The programme has been designed to enable students from a variety of different backgrounds to succeed, including individuals from a non-scientific background and those who may not possess traditional academic qualifications.
Level 4 modules provide a core grounding in academic skills and in topics fundamental to nutrition science. At level 5, the modules take a systems approach, covering the aetiology, pathophysiology and nutritional management of health conditions commonly encountered in nutrition clinical practice. At level 6, you will complete your theoretical training and focus on preparation for a future career. You will gain experience from consulting with real clients (under supervision, in a safe and supportive environment), and explore the foundations of building a successful business, in addition to completing a research project.
In order to ensure that employability underpins the curriculum, there is a significant emphasis throughout the course on preparing for the delivery of one-to-one nutrition consultations. This includes training in core clinical skills, such as motivational interviewing, design and implementation of personalised nutrition programmes (including consideration of drug-food and drug-nutrient interactions) and interpretation of biochemical and functional test results.
All modules are compulsory.
Year 1
The first year of the programme is designed to support the mature student with a return to study, providing a core grounding in academic skills and in topics fundamental to nutrition science, namely chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology.
The modules studied during the first year are as follows:
- Academic Skills and Personal Development (20 credits, Level 4) Module code: SLS1041
- Nutritional Biochemistry (40 credits, Level 4) Module code: SLS1042
- Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits, Level 4) Module code: SLS1043
Year 2
The second year further develops your core nutrition knowledge, along with your ability to interpret and analyse nutrition research. As a part-time programme, this is a split-level year, which will conclude with module SLS2044, providing a comprehensive overview of common diseases and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system and their nutritional management. This module will include the burgeoning research on the influence of the intestinal microbiome on health, as well as investigating the role of the liver and other organs in the biotransformation of toxins.
The modules studied during the second year are as follows:
- Food Processing, Macro- and Micronutrients (20 credits, Level 4) Module code: SLS1044
- Nutrition Throughout the Lifecycle (20 credits, Level 4) Module code: SLS1045
- Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Health Data (20 credits, Level 5) Module code: SLS2043
- Nutrition for Gastrointestinal Health and Detoxification (20 credits, Level 5) Module code: SLS2044
Year 3
The third year continues with a systems approach to health and disease, covering the aetiology, pathophysiology and nutritional management of health conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice. This includes the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, of male and female reproductive disorders (including conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia), of thyroid and adrenal disorders and of auto-immune disorders. You will also investigate the impact of environmental pollution on health and the role of chronic inflammation in the development of non-communicable, degenerative diseases.
The modules studied during the third year are as follows:
- Nutrition for Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Health (20 credits, Level 5) Module code: SLS2045
- Nutrition for Endocrine, Reproductive and Nervous System Function (20 credits, Level 5) Module code: SLS2046
- Nutrition for Musculoskeletal, Skin and Sensory Health (20 credits, Level 5) Module code: SLS2047
- Environmental Pollution, Inflammation, Immunity and Nutrition (20 credits, Level 5) Module code: SLS2048
Year 4
In the fourth year, you will complete your theoretical training with a module focused on obesity, metabolic syndrome and mental health disorders. Alongside this, you will complete your formal clinical training, by delivering live consultations in a real-world environment to real clients. The final module is focused on providing you with the opportunity to develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of setting up, running and growing your own business. This will include learning about the legislative and regulatory framework surrounding nutrition practice and the professional practice standards set by appropriate professional bodies.
The modules studied during the fourth year are as follows:
- Nutrition for Optimal Physical and Mental Health (20 credits, Level 6) Module code: SLS3029
- Clinical Practice 1 (20 credits, Level 6) Module code: SLS3030
- Clinical Practice 2 (20 credits, Level 6) Module code: SLS3031
- Business Skills and Professional Practice (20 credits, Level 6) Module code: SLS3032
Year 5
The final year is dedicated to the completion of a research project, providing students with the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence relating to a specific aspect of nutrition and lifestyle medicine. This will provide you with the transferable skills needed for safe and effective independent practice and for appropriate further professional training.
The module studied during the final year is:
- Research Project (40 credits, level 6) Module code: SLS4011