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Welcome to our new website! To provide a stable and secure experience we are turning on services and departments gradually. Some pages will be unavailable or the content incorrect. This site is currently best viewed on desktop. Please bear with us and continue to check back regularly. If you require immediate assistance please call us on 020 8614 7800 or email info@ion.ac.uk.

BSc (Hons)
Nutritional Therapy top-up

EARLY BIRD ENDS:

5 Days

00:00:00

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

14 August
2025

START DATE:

22 August

2025

DURATION:


years part-time

VALIDATING INSTITUTION:

University of
Portsmouth

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.

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

Heather Rosa
“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 Image 1
Course Image 2

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.

Part-time option
Year 1, annual
£6,130
Year 2, annual
£3,065

Other charges
Registration fee
£475
RCPL for Advanced Standing Pathway 2
£445 flat fee
Repeat fee
£1,532 per 20 credits

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.