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  1. Courses
  2. New to nutrition
  3. Science Access

Science Access

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It all starts with science

Key facts

Entry Location Duration
January (7 months course),
May (8 month course), and
October (9 month course)
Online 7, 8 or 9 months (part time)
Course code Fees (part-time)* Credits
ED200PTD £2,900 + £475 registration fee

30 (non-transferable) 

Awarding body Study time
ION 100 hours per module

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

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

Health Sciences are the foundation of clinical and professional practice. This course, with modules in chemistry, human biology, and anatomy & physiology, is for candidates who wish to study for the BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy degree course to work in clinical practice, but do not possess a Level 3 qualification in a relevant science subject (A level or equivalent).

The course is designed to give you a solid grounding in the core sciences and an understanding of how they relate to nutrition. Each module is assessed by means of an essay and exam, and you will be supported by interactive materials and information via the virtual learning environment, RelION.

Regular contact with module coordinators and guided discussions provide you with academic and pastoral support while you learn.

Throughout your studies we encourage you to engage with course forums and to become an active member of the student body to enhance your experience and support your learning.

Tutors will engage with you via course forums and through formative activities. You will also be invited to attend prescheduled online sessions, which will provide you with an opportunity to connect with tutors and peers.

For candidates who do meet the entry requirements for the degree course but would like to refresh their knowledge, we also offer eScience Refresh (see below)

Not sure you have what it takes? Click to read Study science at ION: “I had it in my mind that I… wasn’t smart enough”

Highlights 

  • Gain a thorough grounding in the sciences you need to study for a science degree in nutritional therapy
  • Develop the underpinning knowledge to support the scientific elements of the BSc​
  • Benefit from flexible learning and study at a pace that fits in with your commitments
  • Gain the confidence to return to education and study for a higher award​
  • Be part of a group of aspiring nutritional therapy practitioners
  • Develop your academic skills by producing assessments, research skills and creating notes
  • Refine time management skills as you progress through the course
  • Develop your technology skills through using the online platform (RelION), attending live touchpoint sessions and creating assessment documents
  • Develop your critical thinking skills, essential for higher education
  • Develop your study skills and build your confidence

Course structure 

The course consists of three modules (chemistry, biology and anatomy and physiology), each designed to build your knowledge in critical areas linked to nutrition.

Entry requirements  

  • Minimum grade C in maths and English at Level 2, GCSE or equivalent

Progression

Successful completion secures a guaranteed on the BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.


For candidates with A level science who would like to refresh their knowledge:

eScience Refresh 

For candidates who have A Level or equivalent science qualifications but 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 meet the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy, 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 £430*

(*Price correct on 24/05/23)  


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Key facts


Award 
Certificate

Duration
 

7-9 months

Study time
 

10-17 hours per week and Touch point sessions

Course code
 

ED200PTD (online learning), rNTSAC

Entry dates
 

October: ED201PTD
January: ED202PTD
May: ED203PTD

Tuition fees

£2,900

Key facts

Course codes
C0502FTD (full-time) 
C0502PTD (part-time)

Award 
Graduate Diploma

Credits 
120

Duration
 

1 year full-time
2 years part-time


Study time

20 hours per week full-time
10 hours per week part-time

Entry month

February

Tuition fees*

£7,875 full-time
£3,940 part-time

£200 per 20 credits RCPL (certified)
£375 per 20 credits REPL (experiential)

£475 registration fee

* For 2022/23 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Entry:
September and February

Location:
Online with optional attendance activities

Duration:
4.5 years part-time or
3 years full-time

Course code:
C0503PTD (part-time)
C0503FTD (full-time)

Fees part time:
£5,250 - per year, years 1-4
£2,625 - year 5

Fees full time:
£9,250 - per year

Awarding body:
University of Portsmouth

* Fees may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Course codes
C0503PTD (online)

Award 
BSc (Hons)


Credits 
120

Pathways 
Qualified nutritional therapist 

Duration
 

1.5 years part-time


Study time

15-20 hours per week plus time to watch lectures

Entry dates

September, February

Tuition fees*

£5,950 per year
£2,625 year 5

* For 2023/24 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

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Institute for Optimum Nutrition, Ambassador House, Paradise Road, Richmond, TW9 1SQ  
The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is an independent educational charity. Registered company number 2724405, registered charity number 1013084.

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