Graduate Diploma in Integrative Functional Nutrition & credit bearing short course

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‘Highly commended’ in the ‘Inspiring Course’ category, 2022 Independent HE awards

Key facts
Entry Location Duration
February Online 1 years full-time or
2 years part-time
Fees (full-time)* Fees (part-time)* RPL Fees*

£7,875 - per year

£475 - registration fee

£3,940 - per year

£475 - registration fee

£200 - per 20 credits RCPL (certified)
£375 - per 20 credits REPL (experiential)
Course code Awarding body Awarding body
C0502PTD (part-time)
C0502FTD (full-time)		 University of Portsmouth

Approx. 20 hours per week (full-time)
Approx. 10 hours per week (part-time)

* Fees for 2022/23 academic year. Fees for 2023/24 academic year TBA. Fees may increase in line with inflation

Contact our Admissions team to enquire about our interest-free payment plan

As healthcare professionals increasingly face the challenges of lifestyle-related diseases, many prominent doctors have called for medical students and practising doctors to receive mandatory training in evidence-based lifestyle interventions. In one survey that looked at nutrition teaching and practice among medical students and doctors, most respondents felt that their nutrition training was inadequate, with more than 70% reporting having received less than two hours.(1) Only 26% of doctors reported being confident in their nutrition knowledge and 74% gave nutritional advice less than once a month, citing lack of knowledge, time and confidence as the main barriers.   

Yet the need for non-pharmacological interventions is clear. Following a 2021 government review(2) it was reported that with at least 10% of prescriptions being pointless or possibly harmful, doctors would be urged to recommend fewer prescription treatments. This is where an understanding of integrative functional nutrition can play an important role.

Integrated functional nutrition is an approach that can help healthcare professionals move their practice beyond a ‘one-size-fits-all’ perspective. Based on a whole-body approach, it focuses on addressing the underlying root cause of symptoms, with personalised diet, nutraceutical and lifestyle interventions being key.

Highlights 

  • Study at your own pace for CPD or with the option to accumulate short courses (modules) towards the GDip award.
  • Receive high-quality, Level 6 training, tailored to doctors, allied healthcare and CAM practitioners, validated by the University of Portsmouth.
  • Learn to integrate the principles of evidence-informed nutrition and lifestyle approaches into your professional practice.  
  • Expand your practice options.
  • Identify future practice development opportunities.
  • Use validated tools to enhance behaviour change.
  • Understand clients’ test results from a functional perspective.
  • Hone your clinical practice skills under expert supervision with our optional Clinical Practice credit bearing short course.
  • Study online with access to study skills resources and student support. 

The defining principles of integrative medicine(3)

  • Patients/clients and practitioners are partners in the healing process.
  • Factors including diet, nutrition, lifestyle and environment are explored.  
  • Integrative medicine may use conventional and alternative methods, where appropriate.  
  • Where effective, natural and less invasive interventions should be used whenever possible.  
  • Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically.  
  • Good medicine is based on good science. It is inquiry-driven and open to new paradigms.  
  • Broader concepts of health promotion and prevention of illness are paramount.  
  • Practitioners of integrative medicine should exemplify its principles and be committed to self-exploration and self-development. 

Short course/CPD option 

All modules taught on the Graduate Diploma are available as credit bearing and non-credit bearing short courses, for those with specific areas of interest. This means that applicants can also take one module/short course to determine their pace of study. For further information visit the Short Courses page.

eScience Refresh

For candidates who would like to refresh their knowledge, eScience Refresh provides access to a variety of online interactive study materials, videos and exercises for independent, flexible study.

This is a distance-learning, online course. Because it is designed only for applicants who already possess the science entry requirements, there are no assignments or exams, and no tutor support is provided.  

eScience Refresh comprises three modules: chemistry, biology, and anatomy & physiology. Single module purchase is not available. On enrolment, students have access to materials for two years. There is a single purchase fee of £300*

(*Price correct on 21/09/22)  

Read our blogpost: What is functional nutrition?

Download our ebook: Conversations on integrating nutrition and lifestyle into medical practice

References: 
1. Doi.org//10.1136/bmjnph-2019-000049 
2. National overprescribing review report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
3. Extracted from What is Integrative Medicine?: Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (arizona.edu)