Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  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

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• Accreditation / Professional Body

  Accredited by the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC), the Professional Standards Council for Nutritional Therapy.  NTEC’s mission is to establish, uphold and advance the standards of qualifications, competence and conduct of those who practice nutritional therapy as a profession.

  Graduates of NTEC accredited courses are eligible to apply for fast-track entry to the professional register held by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and for membership of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT).

  Please note, however, that graduates are not guaranteed entry to the register, which is at the discretion of the CNHC, not the university.

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• FAQs

  How will I be assessed?

  A broad range of assessment methods are used throughout the course to support learning.  Formative exercises include clinical seminar exercises (based around the discussion of fictional case studies), quizzes, peer presentations, role-play and supervised consultations.  Summative assessments include time constrained assignments, essays, presentations and case studies (both fictional and with live clients).   You will also complete a literature review at level 6, on a chosen topic of interest.

  Throughout the course, you will also be expected to develop and maintain a Personal and Professional Development Portfolio (PPDP).  This is essential in order to demonstrate that you have met the clinical requirements of the course (clinical competencies, minimum number of case studies) and to show evidence of becoming a reflective, independent learner and practitioner.

  When / How often do the live classes take place online?

  Teaching is spread across two semesters per academic year.  Online teaching sessions are scheduled for weekend days or weekday evenings, designed to fit outside of traditional working hours. On average, this will involve full-day live classes on a Saturday and Sunday every 2-3 weekends, and a 1-2 hour weekday evening tutorial every other week.   Timetables are provided in advance of each academic year, allowing you to plan your time accordingly.

  What happens if I cannot join a class live online?

  The programme is designed to fit around work and family commitments.  We encourage all students to attend live when they can, however we recognise that this will not always be possible.   Therefore, all live classes are recorded, so that students unable to attend are able to catch up at a time convenient to them.   For some sessions, notably Clinical Seminars, students who cannot attend are required to submit a completed case study exercise after viewing the recording, to ensure the minimum number of case studies are completed.

  Are there any attendance requirements on campus in Northampton?

  No, the whole programme is completed online.  If you live locally to Northampton and wish to use the university library or other facilities, you are welcome to do so.

  How will I access support as an online learner?

  We recognise that online learning can be isolating at times, therefore provide as many opportunities as possible to interact with other students e.g. via small group taught sessions, formal and informal ‘coffee break’ webinars, discussion forums and email groups with your peers.

  Your Programme Leader, Module Leaders and Personal Academic Tutor are all available to you via video-conferencing to support you every step of the way throughout your studies, providing both academic and pastoral support.  In addition, you will also have access to the various support services of the university, such as Library and Learning Services, IT services and Student Services.

  How many hours a week will I need to dedicate to my studies?

  The course is designed to fit around work / family commitments, nevertheless you will be completing 80 credits per academic year (compared to 120 credits on a full-time degree course).  In order to succeed on the course, you will need to dedicate approximately 20-30 hours a week to your studies (this will vary dependent on your previous knowledge and academic ability). Although this is a significant time investment, the topics we cover on the course are fascinating and if you are passionate about nutrition, it will not feel like a ‘sacrifice’.

  Does this programme lead to job opportunities within the NHS?

  No, this programme is not designed for a career within the NHS.  The programme is designed to train students to become CNHC registered Nutritional Therapists and members of BANT.  Most graduates will work as self-employed Nutritional Therapists.  To learn more about what Nutritional Therapy involves, please read ‘Why Personalised Nutrition’ on the BANT website.  Career options will also provide you with further insight.

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