Please click on the link you are interested in:

Is the Graduate Diploma Integrative Functional Nutrition course accredited?
What does ‘validated’ mean?
What is the main advantage of studying at ION?
What are the requirements to enrol on the Graduate Diploma Integrative Functional Nutrition course?
What if I think I have relevant prior learning and/or experience? Is there a possibility of exemption from any modules?
Is tutor support available for students on the Graduate Diploma Integrative Functional Nutrition course?
What full-time and part-time options are offered?
How do I apply?
What are the course fees?
Can I practise as a registered nutritional therapist on completion of the course?
Is the course recognised by professional bodies?
What if my personal circumstances change during my study programme?
Are there any exams?
Is there a library?
How may I join the course as an international student?
I am concerned that my English is not at the level needed to apply for one of your courses, what should I do?

 

---

 

Is the Graduate Diploma Integrative Functional Nutrition course accredited?

Yes. The Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC), the professional standards council for Nutritional Therapy in the UK, provided partial accreditation for the course. For full accreditation, the additional clinic module is required. NTEC accredits courses against the National Occupational Standards (NOS) in Nutritional Therapy and CNHC Core Curriculum. 

 

What does ‘validated’ mean?

The course is validated by the University of Portsmouth. This means the learning outcomes have been reviewed by the University of Portsmouth and meet its criteria for university credit ratings. On successful completion of the course you will graduate from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with a Graduate Diploma from the University of Portsmouth.

  

What is the main advantage of studying at ION?

Since ION was founded by Patrick Holford in 1984, it has established itself as a highly respected ‘voice for nutrition’ and one of Europe’s leading providers of education in nutritional therapy. The Institute is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) and this course has partial accreditation from NTEC (Nutritional Therapy Education Commission).

As a graduate from this course you can register as an associate member of BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) and, subject to completing a clinic module, can apply to register with CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council).

 

What are the requirements to enrol on the Graduate Diploma Integrative Function Nutrition course?

To enrol on the Graduate Diploma Integrative Functional Nutrition course, you must have a first degree in a health care science and be in practice.

 

What if I think I have relevant prior learning and/or experience? Is there a possibility of exemption from any modules?

ION recognises previous achievements of students through recognised prior learning (RPL), both certified and experiential. If you have already studied relevant subjects at a higher education level (e.g. IFM certification programme) and believe you have already achieved the learning outcomes of specific modules, you can apply for RPL. This requires you to send evidence either in the form of transcripts or a portfolio of experiential learning. The evidence will need to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes for the module(s) for which you are claiming RPL. Advice and support are given on the submission of evidence for RPL. Your application for RPL will then be assessed by the Admissions Board. Your application may be either agreed or rejected, or a request for further supporting evidence may be made.

Successful applications for RPL result in ‘general credit’ being awarded for the corresponding module(s) and you will be awarded a pass for these modules, but no grade is given.

 

Is tutor support available?

ION provides support for both academic and pastoral needs. In addition, you will also be able to access the University of Portsmouth online academic support resources.

 

What full-time and part-time options are offered?

The course is offered full-time over 3 semesters and part-time over 6 semesters. The course is only offered online.

 

How do I apply?

Simply click on the “apply now” button on our website and complete the application form. This will start your application process

If you have any questions regarding your application contact our Course Advisor (+44) 020 8614 7800 who will be happy to help.

 

What are the course fees?

Our Course Advisor can provide all the information including entry requirements and how to apply. Contact (+44) 020 8614 7800.

 

Can I practise as a registered nutritional therapist on completion of the course?

In the UK you can practise nutrition within your current scope of practice.

To practise as a BANT-registered nutritional therapist in the UK you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma and a clinical practice module. You will also need to apply for registration with the the regulator, the CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council).

 

Is the course recognised by professional bodies?

The course is recognised by a number of professional bodies. We recommend you join BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) as an associate member and, on completion of the clinical module, apply for registration with the CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council).

 

What if my personal circumstances change during my study programme?

We understand that sometimes unexpected events occur and you may need to take a break from your studies. The course is typically completed in one year full-time and two years part-time; but you are allowed, with extenuating circumstances, to extend your study period to a maximum of 4 years.

If you wish to discuss options for suspending or slowing down your pace of study you should speak to your Level Leader.

 

Are there any exams?

There are no written exams. We know that you will want to be confident and competent practitioners with a valued qualification, so there is practice-orientated coursework assessment. Clinical practice is assessed through observation of your work with clients.

 

Is there a library?

You will have access to the University of Portsmouth library services and facilities. The library is available online and you will be able to access a wide range of journals, scholarly literature databases and eBooks. ION has a small reference library in Richmond. If you wish to book a study session with access to the library, please email [email protected]. 

 

How may I join the course as an international student?

You will need to complete the application form and provide evidence that you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course. You will need to attend an interview, which will be conducted online via video call. You will need to provide a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photograph and proof of identity. 

 

I am concerned that my English is not at the level needed to apply for one of your courses, what should I do?

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency at IELTS – (International English Language Test) grade 7.0 or above in each of the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening).

Once you are qualified as a registered nutritional therapy practitioner you will be expected to work professionally, sometimes liaising with other health professionals. It is therefore essential that you can communicate clearly and confidently and can write accurately and effectively.

 

Back to top