BSc (Hons)
Nutritional Therapy top-up
EARLY BIRD ENDS:
10 June
2025
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APPLICATION DEADLINE:
14 August
2025
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START DATE:
22 August
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DURATION:
1½
years part-time
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VALIDATING INSTITUTION:
University of
Portsmouth
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Enhance your professional standing
The top-up is a fast-track pathway to a degree in nutritional therapy using recognised prior learning. It is exclusive to nutritional therapy practitioners who have studied a functional or systems approach.
You’ll develop your skillset and enhance your professional portfolio with a science degree. This course is also a pathway for professional body registration and Return to Practice through BANT.
You will have the opportunity to explore, reflect on and critique the theory and practice of behaviour change, research methodology, and business practice. The emphasis throughout is on using research to inform your practice, with the opportunity to explore an aspect of your practice in depth.
On this page
Course background
Course information
Course background
What you'll study
Our Top Up Course offers four distinct pathways, each carefully designed to build upon your existing qualifications and experience, empowering you to achieve a full degree. We’ll place you on the route that best enhances your skills and career aspirations.
All pathways share three core modules – Research Skills, Research Project, and Behaviour Change in Nutrition and Lifestyle Management – providing you with a robust foundation in evidence-based practice.
Your learning will be further enriched by two additional modules, from the following:
- Business and Career Planning
- Clinical Practice
- Coaching
- Functional Nutrition
Assessments
Assessments are dependent on the options you choose. However, generally you’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, reports, video presentations, role plays and reflective narratives.
These assessments are designed to help you apply your knowledge, develop practical skills, and deepen your conceptual understanding, with constructive feedback provided throughout.
Lecturer's view
“This course is such an amazing opportunity for practising nutritional therapists to be recognised for the important work they do. It’s about building confidence, sharpening key skills like research and business skills, and gaining a science degree from the highly respected University of Portsmouth. I’ve seen students finish the course feeling genuinely proud — some never imagined they would achieve a degree. They tell me how much they value being part of the ION community, how supported they feel, and how the course has opened new doors for their careers. It’s wonderful to see the sense of achievement and excitement it brings.”
Heather Rosa
fHEA, FBANT, DipION
Dean
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.
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
Course information
Entry requirements
Requirements for this course are:
Qualification
Minimum requirement
- Diploma in nutritional therapy from a functional/systems approach or equivalent
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 15-20 (part-time)
- Be fit to study and committed to succeed!
Study pathway
We offer 4 pathways for onto our Top Up course, that include both clinical and non-clinical routes. Book a call with our Course Advisor to find the best pathway for you.
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 / RPL up to 240
Study mode
Online, with optional attendance activities in the UK
Entry dates
Part-time option
September, February
Duration
Part-time option
1 1/2 years
Course code
Part-time option
C0503PTD
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
- The BSc Top up course is for existing nutritional therapists who wish to top up their diploma to a BSc (Hons) degree. Students can study online with flexible study options and are able to choose from a variety of pathway choices enabling them to focus their study on areas of interest. Full time and part time pathways are available.
- Students will learn key research skills and will complete a research project on an area of nutritional interest.
Next steps
Ready to apply or need help? Use the links below or get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.
