Course structure

Year 1

Nutrition Sciences 1

Biochemistry, physiology and internal anatomy | Introduction to the systems approach and using the Functional Medicine model | Role of nutrition science in an integrated approach to health | Introduction to academic literacy and academic integrity skills

Principles of Nutrition

An introduction to philosophies, principles and standards underpinning nutritional therapy practice | Food composition | Factors affecting food choice | Factors influencing the nutritional value of foods for individuals, throughout the life cycle | Dietary models | An introduction to reflective practice, and personal learning planning (PLP) | Developing academic integrity, and academic literacy skills

Nutrition Sciences 2

Biochemistry, physiology and internal anatomy | Systems approach using Functional Medicine model | Research skills development | Review of Functional Medicine approach

Clinical Analysis

An introduction to clinical practice using the Functional Medicine framework for paper-based case analysis in preparation for consultations | Dietary analysis and menu planning strategies for implementing evidence-based, safe and legal nutritional programmes | Communication skills | Development of reflective practice skills

Assessments you’ll have

Year 2

Functional & Biochemical Imbalances

Impact of environmental factors on health and well-being | Epigenetic | Prevention, and management of environmental triggers and mediators | Further research skills development

Drug Nutrient Interactions

Drug/food/nutrient/herb interactions | Key principles of pharmacology (including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of actions, and common side effects) | Use of pharmacopeia | Principles of nutraceutical posology | An introduction to herbal medicine | Underpinning knowledge and skills development for demonstrating safe and legal nutritional strategies in the clinical practice modules

Functional & Diagnostic Testing Concepts

An introduction to laboratory tests (diagnostic and functional), and visual & manual screening for nutritional status | Using these tools in nutritional therapy clinical practice to enhance the individualisation of management plans | Skills in how to use an evidence based approach to determine the usefulness of these tests and screens in clinical practice | Interpretation of results are developed further

Disordered Physiology

Aetiology and pathophysiology of common diseases and health conditions | Functional systems imbalances and their links to disease states, health conditions and symptoms | Differential Diagnosis | Nutritional and behavioural strategies | Evidence informed nutritional modulation and monitoring of chronic conditions | Breastfeeding, weaning, childhood diets | Communicating to clients and the public

Clinical Practice 1*

Assessments you’ll have

Year 3

Nutritional Therapeutics

A critical exploration of nutritional therapeutic approaches to complex and boundaried health conditions | Using critical appraisal of research to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field

Functional & Diagnostic Testing

A critical understanding of laboratory tests available to Nutritional Therapists to determine selection of laboratories and test(s) | Interpretation of test results used in specific clinical situations

Practice Management

Prepare students or graduates to start their nutritional therapy or CAM business | Cover the practical skills needed for setting up and succeeding in business, as well as the ethical and legal requirements | Introduce students and graduates to the variety of opportunities that may be open to them

Clinical Practice 2*

Provide students with tools, skills and learning to become competent, lawful, safe and effective nutritional therapy practitioners who are able to practise with autonomy by achieving competency at the stated level and range of clinical practice defined in the NTC core curriculum and identified in the NOS | Develop students’ ability to reflect and engage in continual professional development | Contains compulsory supervised clinical practice

Assessments you’ll have

* A two-day block of attendance is required in Year Two and two three-day blocks of attendance are required in Year Three to develop your clinical practice skills

Latest

How to eat cabbage – and actually enjoy it!

Cabbage is hated by children and adults alike in the UK, but there are plenty of ways to turn this detestable vegetable into a genuinely pleasant dish.
Volume eating: what is it and is it a good idea?

Volume eating is a new name for an old concept: prioritising bulky, low-calorie foods over energy-dense fats to lose weight. What are the positives and pitfalls?
High energy carrot cake breakfast muffins

This recipe from functional nutritional therapist Catherine Jeans was designed with children in mind - but the carrot cake muffins may have wider appeal!
Live CPD | Supporting Adolescent Mental Health

This course will explore factors contributing to mental health problems commonly experienced by adolescents, including social, environmental and dietary influences.

75 Hard challenge: the ‘mental toughness’ programme taking TikTok by storm

75 Hard promises to permanently change your life, starting from the inside – but can it? In fact, is it even safe to try at all?
The lowdown on low stomach acid

Stomach acid is an important part of digestion. Most of us try to avoid having too much, because it can cause heartburn and acid reflux, but too little stomach acid can also be problematic.
August Open Day (In-Person)

Choosing the right course for you is an important decision and attending an Open Day is the best way to discover what we can offer. Join us for our August In-person Open Day to learn about our courses, entry requirements, student support and flexible post-study career options.
Carnivore diet: what if we only ate meat?

Carnivores only eat meat and animal products – some eat only beef, salt and water. They say the diet mimics what our ancestors ate – but does it?
How does nutrition affect your sports performance?

Whether you’re an elite athlete or go to the gym once a week, your body requires fuel when you exercise. We look at exactly what foods you should be eating and when
How nutritional therapy may help with eczema

Eczema can be both mentally and physically debilitating for those who suffer from it. We look at how nutritional therapy may help to manage the condition
Our Team

A list of ION team members and their functions
You can start exploring our digital prospectus
Craving mashed potatoes? Try these nutritious alternatives

Mashed potatoes may hit the spot when it’s cold and dark outside, but swapping spuds for other winter veg will pack in nutrition as well as comfort.
Everything you need to know about beetroot

Beetroot adds more than a splash of colour to mealtimes; often called a ‘superfood’, it also provides a winning combination of health benefits.

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