BSc (Hons)
Nutritional Therapy
EARLY BIRD ENDS:
5 Days
00:00:00
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
14 August
2025
START DATE:
1 September
2025
DURATION:
3 years full-time /
4 1/2 years part time
VALIDATING INSTITUTION:
University of
Portsmouth
Start your career in Nutritional Therapy
Become a Nutritional Therapist with an in-depth understanding of nutrition and lifestyle science. Gain hands-on experience and learn how to guide clients toward lasting changes in their nutrition and lifestyle.
Learn about personalised and functional nutrition, the therapeutic effects of food and nutrients, and how to address a variety of health and wellbeing issues. Develop the skills to work effectively with clients, applying a comprehensive understanding of food, supplements, testing and lifestyle modification.
This course will equip with the business skills needed to start your own practice. Through your research project, you will deep-dive into your chosen area of nutrition and lifestyle practice.
Upon completion, you will be eligible to register with the UK regulator, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), and join the professional body, the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT).

On this page
Course background
Course information
Course background
What you'll study
At level 4, you’ll master foundational health sciences and tools to advise clients on diet and lifestyle. Level 5 deepens your skills with therapeutic interventions, functional testing, role-play clinical practice and coaching. By Level 6, supervised clinical practice with real clients, research skills, and business planning prepare you for professional success.
Assessments
On the BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy course, you’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essay plans, essays, reports, video presentations, reflective narratives, case studies, a research project, and observed clinical practice.
These assessments are designed to help you apply your knowledge, develop practical skills, and deepen your conceptual understanding, with constructive feedback provided throughout.
In your final year, a research project or dissertation will form a key part of your assessment.
Lecturer's view

“Having studied at ION myself, I know how life-changing the experience can be, both personally and professionally. ION provides a unique opportunity for students to nurture their passion for health and wellbeing, while also equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to become an evidence-informed practitioner. I firmly believe that this educational experience can be truly life-changing.”
Evonne Ginman
MSc, BSc (Hons), DipION, mBANT, CNHCreg
Lecturer, Module Coordinator
Your benefits
At ION, we are dedicated to supporting your success throughout your studies and beyond. As a student with us, you’ll gain access to a range of benefits designed to enhance your learning experience, support your wellbeing, and prepare you for a rewarding career in personalised nutrition. Your benefits include:
University of Portsmouth Student Union membership
Job notifications and graduate placements
Discounts at health food shops, supplement and testing companies
Academic prizes
University of Portsmouth Alumni discounts on further study
Dedicated Academic Support
University of Portsmouth library access
Pastoral Support and Guidance from level leaders
Exclusive discounts on select ION offerings and products
Training Clinic
As a nutritional therapist you’ll face complex cases, varied personalities, and the weight of clients’ expectations.
ION provides you with everything needed to prepare for a client, otherwise known as a clinical setting.
Training clinics are the final part of a student’s journey – the chance to consolidate knowledge and develop strong people skills. It sets the foundation to becoming an effective therapist, making real, positive changes in people’s lives.
What can you expect in training clinic?
Diverse cases: Real clients and real skills.
Remote consultations: Practice from home with peer and supervisor support.
Courage and confidence: Work with UK clients and recommend tests and supplements.

“ION was an essential part of my training for my career; it taught me fundamental clinical skills and I left feeling prepared to set up my own clinic in Chelsea.”
Lily Soutter BSc, MSc, ANutr ION Graduate


Course information
Entry requirements
Requirements for this course are:
UK applicant
Level 2 (or equivalent) qualifications
- Maths GCSE – Minimum grade C / 4
- English GCSE – Minimum grade C / 4
Level 3 (or equivalent) qualifications
-
Two A levels (grades A-C), of which one must be in Biology, Chemistry or Anatomy & Physiology
OR
- ION Science Access award
Overseas applicant
(in addition to above)
English qualification
- English IELTS Level 7 qualification
OR
- C1 Advanced – Cambridge English
Residency or visa status
- Resident of the UK
OR
- Have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
OR
- Have the appropriate visa to travel to the UK to attend optional (non-compulsory) events and elements of the course
Other requirements
- Competent IT skills
- Microsoft Office software package and proficiency in its use
- Computer (Mac or PC) with reliable internet connection
- Time management skills
- Approximately 20 (part-time) to 30 (full-time) hours a week to study
- Be fit to study and committed to succeed!
Study pathway
This course provides you the following pathway
Maths, English in GCSE or equivalent
2 x A levels or equivalent With one as relevant science subject
BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy Level 4
BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy Level 5
BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy Level 6
Nutritional Therapist
Masters degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Fees
Fees for this course are listed below. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation. Fees do not include BANT student membership.
Course facts
Award
BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy
Credits
360 in total
Study mode
Online, with optional attendance activities in the UK
Entry dates
Part-time option
September, February
Full-time option
September
Duration
Part-time option
4 1/2 years
Full-time option
3 years
Course code
Part-time option
C0503PTD
Full-time option
C0503FTD
Course bodies
Awarded & Validated by
University of Portsmouth
Accredited by
Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC)
British Accreditation Council (BAC)
Registered with
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT)
Good to know
For candidates who meet the entry requirements but want to refresh their knowledge, our eScience Refresh offers online interactive study materials, videos, and exercises for flexible, independent learning.
This distance course is for BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy applicants, and there are no assignments, exams, or tutor support. It covers chemistry, biology, and anatomy & physiology, with two-year access to materials upon enrolment. You can purchase the eScience Refresh here.