Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions we get from students about our diploma:

 

What qualification(s) will I get?
Upon successful completion of all course requirements, you will earn the Institute of Performance Nutrition’s postgraduate level Diploma in Sports Nutrition.

Eligible graduates will also be able to apply for graduate registration with the UK Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (see Pathways to SENr PDF download), as well as those that are eligible with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for specialist registration as a sport and exercise nutritionist.

What title can I use / call myself upon completion?
Once you successfully complete the course, you will be qualified and able to call yourself a Performance Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, or a Sport & Exercise Nutritionist, and obtain professional indemnity insurance to practice (in the UK, and most other countries, but check your local national / state licensing laws to be sure).

You cannot call yourself a registered nutritionist or registered sports dietician without being registered by the appropriate registration bodies, such as the British Dietetic Association’s Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register or the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists or equivalent in your country / location. The IOPN Diploma in Performance Nutrition is a highly recognised program, and can support an application for registration and/or registration for specialisation (sport and exercise) in eligible candidates / registrants with SENr and AfN.

Can I get insurance to practice?
Once you successfully complete the course requirements and graduate with your IOPN Diploma in Sports Nutrition will then be able to obtain insurance* to practice as a Performance Nutritionist.

Eligible UK based graduates are also strongly encouraged to apply for graduate registration with the UK Sport and exercise Nutrition Register (see Pathways to SENr registration PDF download) and/or the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Both SENr and AfN offer registrants practitioner insurance products.

*NOTE: obtaining insurance to practice as a performance nutritionist may be limited to certain countries worldwide, and local laws that may restrict the practice of sports nutrition to licensed professionals (i.e. some states in the US). In all cases you will be expected to adhere to a relevant scope of practice and remain evidence-based at all times.

Do I need existing qualifications to be eligible to apply?
Yes, it is an advanced-level programme and will require an appropriate amount of prior knowledge to build upon.

If you have a university degree in a life science subject (i.e., biology, physiology) or specific to sport or nutrition (i.e., sports science, strength & conditioning, nutrition, sports nutrition, dietetics etc.), then you are eligible. Students with degrees in psychology and education are also eligible.

Alternatively, professionals with accredited certifications (i.e., personal training, nutrition coaching), plus a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (i.e., as a personal trainer, strength & conditioning coach, or nutritionist) will be accepted.

In addition, all applicants must satisfy an IELTS 6.5 level (CEFR: C1) of English comprehension. Alternatively, if applicants can demonstrate that they have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in English in the last five years, then this will also be accepted as having met the standard without demonstrating IELTS Certification.

How much time will the course take to complete?
The Diploma in Sports Nutrition is an online part-time programme. It has been designed to be flexible enough to accommodate students in full-time work or with other commitments. The course can be completed in 8-15 months and the average student takes around 10 months to complete the programme.

 

Support

 

Still can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Email our Student Services Manager, Ramon Smit