.0 OR; Candidates who have had some work experience (at least 3-5 years) in Nutrition or Dietetics related discipline area.
Applicants may also be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Nutrition programme who may not meet the above requirement, but who are able to demonstrate their ability to succeed in programmes at this level on the basis of their maturity, work experience or prior learning. The Dean may place any relevant prerequisite requirement for such a student to progress, or require such an applicant to sit for any specific or general examination as a prerequisite for any such enrolment, or may restrict enrolment only to certain prescribed courses that must be passed to progress further (UASR 2017 p.30 section 4.16.4).