The IOPN Diploma in Performance Nutrition
Our advanced, practice-focused online course will arm you with all the knowledge and nutrition coaching skills you need to work with private clients, elite athletes and teams.
The diploma is an advanced, post-graduate online course that bridges the gap between theory and practice by teaching students how to work effectively with real world clients.
Graduates will have expert theoretical understanding of sports nutrition and the ability to apply their knowledge with a variety of clients from gym goers to elite athletes.
To find out about the content within each module click here to visit our modules page.
There are four course intakes per year in February, May, August and November. You can apply at any time and start studying in the next available cohort.
Each cohort opens officially on the 25th of the cohort month (Feb, May, Aug, Nov), with the application and enrolment deadline for each cohort being the last day of the cohort month.
There is a maximum time limit of 15 months to complete the course but it is possible to finish it in as little as eight months.
Students will be taught by over 40+ world-class practitioners, many of whom are experts in their chosen field. They will also be assigned a PhD-level tutor for one-on-one study support. To read more about our lecturers and tutors click here.
The course is an advanced-level program (EQF Level 7), meaning students must have a good level of prior knowledge and education to be eligible to apply. Examples below:
Related degree, e.g.: Strength and Conditioning, Sports/Exercise Science, Sports Physiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics.
If you don’t have a degree or a degree in a related field, you must have other professional qualifications in your field:
Graduates of NASM’s Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) programme are eligible to apply. Personal training or strength and conditioning certifications / accreditations i.e. CSCS, ASCC, ACSM HFI etc are also recognised.
For those that have nutrition coaching certifications (i.e. PN, MNU etc), you may also be able to apply on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the program director.
Contact us with a brief overview of your credentials and relevant professional experience if you are unsure if you are eligible or not to apply.
The IOPN Diploma is endorsed and/or recognised by the following professional bodies.
SENR (Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register)
SDA (Sports Dietitians Australia)
AfN (Association for Nutrition)
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
PINES (Professionals in Nutrition for Exercise and Sport)
ECSS (European College of Sports Science)
Click here to visit our accreditation page and read more about the recognition from each body and how it could help you to further your career.
Apply now for 10% off the February 2022 cohort
Pay in full
£3000 + VAT*
Pay in 12 x monthly instalments
£3600 + VAT*
The following institutions offer IOPN Diploma in Performance Nutrition graduates eligibility to apply and upgrade to a master’s degree:
University of Roehampton: Master of Science (MSc) in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
The University of Roehampton accepts the IOPN Diploma in Performance Nutrition as partial fulfilment of the requirements for their MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. The MSc degree can be completed mainly via distance learning with some laboratory sessions provided on campus. IOPN Diploma graduates will need to complete 100 (or *120) credits beyond the IOPN Diploma via the following 3 to 4 modules (to be determined* upon review of your application) in order to achieve the final award of MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition:
Advanced Laboratory & Applied Skills – Exercise & Nutritional Sciences (20 credits / blended learning)
Research Methods (20 credits / distance learning)
Research Dissertation (60 credits / distance learning)
*Current Topics in Exercise Physiology (Optional additional module: 20 credits / blended learning)
*Additional / Optional Module (will typically be required for those with little to no exercise physiology in prior education and/or optionally added to strengthen the resume for those looking to achieve professional registration via SENr, AfN etc) in those without relevant (i.e. BSc in Sport and Exercise Science) undergraduate degrees.
For a detailed overview of the modules (including assessment details) please download: “SES Nutrition PG MSc Modules PDF”
Please note that applications will be considered on an individual basis.
Contact: Dr Richard Mackenzie richard.mackenzie@roehampton.ac.uk
Website: https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/sport-and-exercise-nutrition/
University of Roehampton: MRes in Sport and Exercise Science
The University of Roehampton accepts the IOPN Diploma in Performance Nutrition as partial fulfilment of the requirements for their MRes in Sport and Exercise Science. The MRes degree can be completed 100% via distance learning, although students can visit the campus to access laboratories and equipment. IOPN Diploma graduates will need to complete 140 credits beyond the IOPN Diploma via the following two modules in order to achieve the final award of MRes in Sport and Exercise Science:
-Research Methods (20 credits / distance learning)
-Research Dissertation (120 credits / distance learning)
-For a detailed overview of the modules (including assessment details) please download: “SES Nutrition PG MSc Modules PDF”
Please note that whilst your exit degree award title will state MRes in Sport and Exercise Science, you will specialise in Performance Nutrition via your individual Dissertation Research project.
Please note that applications will be considered on an individual basis.
Contact: Dr Richard Mackenzie richard.mackenzie@roehampton.ac.uk
Looking to Partner with the IOPN?
If you are the program leader of a relevant master’s degree program and you would like to partner with the IOPN please contact Dr Laurent Bannock to discuss this further.
To apply for the course make sure you have these documents to hand:
-Qualification certificates
-A photograph of yourself
(JPEG, GIF, PNG or BMP format)
-A CV or resume (PDF or word format)
OR a link to your complete LinkedIn profile
Don’t just take our word for it – read the testimonials below from several of our former students
The Diploma in Performance Nutrition has been a truly invaluable experience. The step by step process in each module has helped me build, improve and enhance my skillset and the continuous tutor support really sets this diploma at a top-class level. I have gained an in-depth theoretical understanding of sport nutrition and I feel confident in practically applying the knowledge I have learnt. The course has exceeded my expectations significantly. If you want to learn, develop and put science into practice at an advanced level, I wholeheartedly recommend this is the course for you.
Mary Curristin,
Sports Scientist, Research Assistant
The Diploma in Performance Nutrition combines current science with practical application through comprehensive case studies. This is an evidence based rigorous program that instills confidence in the material both academically and practically. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to competently understand and practice sports/performance nutrition.
Geoff Lecovin MS3, DC, ND, L.Ac.
Chiropractor / Naturopathic Physician / Acupuncturist / Performance Nutritionist
This step-by-step course is a must for anyone interested in working in the field of sports nutrition. With every lecture given by internationally recognised experts, it has given me the tools and confidence to work within elite sport. The case study for each module is an amazing way to apply the ‘rocket-science’ in a practical, real-life event, that we are likely to encounter in our professional practice. Where this course really stands out above other Nutrition courses is the support from the highly-qualified team at the Institute of Performance Nutrition. Each tutor is fully committed to the growth and success of their students.
Michel Ouellette
Performance Nutritionist
Anything else? Visit our FAQ’s for answers to further questions.
Before you begin the course you will need to buy two compulsory textbooks:
1. Sport Nutrition 3rd Edition by Asker Jeukendrup PhD and Michael Gleeson PhD. ISBN: 9781492529033. Human Kinetics. 2018 Paperback (Links to an external site.) and Ebook (Links to an external site.).
2. Biochemistry for Sport and Exercise Metabolism by Don Maclaren PhD and James Morton PhD. ISBN 9780470091852. Wiley-Blackwell. 2012 Paperback (Links to an external site.) and Ebook (Links to an external site.).