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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.

Science
Access

EARLY BIRD ENDS:

15 July
2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

18 September
2025

START DATE:

2 October

2025

DURATION:

9
month

VALIDATING INSTITUTION:

Institute for
Optimum Nutrition

Prepare for degree level study

This course is for candidates who wish to study for the Cert HE and/or the degree course but do not possess a Level 3 qualification in a relevant science subject (A level or equivalent).

You’ll gain a solid foundation in the core sciences and an understanding of how they relate to nutrition.

What you'll study

There are three modules: Chemistry, Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology. Depending on your science education, you may need to take one, two, or all three modules.

Level
Module 1
Level
Module 2
Level
Module 3

Assessments

Each module is assessed by means of an essay and have no graded exams. You will be supported by interactive materials and information via the virtual learning campus, RelION.

Lecturer's view

Charlotte Dowling
“If you are feeling the call to change the direction of your life and train to become a Nutritional Therapist, the Science Access Course is the first step you should take on your journey. After being away from education, retraining from a completely different career, or wanting to build your confidence before starting another course with ION, the course will introduce you to the skills you need for future study. You will cover cell biology and the key organ systems, in addition to essay writing and planning, to leave the course feeling prepared and eager to learn more!”

Charlotte Dowling

M.Ost

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 success.

Your benefits include:

A dedicated Academic Support team

Discounts at health food shops, supplement and testing companies

Access to Patrick Holford's Five Principles of Optimum Nutrition course

Course Image 1
Course Image 2

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

Overseas applicant


(in addition to above)

English qualification

  • English IELTS Level 7 qualification

OR

  • C1 Advanced – Cambridge English

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 10-15 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

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Science Access

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BSc (Hons)
Nutritional Therapy Level 4 OR Cert HE Personalised Diet and Health

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BSc (Hons)
Nutritional Therapy Level 5

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BSc (Hons)
Nutritional Therapy Level 6

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Masters degree

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Doctor of Philosophy

Entry requirement for this course
This course
Outcome on course completion
Further study option at external learning provider

Fees

Fees for this course are listed below. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation.

Science Access
Annual
£1,500

eScience Refresh
One-off
£492 (inc. VAT)

Other charges
Registration fee
£475

Course facts

Award

Science Access Certificate

Credits

10 credits per module

Study mode

Online, self-paced study with weekly Q&A sessions

Entry dates

Full course

October, January, May

Chemistry module

October, January, May

Biology module

July, January, March

Anatomy and Physiology module

September, March, May

Duration

October entry

9 months

January entry

7 months

May entry

8 months

Course code

Part-time option

ED200PTD

Course bodies

Awarding body

Institute for Optimum Nutrition

Good to know

For candidates who meet the entry requirements of the BSc (Hons) Nutrition Therapy 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. Contact admissions@ion.ac.uk to purchase our eScience Refresh.

Next steps

Ready to apply or need help? Use the links below or get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.