Cert HE Personalised
Diet and Health
EARLY BIRD ENDS:
5 Days
00:00:00
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
14 August
2025
START DATE:
1 September
2025
DURATION:
1 years full-time /
1½ years part-time
VALIDATING INSTITUTION:
University of
Portsmouth
Start your career as a diet and lifestyle educator
This course explores the impact of real food on health, preparing you to work in health settings, leading group sessions or providing one-on-one support to help others achieve their health goals.
You’ll study a holistic approach to diet alongside relevant physiology and pathophysiology, understanding how disease can disrupt normal body function. Explore macro- and micronutrients, phytonutrients, and how food production, processing, and personal choices affect health. Learn about dietary guidelines, analysis, and approaches for managing common conditions within boundaries or practice.
You’ll build your knowledge of personalised diet and lifestyle and learn how to apply this in work or daily life. You’ll also develop business and career-building skills.
Upon completion, you can progress onto the BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy and train as a BANT-registered practitioner.
On this page
Course background
Course information
Course background
What you'll study
You’ll master foundational health sciences and tools to educate on diet and lifestyle.
Assessments
On the Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health course, you’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essay plans, 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
“The Cert HE is a fascinating course that provides you with the foundations that you need to be able to start to make a difference to your future client’s health and wellbeing. It is a perfect stepping stone to the degree, yet also stands alone. It provides a depth of knowledge and instils a sense of curiosity about the intricacies of the human body, and the power of food and lifestyle as tools to address health symptoms and system imbalances. Students who are submitting their final portfolio for the Cert HE are always full of excitement and ready to put their newfound knowledge and skills into action.”
Sally Temple
BA, ILM, DipION, FdSc, mBANT, CNHC
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.
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:
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 or Chemistry
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 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
Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health
Diet and Lifestyle Educator
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.
Course facts
Award
Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health
Credits
120 in total (Level 4)
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
1 1/2 years
Full-time option
1 year
Course code
Part-time option
C3426PTD
Full-time option
C3426FTD
Course bodies
Awarded & Validated by
University of Portsmouth
Registered with
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT)
Good to know
At the end of the course you are able to start up your clinical practice working as a Diet and Lifestyle Educator accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). You can also choose to continue your studies at ION and “earn while you learn” while studying for your degree.
Next steps
Ready to apply or need help? Use the links below or get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.
