Level 4
Short Courses
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
14 August
2025
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START DATE:
1 September
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DURATION:
6
Months
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VALIDATING INSTITUTION:
University of
Portsmouth
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Start turning your passion into your next career
Dip your toe into the world of nutrition and build your understanding of how diet influences health — for yourself, your family, friends, and colleagues. This short course takes a holistic look at diet and health, exploring how food production, processing, dietary guidance and choices impact human wellbeing. Drawing on the latest nutritional science, you will learn about the benefits of food and develop the skills to analyse dietary information and guidelines.
On this page
Course background
Course information
Course background
What you'll study
Lecturer's view
“I think this course is such an important starting point because it gives you a strong, research-based framework for thinking about the relationship between nutrition, health, and disease. On this course you will start to develop critical thinking skills, challenge some of the common assumptions about macronutrients, and begin approaching personalised nutrition in a more analytical and scientific way — something I believe is essential for anyone looking to practise confidently in this field.”
Amani Kaite
DipIHS, mNTOI, mFTNP
Lecturer, Module Coordinator
Your benefits
At ION, we are dedicated to supporting your success throughout your studies. As a student with us, you’ll gain access to a range of benefits designed to enhance your learning experience. Your benefits include:
University of Portsmouth Student Union membership*
Job notifications and graduate placements
Discounts at health food shops, supplement and testing companies
Exclusive discounts on select ION offerings and products
University of Portsmouth library access*
Pastoral support and guidance from level leaders *
Dedicated academic support*
Progression
Upon successful completion you can receive RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for this short course and join the second module in the Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health or the BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy.
Course information
Entry requirements
Requirements for this course are:
Qualification
Minimum requirement
- Candidates with level 3 qualifications, who may also have health sciences
OR qualifications in holistics, beauty, social care, personal trainer or coaching
OR equivalent experiential learning in nutrition or health sciences
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
- Be fit to study and committed to succeed!
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
Credit bearing option
Credit bearing short course
Non-credit bearing option
No award
Credits
20 (Level 4)
Study mode
Online
Entry dates
Credit bearing option
September, February
Non-credit bearing option
September, February
Duration
Credit bearing option
6 months
Non-credit bearing option
2 year access to materials
Course code
Credit bearing option
N3410SCD
Non-credit bearing option
D3410SCD
Course bodies
Awarding body*
Institute for Optimum Nutrition,
University of Portsmouth
Validated by*
University of Portsmouth
Accredited by
British Accreditation Council (BAC)
Approved by
UK & International Health Coaching Association
Next steps
Ready to apply or need help? Use the links below or get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.
