New higher awards for 2020/21

The first Bachelor of Science honours degree from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition

From the 2020/21 academic year, the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) will be delivering two new higher awards validated by the University of Portsmouth.

BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy

The BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy course is a 4.5-year part-time clinical practice training programme, available via both campus and distance learning options, and will provide rich, in–depth training to enable practitioners to operate successfully in a growing and dynamic market.

In September 2020, we will commence Year 1 (level 4) and Year 4 (level 6) of the programme.

For previous qualified practitioners, there is a pathway to join the final level (Year 4, level 6) of the undergraduate degree and graduate as BSc (Hons).

BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy

Graduate Diploma in Integrative Functional Medicine

From February 2021, the Institute will also be offering the first Graduate Diploma (GDip) in Integrative Functional Nutrition. An ideal course for health and medical practitioners who wish to make nutrition a central part of their practice, it will be offered both full- (1 year) and part-time (2 years) via distance learning.

GradDip. Integrative Functional Nutrition

Excellence in teaching since in 1984

The Institute has been a leading provider of nutritional therapy training in the UK since 1984. The move to deliver higher awards will provide students with the opportunity to gain a widely recognised qualification, giving them more career options. It will also enable professionals who are already clinically qualified to develop their skills and knowledge in nutrition to enhance their practice.

The University of Portsmouth

The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Portsmouth; a top 25 UK university that is Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) gold-rated and globally recognised for its research.

The University’s mission “to create, share and apply knowledge to make a difference to individuals and society” fits well with our own mission “to educate, enthuse and instil optimum nutrition as the foundation of health for all”.

Want to know more?

Visit our courses pages, book onto an open event and speak with one of our course advisers

BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy GDip Integrative Functional Nutrition

Science Access Open Events

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