• Undergraduate

Nutritional Therapy BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

  • Why study at the University of West London?
  • Our nutrition courses are ranked 3rd in London for overall student satisfaction in this year's NSS
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

With nutrition and diet playing an ever-increasing role in our health and wellbeing, the demand for highly skilled, professional practitioners has never been higher. This is where our BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy course comes in.

Studying this fascinating course will help you develop theoretical and practical knowledge of nutritional therapy, all underpinned by biochemical sciences and the functional medicine approach. 

Additionally, you will complete an in-depth study and practice of clinical skills whilst exploring aspects of developing, managing, and promoting a professional nutrition practice/business.

At the end of the nutritional therapy degree, you will have the skills, knowledge and confidence to start a career as a practitioner - either as an employee or consultant - or in a related field.

The course is accredited by the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC)

Supported distance learning

This flexible course is designed to fit around your other commitments. It combines online distance learning with elements of clinical practice in your final year.

Our Virtual Learning Environment supports the distance learning elements of the course and is available 24 hours a day. There is an online attendance requirement in the final year which is mandatory to fulfill clinical practice experience in client work (these requirements could change in which case students will be notified.).

Fees

In years 1-4, the fee is £3000 per year. In year 5 the fee increases to £6000.

BSc Nutritional Therapy

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Nutritional Therapy with us?

Why study Nutritional Therapy with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

I have gained so much from my 5-year Nutritional Therapy degree at UWL. I never once felt that I wasn’t part of a genuine cohort of fellow students and lecturers, despite this being a distance learning course. Our course leaders were always on hand to talk through more complex assignments and we were able to share our ideas with one another using Blackboard (the online University platform), building a bigger picture of our learning than if we were simply working on our own. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to work in Nutritional Therapy; it combines the evidence-based research approach with practical implementation and rigorous self-reflection, which has made my transition to working so much smoother. 

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Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Industry focused teaching
Benefits of this course include supported distance learning
Course is accredited by the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy course will give you a comprehensive understanding of the role of diet and nutrition in maintaining health and wellbeing.

Your studies will cover an array of topics including:

  • anatomy and physiology
  • macro and micronutrients
  • biochemical imbalances in disease (pathology) as it relates to the field of practice
  • therapeutic communication skills and health behaviour change.

Furthermore, you will develop your research and analytical skills while learning about the role of nutritional therapy within the field of Integrated Medicine.

By the end of this nutrition degree, you will understand how to set up your own business as a nutritional therapist.

Clinical practice skills and cases

With the support of our team of experienced nutritional therapists throughout, you will develop your skills as a clinical practitioner by working on supervised cases.

You will study and apply concepts and principles from experiential observation or clinical practice. By doing so you will gain a range of transferable skills and qualities that will help you to gain future employment in the health sector.

Course delivery and attendance requirements

If you take the BSc qualification, the course will take five years to complete. It is divided into three levels. Levels 4 and 5 will each take you two years to complete via supported distance learning. If you complete these levels, you can progress to Level 6.

Level 6 is the final component of the course and requires you to be available for 12 full days of study and clinical practice delivered over typical UK working hours.

The 12 days are delivered in four blocks over one year (subject to change with notice):

  • October/November – three-day teaching block
  • January/February – three-day teaching block
  • March – three-day clinic
  • May – three-day clinic.

If you complete Level 6, you will earn your BSc Nutritional Therapy.

Compulsory modules

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

    This module will introduce you to human anatomy. You'll gain insights into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level and as a fully integrated organism. Theory will be supported by a virtual practical activity.

  • Macro and Micronutrients

    On this module you will learn about the concepts of energy intake, expenditure and balance. The module will introduce these concepts in relation to the intake of macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fats. We will look at the chemical properties of macronutrients and their intake through digestion and absorption. You will also take a detailed look at the micronutrients that are essential to life, and addresses the dietary sources, functions, requirements, signs of deficiency and toxicity, bioavailability and absorption of these nutrients. The evidence for the therapeutic effects of vitamins and minerals are also considered.

  • Classification and Composition of Foods

    This module will detail the classification and composition of different foods. You will consider the nutritional and therapeutic value of foods and their inclusion as part of a balanced diet from both the conventional and naturopathic standpoint.

  • Biochemical Imbalances in Disease

    This module will consider the integration of physiological systems within the human body. You will develop your understanding of the physiological processes of drug absorption, transport, detoxification and elimination. We will also look at the use of functional and nutrigenomic tests, and explore the effects of diet and lifestyle on health.

Compulsory modules

  • Communication Skills in the Therapeutic Relationship

    By undertaking this module you will develop essential communication skills for practice and build your awareness of boundaries and self-care. We will also look at how to use behavioural change models to motivate and empower clients to make behavioural food and lifestyle changes that promote health.

  • Pathophysiology of Named Conditions

    On this module you will investigate the aetiology (causes) of disease and associated risk factors for specific conditions. It will examine both the conventional medical and the nutritional approach to the management of these conditions.

  • Clinical Data Collection and Case Interpretation

    This module will introduce you to clinical skills used in nutritional therapy. We will compare data collection techniques and evaluate these methods to determine the accuracy of information gathered, and the reliability of each method in determining accurate nutritional intake.

  • Developing Nutritional Programmes

    This module develops your clinical skills in Nutritional Therapy. You will practice formulating individualised nutrition programmes. The therapeutic aims determined from the interpretation will guide programme design, and you will prioritise clinical decisions to accommodate client’s lifestyle and needs.

    Justification of the nutrition programme will be supported with scientific research to demonstrate evidence informed practice.

  • Case Progression Strategies

    On this module you will explore the use of advanced nutritional and non-nutritional interventions, as well as lifestyle advice intended to enhance health. We will investigate the consultation, critically review the management of client needs and manipulate the original management programme to encourage a steady rate of progression towards health.

  • Research Methods for Clinical Practice

    This Module equips you to utilise a wide range of scientific databases in order to review the nature of relevant and appropriate available evidence, in support of the practice of nutritional therapy. The module also reviews the various research methodologies relevant to clinical practice. It provides the framework for the submission of a proposal to conduct a primary investigation.

Compulsory modules

  • Preparing for Clinical Practice

    This module enables you to acquire the skills to develop, manage and promote a professional nutrition practice/business, with an understanding of the legal, professional, financial, ethical and audit requirements. You develop the skills of self-reflection in order to build and sustain a successful practice/business, and develop professional communication skills. You will also research and evaluate CPD to support evidence based Nutritional Therapy practice. 

  • Achieving Clinical Practice

    In this module you will apply the advanced techniques of nutritional Therapy in a manner appropriate to a professional clinical setting. You will have the opportunity for reflective and reflexive professional practice and to address practice management in terms of operational requirements, ethics, regulatory frameworks and professional competencies. You will be monitored throughout the gathering of evidence of practice and be individually supervised during some client consultations.

  • Clinical Case Evaluation

    In this module you will evaluate a supervised clinical intervention from first consultation to follow up, reviewing MYMOP, clinical data, biochemical imbalances, and the evidence base which informs the case study. This comprises your final research focused practice-based project.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

80 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:     

  • A Levels at grades B and B (if you have two A levels) or grades C, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass     
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents 

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

7.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 7.0 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). We also accept other English language examination equivalents. Contact our International Office to find out more.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Find out more about our English Language courses.

International students may apply, but practising internationally will depend on having Professional Indemnity Insurance that covers for practice in the UK irrespective of location. Practice may also be subject to country specific legal restrictions. Registration with the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council and membership of a professional body (e.g. British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) is also recommended.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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In years 1-4, the fee is £3000 per year. In year 5 the fee increases to £6000.

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary. 

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Emma is wearing tortoiseshell rectangular glasses and has bright blue eyes. She has shoulder length grey hair.

Emma Stiles

I have been teaching since I first became a chef at 18, I love imparting knowledge about my favourite subject - food and its benefits.

I have a knack of making complex principles easier to understand and aim to add humour to my teaching, as I feel it embeds the knowledge. I know that knowledge is not understanding, and the complexity of nutrition needs to be understood, this takes time and this varies for different people.

I enjoy supporting students and helping them find the most helpful way to study for them.

I have been teaching since I first became a chef at 18, I love imparting knowledge about my favourite subject - food and its benefits.

I have a knack of making complex principles easier to understand and aim to add humour to my teaching, as I feel it embeds the knowledge. I know that knowledge is not understanding, and the complexity of nutrition needs to be understood, this takes time and this varies for different people.

I enjoy supporting students and helping them find the most helpful way to study for them.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A female doctor wearing glasses giving pills to a female patient in an office

When you complete your studies you can apply for registration with the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC) as a registered Nutritional Therapist.

The CNHC provide the UK voluntary register for complementary therapists, which is an approved accredited register by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for health and social care.

You will also be able to become a full member of the British Association of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT), which will enable you to practice as a Nutritional Therapist in the UK.

Graduates of nutritional therapy courses often go on to work in fields such as:

  • nutritional therapy practice, either in your own clinic or as part of a complementary health clinic
  • public health
  • clinical nutrition
  • food industry, including new product development in the health sector
  • academia, research and lecturing
  • teaching
  • sports and exercise nutrition including personal training
  • health/food journalism
  • health and wellbeing group work

Additionally, you can continue your education to the postgraduate level in advanced or other specialised areas such as public health. See our postgraduate courses.

International students may apply but practising as a nutritional therapist outside of the UK may also be subject to country-specific legal and professional requirements.

How to apply

How to apply

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Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.