Nutrition at the NCA Prospectus 2021-22 MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice - Northern College of Acupuncture
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Nutrition at the NCA Prospectus 2021-22 MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice
Moving forward
Covid 19 and the 2021 MSc/PGDip in Nutritional Science and Practice
None of us know how this pandemic is going to continue to affect
us. However, since the first lock down in March 2020, we have been
Sally Duffin
successfully running all the nutrition teaching sessions online which “Teaching entirely
will continue for the foreseeable future. We will constantly review this online is not
as government guidance changes. The nutrition clinic has also moved without the
online, with both our patients and students finding many benefits with odd tech glitch,
but we have embraced the
this method of consultation. Once restrictions are lifted, we plan to bring
challenge and adapted quickly
the clinic back into College as soon as it is safe to do so but also offer
and successfully to life online.
online consultations to clients where appropriate. Our nutrition clinic was up
and running in TEAMS within
On the 2021/22 course the Access Course consolidation teaching
two weeks of the lockdown
weekends will be taught in person if possible. We are currently looking announcement back in March,
at how we move forward for the 2021/22 teaching year and planning and continues to go from
for a course that has some in College teaching and some online teaching strength to strength. Students
sessions - making this a thoroughly blended course. Updates about how are enjoying the opportunity
we are going to teach you in 2021/22 will be sent out via our monthly to practise in this way as most
practitioners now offer online
e-news to potential students and via our Virtual
consultations as part of a
Learning Environment (VLE) for students who
nutrition service.
are studying on the Access Course. Our lecturers have creatively
Karen Fallis adapted their teaching materials
to meet the needs of the online
Vice Principal and Course Director
classroom, with extra rest
breaks, ‘breakout’ rooms, and
‘chat’ room discussions helping
to maintain student (and staff!)
focus and interaction. Even when
normal life resumes and we can
return to the classroom, we plan
on keeping an online element
to the Course because it has
worked so well!”
2
MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science
and Practice
Prospectus 2021-22
> Postgraduate loans available (MSc course only)
Contents
Principal Richard Blackwell’s introduction 4
The Northern College of Acupuncture 6
Bright futures 8
How we help you 10
Becoming a nutrition practitioner 14
What kind of people choose to study nutrition? 16
Accreditation, validation and QAA review 20
Professional membership 21
Access Course 22
MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice -
Watch our nutrition course video
course overview 24
The modules 28
Course curriculum year one 30
Course curriculum year two 32
Get to know us
Masterclasses in year two 34 Joining us for one of our introductory and online Q&A events
MSc Research Project year three 36 is a great way for you to decide whether studying nutrition at
The teaching clinic 38 the NCA is right for you.
Teaching faculty 40
Find out more and book your place visit
Graduate stories 46
The Nutrition Graduate Support Network 48
Read the NCA Blog
Support for our students 49
Facilities and information 50
Introductory events 52 nutritionattheNCA
Entry requirements 54
@YorkNCA
Applying 56
Costs, funding and postgraduate loans 58 nca_york
How to find us 60
3
Introduction
from our College Principal
Richard Blackwell
It goes without saying that 2020 has been an exceptional
and challenging year and, as for so many people, the
Covid-19 pandemic has led us to do more online than
ever before. Here at the NCA we already had years of
experience of providing e-learning as part of all our courses,
as well as running three MScs for practitioners which
are entirely online courses. This experience helped us
to successfully and swiftly transfer more of our teaching
online, with live online classes replacing attendance in the
classroom, and in addition we also worked out how to
run our nutrition clinic online. We have learned from this
experience that our nutrition students really like online
classes. They value the saving of time and cost through not
having to travel so much, and they find their learning from
the online classes is at least as good as being present in the
classroom. However, in more normal times our nutrition
students equally much like being together in class at the
College. There’s nothing quite like a chance to spend time
with like-minded people who share your interests. So, in
reviewing how we planned to deliver our nutrition course
starting in 2021 we wanted to strike the right balance. We
have responded by introducing some live online teaching
sessions to complement the existing e-learning sessions,
while retaining plenty of sessions in College too. We think
you will like this combination.
The other big development for the NCA in 2020 was the
formation of a new partnership with the University College
of Osteopathy (UCO), who now validate all our courses.
We are pleased to be working closely with colleagues who
4
understand our subject areas and who share our focus on drawing on the best scientific evidence and helping them
educating clinical practitioners, and we anticipate much to find motivation for positive change, is exactly what they
fruitful collaboration. need.
One of the changes we made while having our nutrition I am very proud of the high standards of student support,
course validated by UCO was to create an option for teaching and learning we provide at the NCA. I encourage
applicants to choose to enrol for a two year postgraduate you to study the details of the course and read the student
diploma (PGDip) in Nutrition Science and Practice, in and graduate comments in this prospectus and on our
addition to the option to enrol for the three year MSc. The webpages to get a feel for this. I hope you will be inspired to
PGDip may appeal to you if you are not intending to apply join the nutrition course here at the NCA.
for a postgraduate loan, and not interested in undertaking a
research project. On the other hand, if you intend to apply Richard Blackwell
for a loan and/or you value the chance to engage in research College Principal
into an area that particularly interests you, you should
choose the MSc. Whether you choose the PGDip or the
“The NCA started out teaching acupuncture.
MSc, you will still qualify after two years to practise nutrition
Like most traditional medicines, Chinese
and join the register (the Complementary and Natural
medicine has always recognised that
Healthcare Council) and the professional body (the British appropriate nutrition is an essential
Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine), with MSc foundation of recovery from illness and
students going on to complete their research project in the crucial for the maintenance of good health.
third year. So we are very pleased to be able to
offer a nutrition course which brings this
There’s no doubt that more and more people are gaining
recognition up to date by exploring the
a clearer understanding of the importance of nutrition in large body of modern research evidence and
health. The current Covid-19 pandemic has raised interest applying it in clinical practice.”
in many aspects of nutrition, including the role of vitamin D
in our immune response. The role of obesity and diabetes
as risk factors for severe Covid-19 infection is an important
current issue, and sitting behind the current pandemic are
all the other public health challenges we were already facing
from a range of chronic health conditions, most of which
show well established benefits from improved nutrition.
Many people want to eat better and take good care of
themselves, but are unsure what is best, or are struggling to
make a change. A personalised approach to their nutrition,
5
The Northern College
of Acupuncture
“I would definitely recommend travelling to York.
A beautiful place, and an open environment that
supports student development.”
York is an exciting city and a great place to study! It has a
lot to offer including plenty of accommodation, shopping,
restaurants, coffee bars, cinemas and all the amenities you
would expect. Step out of our front door and you are right in
the heart of the historic centre.
Established in 1988, the Northern College of Acupuncture is a registered
charity. Since the early days the College has gone from strength to
strength. We educate nutritional therapists, acupuncturists, practitioners
of Chinese herbal medicine, and complementary therapists, and we run a
thriving and well respected teaching clinic offering nutrition, acupuncture,
Chinese herbal medicine and tuina massage to the local community.
We were the first teaching institution of any kind in the UK to offer a
University degree in acupuncture, the first to offer a Masters degree
in Chinese herbal medicine, and the first to achieve professional
accreditation for our acupuncture courses, Chinese herbal medicine and
nutrition courses. We also offer online only Masters courses for nutrition,
acupuncture and complementary therapy practitioners, who join these
courses from all over the world.
6
Aberdeen
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Newcastle
York
Manchester
Peterborough
London
Take a virtual tour of the College
Easy to get to
York is easily accessible and one of the main stops
Our building on Micklegate on the London to Edinburgh East Coast line.
in York city centre
Rail journey times are:
A milestone for us was the move in the millennium year to London 1 hour 45 minutes
our beautiful Georgian building here in Micklegate, right in Edinburgh 2 hours 30 minutes
the heart of the historic city. Glasgow 3 hours 32 minutes
Our elegant building with its sweeping staircases, high ceilings and Peterborough 1 hour 15 minutes
airy rooms is beloved by staff, students and clinic patients. It was Manchester 1 hour 15 minutes
adapted to our purpose by the York Conservation Trust and houses Newcastle 1 hour
both the College and the teaching clinics. We have three large The College is only a 10 minute walk from
teaching rooms, an extensively stocked library, IT facilities, kitchen the station. Road links are excellent with dual
facilities, a small outside area and a car park for the clinic. The ground carriageway links to the A1/M1 North and
floor clinic has treatment rooms, reception and a waiting area, and South and M62 East and West. There are “park
there are staff offices and more treatment rooms on the top floor. and ride” facilities on all the major entry roads
and all-day city centre car parks close to the
College.
To read more about what to do in York
Take a virtual tour of the NCA Directions to the NCA
7
Bright futures Lesley Markey -
qualified 2020: “Working as
There is a growing realisation among the a self-employed Nutritional
general public that good nutrition is key to Therapist has opened up
a whole new world. In just
good health. However, as scientific research is
one short year I have had
published and hits the popular press, there is the opportunity to work with
also increasing confusion as to what is a healthy a large corporate client on
way to eat. several projects and with a GP
That is where our MSc/PGDip in Science and Practice in a 360 practice. I love the
variety that my work brings
comes in - we teach our students how to make sense
and working one to one is
of this ever changing evidence base. This means they
still at the heart of what I do.
can help their clients find their way through the maze My clients come with varying
of information and motivate them to make the changes health needs but as time goes
needed to achieve optimal health. We are passionate on the focus of my work is
about a personalised approach to nutrition and our around weight gain during
mission to teach the future leaders in the field. Our perimenopause /menopause.”
course has been running (and developing) for 10 years
now and our graduates are taking their quality training
into their communities and beyond - and making a real
difference to people’s lives. Our graduates work in many
Claire Murray - qualified 2019:
interesting and diverse ways including:
“IBS is my specialism and passion.
I absolutely love working with
• Private practice
complex IBS clients and seeing their
• Local health service collaborations symptoms improve, often after years
• Creating a supplement business of struggling. This is my dream job
and I can’t imagine doing anything
•
Combining nutrition practice with an
else now! I work online via Zoom and
existing therapy see clients from all over the UK. I also
• Teaching mentor other nutritional therapists to
support them with their complex IBS
• Health promotion
clients.”
8
Elena Holmes - Clarissa Nolan -
qualified 2016: “Now I am qualified 2016: “I work part-time
working as a self-employed as a Nutritional Therapist in my
Nutritional Therapist, practising busy practice, Nolan Nutrition.
both in York and in Selby. Since lockdown, I have taken my
Besides that I give educational practice online, although I do
talks and workshops and write still see clients face-to-face. I am
blogs. I love this job!” working on starting online group
sessions. It is a huge privilege
to support my lovely clients to
a better quality of life, thanks
to a thorough foundation at the
NCA.”
Sam Dunkley -
qualified 2013, graduated with MSc 2017: “Completing the
masters in Nutritional Therapy was instrumental to securing Wendy Urwin - qualified 2015:
my role as a nutritionist at the diagnostic testing company, “I am a self-employed Nutritional
Cambridge Nutritional Sciences. For myself, this is an Therapist with a busy practice based
absolutely dream job, allowing me to follow my passion in in northern Scotland. Clients bring a
health and nutrition and continue to expand my knowledge on range of health issues but increasingly
a daily basis. Thanks to you all at the NCA!” my work focuses on Lyme disease.
My cases can be complex and
challenging but very rewarding.”
9
How we help you to have a career you can be passionate about
These comments are from our students who We are a friendly and supportive College
were asked: “What would you say to friends or
colleagues about the College and the course?” We are small and friendly - you are not just a number at the
NCA! We recognise each of our students as individuals and
support and encourage you in your journey to becoming a
nutrition practitioner.
“I’ve found the lecturers and staff incredibly
supportive and approachable.”
We are conveniently located
Our College is situated in a beautiful Georgian building in the
centre of historic York. York has excellent transport links and
is one of the main stops on the London to Edinburgh East
Coast Line. Only 2 hours from London, 2 hours 30 minutes
from Edinburgh and only a 10 minute walk from the station.
Road links are also excellent with a dual carriageway link
to the A1/M1 North and South and M62 East and West.
York is a vibrant city with plenty of accommodation and
restaurants.
“It’s a great course, jam-packed full of
information – accessibly put across in a
dynamic and enthusiastic way.”
10We offer part time study
You have busy lives, often fitting in your studies around work
and family commitments. The course runs at weekends over
two years - after which you are eligible to practise. In addition
there are thirteen days’ teaching clinic attendance. Your MSc
research project takes another year of home study supported
by your supervisor and our Research Director.
We are committed to you
and your education “I would say that doing the course is the best
Our students’ success is our mission. Our nutrition science thing I have done in years. I love it and
and practice course opens up a whole new perspective on think the College is great. Few things to sort out
but overall the passion and motivation are great.
life and you will connect with your studies on many different
Thank you for a super year!”
levels. Once you are with us we support you every step of
the way, from walking through our door on your first day to
your graduation and on into professional practice.
“I am thoroughly enjoying and am thrilled
with the course. It is brilliantly supplementing
my knowledge as a practitioner. I am already
incorporating knowledge from the course into
clinical practice. The teaching and support is
excellent and the knowledge of staff is very
high. I value my time here immensely.”
We have dedicated staff
We put in a lot of time and effort so you have the best possible teaching, support and
clinical experience. Our staff are already experienced practitioners as well as being very
able educators, and they are all working towards a common goal - the day you walk out
of our door knowing that you are a fully qualified nutrition practitioner.
“The lecturers, who are all practitioners, bring a wealth of
knowledge from their own practices which I think is one of the main
strengths of the course.”
11How we help you continued...
We have a great reputation
We take enormous pride in our College, our dedicated
hardworking students and our committed teaching
staff, who are leading practitioners in their fields. We
have a national reputation for excellence and our MSc in
Nutrition Science and Practice was the first MSc course in
the country to be accredited by the Nutritional Therapy
Education Commission (NTEC).
“The College has been amazing! I have been
amazing! I really am so grateful for the level
of support I have been given here. You are
amazing! I couldn’t have wished for a better
course, College and environment to study in.
THANK YOU!”
We have a diversity of students
Students come to us to study nutrition from various
backgrounds. Some are already complementary or Western
health care practitioners, whilst others have an initial degree
(or degree level learning) and an interest in the subject.
Although their backgrounds, ages, and experience differ
greatly, they are all people who want to make a difference
and have a meaningful career.
“The power of nutrition science and practice
is inspiring and this course sets you off on the
many different roads waiting to be investigated
and explored. I am loving it!”
12We teach a personalised medicine approach
The personalised medicine approach we teach takes the
underlying causes of illness into account. This means that you
can get to the root cause of clients’ problems. You will also learn
from inspirational leaders in the field of nutrition.
“The course content and assessments are
excellent and embedded in evidence-based
medicine and personalised approaches, which
is essential to push the profession forward”
We teach the skills you will need
in clinical practice
You will be experiencing nutrition consultations in our
teaching clinic from the second term of the course with
close support from our clinical supervisors. Our highly
integrated approach creates skilled and confident
practitioners.
“I loved being able to use the
knowledge we learned in class and see its
benefits in clinical practice.”
We are committed to evidence-based nutrition research
There is a growing body of good quality research showing a strong clinical benefit
from nutrition practice for a range of conditions, and underpinning that there is a
large amount of fundamental research into the actions of nutrients. On our Masters
level course you will learn to use this evidence-based approach and apply it directly
in your practice. We are strongly committed to ensuring that our students take
research-based nutrition practice into their communities.
“I feel very excited and enthusiastic about the next stage – writing
my MSc research project and going into practice.”
13Becoming a nutrition practitioner
Earn a living in a way that engages you as a Why choose
whole person and is true to your own values nutrition
science
I really enjoy learning about all the different types and practice?
of nutrition, and hearing the guest speakers we As a nutrition
have. I also enjoy the clinics and seeing ‘real’ practitioner you
people with proper ailments and knowing we can will have the
really make a difference and help people. opportunity to work
with many different
What we teach clients who have
At the NCA we teach nutrition science and practice and our chronic diseases
course is accredited by the Nutritional Therapy Education and need to make
Council (NTEC). NTEC accreditation lasts for three years. changes to improve their quality of life. You will be helping
This means that when you have completed the first two them physically, emotionally and mentally. At the same time
years of the course you will be eligible to apply to register you can follow a career path that engages you as a whole
with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council person. A nutrition science and practice qualification, and
(CNHC) as a Nutrition Practitioner, and to join the British particularly a Masters degree, will also open many up other
Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). varied avenues in the field of nutrition.
Recently, doctors of Western medicine have been informed
What a nutrition practitioner does
that they should only be recommending nutritional therapists
Nutrition science and practice follows the concept that
from the CNHC register. If you are interested in studying
we are what we eat, digest and assimilate. If any aspect of
nutrition, but you are unsure of the path you need to take,
this mechanism fails we could become ill. The symptoms
the following sections will assist you in your choice.
suffered may not be digestive in nature as faulty nutrition
or digestion can have far reaching effects. After an initial
Find out more here:
assessment, an action plan is negotiated and agreed with
NTEC the client. This may include dietary and lifestyle changes as
the primary approach, with supplementation support and
functional testing where necessary. Nutritional interventions
BANT
are planned in stages to afford the best outcome for the
client. This can really improve the quality of life for those
CNHC suffering long term chronic disease. In fact it can turn lives
around, not just for the client but for the entire family.
14The difference between nutrition
practitioners, dieticians and nutritionists
Graduate Marie Harrison: “The NCA gave me the
Nutrition practitioners/therapists
opportunity to fulfil my dream of a future in nutrition. The
Nutrition practitioners, also known as nutritional therapists,
lecturers were like attentive parents - always watching and
usually work with adults who have chronic health problems monitoring, letting me (or making me if I was too scared to)
that conventional medicine finds difficult to treat. It is stand on my own two feet as I took my first faltering steps
also increasingly the case that parents seek to support into the areas of research, biochemistry and nutritional
their children with nutrition as opposed to prescription science. If I stumbled they
would try to catch me or, if
medications. Nutrition practitioners analyse these cases
not, pick me up, dust me off
in terms of genetics, diet and lifestyle. This assists them to
and tell me to give it another
agree with the client an individual health action plan which try. I am still in awe that I was
aims to help alleviate the underlying cause rather than able to do this - the lecturers
simply suppressing the symptoms. A nutrition consultation told me that I could, but I just
may include dietary advice, digestive support, colon health, didn’t have the confidence in
detoxification, avoidance of external stressors and allergens, myself. They saw something
in me that I couldn’t. I’m
supplements, immune support and re-balancing.
now practising as “Principal
Dieticians Nutrition” and the business
Dieticians work principally in the National Health Service and took off really well as soon as
are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. I set up. I’m helping people
(REALLY helping people) with
Their professional body is the British Dietetic Association.
every consultation - AND I
A dietician uses the science of nutrition to devise eating
LOVE IT!! Even now, I’m still surprising myself with what
plans for patients to treat medical conditions. They also I can do, what I’ve learned and what I can do with that
work to promote good health by helping to facilitate a knowledge. The NCA gave me the foundations on which
positive change in food choices amongst individuals, to build my own research, and practice experience to
groups and communities. N.B. Only dieticians and nutrition become a practitioner in my own right, I have finished my
practitioners are trained in clinical practice to give one-on- Research Project and continuing to work with clients, and
I am making my own little bit of a difference in the world.
one personal health advice. Both groups must practise with
The future for me looks very bright (and very busy!).”
full professional indemnity insurance.
Nutritionists
Nutritionists often work outside a clinical context in the food
industry, in research and academia, in government and other
agencies. They are qualified to provide information to the
public about food and healthy eating, but not about special
dietary needs and therapeutic effects.
15What kind of people
choose to study nutrition?
You will join a highly dedicated and committed group of students
who give one another a great deal of mutual support and encouragement.
The fellow students are a lovely, helpful and
cohesive group and there is a friendly atmosphere.
16Here is what our
second year students say...
Our students range in age from their twenties to sixty- I am a diagnostic
something and come from all walks of life. Some of our radiographer and came to
students are already working in complementary or orthodox nutrition practice out of an
medicine and are seeking to expand their understanding interest and my personal
journey using nutrition.
and their therapeutic range. Others already have a degree
(or work experience equivalent) and a passion for making a
difference with nutrition science and practice.
I am a chartered accountant
Recent cohorts have included a chiropractor, a sports and have always been
therapist, midwife, solicitor, nurse, acupuncturist, dentist, interested in nutrition and
health and it seemed like a
administrator, veterinary nurse and women returners.
good time in my life to make
We find that this diverse mix creates a stimulating and
the move into this area.
supportive group of students. Life-long friendships are often
made, and a lot of mutual support is given along the way.
Our students bring a great deal of life and work experience I have a degree in
with them, and we all learn from each other. Some of our biological sciences and
after a career break
students have already established successful careers in
looking after children
other, completely unrelated fields. Many have had nutrition the time was right for
consultations themselves, or have friends and relations who a career change.
have been greatly helped. I am looking for a
One thing is for sure - all are inspired by our holistic career that follows
approach to healing underpinned by a strong and coherent on from outdoor
theory based on personalised medicine and research-based education.
practice. No matter what background they come from our
students are all united by one common goal - to help other
people with nutrition practice.
17What kind of people choose nutrition science and practice? continued...
Earning a living once you have qualified
Some students are already practitioners and are following
the nutrition path as an adjunct to what they are already
practising to improve their clients’ outcomes. Those who
study nutrition science and practice as a new subject
generally plan to turn it into a business. Working solely
as a nutrition practitioner it helps to be eclectic in your
approach. Whilst some prefer working one-to-one
with clients, others pursue additional avenues to earn
a living, such as workshops for specific groups, weight
loss groups, presentations to the corporate sector, and One of the dishes brought by our first year students
workshops for parents and children in schools. With our for their “gluten free lunch”
postgraduate qualification you may find that teaching
Where are they now?
would appeal to you. There is nothing like a well-informed
and passionate tutor to inspire students. Many of our
students find that their dissertation leads them to a “I have started my own practice. I am
amazed, as I started the course wanting to
particular specialist subject. There is no doubt that a good
learn all I could about nutrition, but I had no
marketing strategy will help enormously - we will help
plans to be in practice. It is a real testament
you to construct this. Networking is also key to becoming to the teaching, the clinics and topics
well known and establishing a busy practice. Finding a covered on the course, that I feel I have
multidisciplinary clinic to work from can be invaluable for become a confident nutrition practitioner.”
business.
As you will read in this prospectus, our graduates are able
to build interesting careers both in private practice and in “I am now using nutrition in my existing
a wide variety of other nutrition-related careers. practice and seeing excellent outcomes for
my clients.”
“In my own clinic, working alongside six
osteopaths within the main leisure centre in
my town.”
18Graduate Harriet Rose Legge: “As a teenager I had acne and
tried different medications, some helped temporarily only with
the acne to return, often with additional problems. I decided to
experiment with my diet and the results brought great relief. My skin
became clearer, I felt happier and healthier. Since then, nutrition is
something I’ve always come back to when I’ve felt out of balance; I
see it as foundational to supporting health and well-being.
I later decided to take my interest further and study nutrition formally.
I wasn’t satisfied with reading general articles from questionable
sources. My love of details made me want to go deeper into the
science.
After attending the NCA open day, I knew NCA was the right place
for me. The College had a uniquely personable, welcoming and
approachable feel. The course is delivered at masters level, demonstrated through the high calibre of teaching,
assignments and extremely knowledgeable tutors. There was great emphasis on evidence-based practice
which gave me confidence in my studies.
I’m now excited to be setting up my business – Harriet Rose Nutrition, offering nutrition consultations at the
Sage Therapy Centre in Nottingham, and online video consultations for those further afield.
My underlying philosophy centres around the principles of balance, simplicity and a food-first and whole-
person approach. Particular interests include supporting skin and gut health, and stress management, through
nutrition and lifestyle. I’m also passionate about the role of nature in
supporting well-being and am fascinated by the research that is coming
out in this area.”
19Accreditation, validation and QAA review
What makes us different from a University?
We are an independent College with a special atmosphere and ethos, dedicated entirely to nutrition, acupuncture and Chinese herbal
medicine. We give you a lot of support and nurture your development towards becoming a nutrition practitioner. An important part of
this is that you will join a dedicated and committed group of students, who give one another mutual support and encouragement. We
are smaller than a University department and you will find that we quickly get to know you as an individual.
The College is partnered with the Professional accreditation Specific course designation
University College of Osteopathy
with the Nutritional Therapy by the Quality Assurance
Education Commission (NTEC) Agency (QAA)
(UCO), which validates the MSc/
We were honoured to be the first nutritional The Northern College of Acupuncture
PGDip in Nutrition Science and
therapy MSc course in the UK to gain underwent a Higher Education Review
Practice. Students starting in
accreditation by the Nutritional Therapy by the Quality Assurance Agency for
2020 and thereafter will receive
Education Commission (NTEC), the Higher Education (QAA) and received
their degree from UCO on
professional standards council for nutritional its final report.
successful completion of their
therapy. NTEC accredits courses against the
course.
National Occupational Standards (NOS) in More about
QAA report
Find out more Nutritional Therapy. These standards are
about the developed and updated by Skills for Health,
University which is the Sector Skills Council for the
College of
Osteopathy health care sector, licensed by the Secretary
of State for Education and Skills.
NTEC accreditation lasts for three years and
re-accreditation took place in January 2019.
More about NTEC
20Professional membership
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
The CNHC was set up with government support to protect the public by
providing a UK voluntary register of complementary therapists. CNHC’s register
British Association for Nutrition has been approved as an Accredited Voluntary Register by the Professional
and Lifestyle Medicine Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, which is accountable to
BANT is the professional body for nutrition parliament. This means that the public can be further assured that the CNHC
practitioners. Its primary function is to assist meets high standards in governance, standard-setting, education and training,
its members in attaining the highest standards management, complaints and information. Successful completion of the first two
of integrity, knowledge, competence and years of our MSc in Nutrition Science and Practice means you are eligible to apply
professional practice, in order to protect the for registration with the CNHC. Registration enables applicants to demonstrate
client’s interests. All our students are required that their training and experience meets the National Occupational Standards
to become student members of BANT at the (NOS) for their profession.
start of the course. During your clinical practice
you will follow the BANT Code of Conduct.
More about CNHC
Student membership costs £80 during the first
year (includes £60 registration fee) and £20 the
second year. Your membership will give you
access to a comprehensive natural medicines
database which our students find very useful.
You will also receive regular mailings and
updates on what’s happening in the profession, Office for Students
and notice of the many CPD seminars that BANT We’re now registered with the Office for Students. This is the body set up by act of
run throughout the country. Upon successful parliament to act as the independent regulator for all Universities and HE providers
completion of the first two years of your studies in England and Wales. We meet the Office for Students requirements for course
you will be eligible to apply for full membership. quality, academic standards, student support, student protection and more.
More about BANT More about Office for Students
N.B. All nutrition practitioners registered with BANT are also required to register with the CNHC and to follow and
abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and the BANT Professional Practice Handbook.
21Nutrition Access Course 2021
The Nutrition Access Course is the There are four course components...
preparatory course for our MSc/ 1. E-learning
PGDip in Nutrition Science and This covers the basics in biochemistry and pharmacology, nutrition, and anatomy
Practice. All our students come and physiology. Students can start this e-learning from February 1st. You will be
to us with different backgrounds supported by our lecturers and you will have access to the online forum which will
and skill sets, and before you enable you to connect with the other students on the Access Course.
are accepted as a student on the
MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science Take a look at our e-learning platform
and Practice you will be expected
to have basic knowledge in the
2. Work Books
• Anatomy and Physiology
following subjects:
• Nutrition Basics
• Biochemistry and Pharmacology
These workbooks are issued as part of the e-learning and you will work through
• Nutrition Basics
these. Following the teaching sessions, these will be handed in and marked.
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Succeeding with your Masters 3. Teaching days in College
This comprises two taught weekends at College in July and August and one
Our Nutrition Access Course has been Saturday in September and covers:
specifically developed by our teaching
• Two days of consolidation for the Biochemistry and Pharmacology e-learning
team to bridge any gaps you may have
• One consolidation day for the Nutrition Basics e-learning
in your knowledge in order to prepare
everyone to a basic level. Most students • One day for the Anatomy and Physiology workbook and e-learning
are expected to complete the Access • One day for Succeeding with your Masters.
Course. Very occasionally we may be
able offer an exemption from a particular
Read the curriculum
module and this can be discussed at
interview. 4. Assessment
NB: Our Nutrition Access Course is This comprises of
not a stand-alone qualification and • Marking of workbooks
can only be taken by students who • Online biochemistry test
are starting our MSc course.
These assessments must be passed before you can start the Masters course.
22Dates for 2021
Student Sarah Cranage: “I trained as E-learning
an accountant many years ago and Access from the 1st February 2021
always felt there was something
Taught weekends
else I should be doing! For me the
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July
journey to finally get to the NCA has
Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August
taken a few years and has evolved
Saturday 4th September
from an interest in food and health,
to a hobby, and now it’s become my Fees
passion. Your fees include all the teaching and learning opportunities
As I don’t have a background in science, I provided by our teaching staff and access to our online e-learning
wasn’t certain that I’d be accepted onto the environment, and are payable in advance of the start of the course.
course, so when I heard I had been accepted I
Fee for the whole Access Course £995
was over the moon. I hadn’t studied for a long
time and I started the 3 modules of the access For students who only need to attend some of the modules the fees are:
course with some trepidation. I soon realised
Anatomy and Physiology £200
I was quite literally fascinated and still can’t
Biochemistry and Pharmacology £450
believe how much I learnt. The best thing is
Nutrition Basics £200
that I’ve rediscovered the joy of learning after
Succeeding with your Masters £145
so long.
It’s been immensely satisfying to have worked What students say about the Nutrition
through the Access Course and now move onto Access Course
Year 1. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions
we are being taught online at the moment. The As well as the science the
The access course was a
access course provides an
e-learning is straightforward, and you can dip challenging but rewarding
essential “bedding in” period
introduction to nutrition
in and out of it, which is great for me as I’m to familiarise yourself with the
science and practice. A
working full time. The weekend lectures are all College and e-learning and to
great, friendly and helpful
meet the lecturers and fellow
so interesting and I’ve been really impressed environment to prepare us
students.
for the MSc.
with the knowledgeable and welcoming
lecturers.
We’ve already created some strong bonds in
our cohort using the online Forum, What’s App,
Teams and phone calls to help, support and just
Talk to us
If you want to find out whether you will need to complete all or part
chat with each other and I’m looking forward to
working with this group over my MSc journey.” of the Nutrition Access Course, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Call Denise or Pam on 01904 343309
or e-mail: enquiries@nca.ac.uk
23MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice
overview
We have developed this course to enable you to give sound, professional and evidence-based nutritional advice to
your clients once you have qualified.
“This course is wonderful. I love the atmosphere in the College, a family feeling, warm and
supportive, and College has been so helpful and understanding. I find nutrition science and practice
a fascinating and wonderful subject, so I really do enjoy studying it, and being able to get a career
that will be helpful to other people is wonderful. I do feel passionate about this!”
24MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science
and Practice MSc Graduate Kim Adams
- Winner of the NCA Research Project Prize 2019:
Our MSc in Nutrition Science and Practice
“My interest in nutrition started over 20 years ago
consists of 120 taught credits, and 60
when I shared an office with a dietician who was
dissertation credits. The taught course is
running a community food project. I loved her
modular with six modules, and each module is
approach of working with local community members
intertwined to gradually build your knowledge
to take family favourites and create healthier versions.
and clinical skills. As this is a practitioner training,
It really highlighted the impact that simple changes
the course is designed to ensure that at the
could have to improve health of whole communities.
end of the two years in class and clinic you
I continued a career in health and care and saw the
will be a safe, confident and evidence-based
increasing pressure on the nation’s health caused by
nutrition practitioner. All the modules follow a
chronic, metabolic diseases. As a nation we had fallen out of love with home
personalised medicine approach - a structured
cooking and were relying on increasing amounts of processed foods which
and holistic approach to unravelling the multiple
have an impact on our health.
factors which cause chronic disease.
Right about now you’re probably wondering why I didn’t do a Masters in Public
Health! I actually spent a long time weighing up all of the potential options
Attendance
but in the end it was clear that the MSc at the NCA was the course for me. I
Our MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and loved the personalised approach to nutrition. Our ability to make healthy food
Practice is a weekend based course with the choices is about so much more than knowing what to eat. Here at the NCA
taught part of the course run over two years. The we are trained to look at the whole person. The clinical training teaches us
taught course starts in September and finishes how to take account of everything going on in someone’s life when making
in June. While classroom teaching finishes in recommendations. Tools that I use in clinical practice now to help my clients
June there are still compulsory clinic days in July. achieve their goals.
Clinic runs over the summer and you can choose The other attraction for me was the emphasis on evidence-based practice.
to do extra days to further develop your skills. I loved having the opportunity to immerse myself in my final year research
You also have clinical experience in our nutrition project - studying the relationship between B12 deficiency and falls. Given my
teaching clinic which runs on Mondays. Clinic passion for research I was delighted to find out that I had been awarded the
days are allocated at the start of the academic research prize.
year and you will attend six days in Year 1 and If you’re thinking that Nutritional Therapy is the career for you, the MSc in
seven days in Year 2. In Year 2 you are also Nutrition Science and Practice at the NCA is the best investment you could
expected to complete at least one practitioner
make. The mix of science and research with clinical training provides such a
observation day.
great springboard and studying at masters level helps you stand out from
This is primarily about network building.
the crowd.”
25MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice - overview continued...
Course attendance summary
Year one Year two Year three (MSc only)
Classroom sessions: Classroom sessions: Autonomous research and writing of research project,
Twelve weekends during term Eleven weekends in term time. with support from personal MSc supervisor. Plus
time. One additional Saturday or Sunday three teaching weekends and individual time with
Optional Saturday evening for the end of year viva examination. your supervisor and tailored feedback from a range of
seminars. Optional Saturday evening seminars. experienced researchers and the Research Director.
Clinic days: Clinic days:
Six mandatory days Seven mandatory days attendance in
attendance teaching clinic.
in teaching clinic. Two practitioner observation visits.
Evening Tutorials online resources confidently. Each pre-recorded session
We offer Saturday evening tutorials which, although not has a ‘live’ period of one to two weeks, during which you
compulsory, we strongly recommend that you attend. This can complete the session at home, at a time that suits you,
is a chance to consolidate the learning which has taken place answering a series of questions that will demonstrate your
within the teaching sessions. These sessions are fun and attendance and your understanding of the material. The
interactive and popular with our students. tutor will be online periodically during the ‘live’ period
to provide feedback and answer questions. Once the
“The evening sessions have been fab and ‘live’ period has finished, the session remains available to
informal and I loved the discussions.” watch, for revision purposes, throughout the duration of
the course. The ‘live-streamed’ teaching session dates are
included in the course teaching dates.
Online learning
Part of your course is delivered by a series of lectures and Watch a sample of e-learning
demonstrations that you access at home via your computer
through a mixture of live and pre-recorded sessions. Don’t Check that your home computer
worry if you have not accessed this kind of learning before, is ready for e-learning
you will receive all the support and help you need to use our
26MSc research project
When you have completed the first two years of the
course, you move on to the MSc research project. As well
as adding greater weight to your qualification, you will be
adding to our knowledge of nutrition science and practice
Home study
and its benefits for all. Some of our students choose not
As well as classroom learning and clinical practice there is
to complete the MSc and instead exit with a Postgraduate
also a substantial amount of home study. We recommend
Diploma in Nutrition Science and Practice after the two
three hours of home study for every hour in class and clinic.
years’ taught course. There is a detailed description of the
MSc research project process later in this prospectus.
“I study during the day when my children
are at school, and later in the evening after
they have gone to bed. During the College “Completing my MSc research project
year, studying must take priority over other has been one of the biggest achievements
activities so it is essential that you are of my life.”
committed, disciplined and enjoy it.”
Qualification to practise
Upon successful completion of the PGDip or the first two
years of the MSc you will be eligible to work as a nutrition
practitioner and apply to join the professional register at
the CHNC and the professional body BANT. Many MSc
students work on their research project while starting their
business.
“Through the work I am doing with my
current clients I find myself leaning towards
specialising in hormone imbalances. In
particular, I am seeing the impact of stress
hormone imbalances on everything from
fertility to poor sports performance and
insulin resistance.”
27MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice -
course curriculum 2021/22
The modules You will cover:
• Macronutrients • Food safety, packaging,
• Micronutrients labelling
The course is delivered in a series of modules: • Critical appraisal of the evidence
• Essential fats
base
Principles of Nutritional Science • Amino acids
• Dietary planning
• Digestive enzymes • Risks and benefits of specific
Personalised Approaches 1 & 2
• Functional foods dietary approaches
• Pharmacokinetic principles • Application of module content
Clinical Practice 1 & 2
within personalised medicine
• Pharmacological principles
framework
Nutrition Research • Detoxification pathway
Personalised Approaches
to Nutrition 1 & 2
Principles of Nutritional Science
Using the functional medicine framework you will learn to research
possible antecedents, triggers and mediators for a wide range of
This first year module will introduce you to the fundamentals
common conditions. Having learned this you will then apply this
of nutrition. You will explore the micro and macronutrients of
knowledge to the analysis of increasingly complex case studies.
foods, their sources, and functions in the body. You will also learn
Conditions seen and managed may be digestive, musculoskeletal,
to assess the nutritional needs of different population groups
mental and emotional, immunological, hormonal or addictive in
in the context of individual dietary requirements, therapeutic
origin. You will learn to evaluate tests on saliva, stool, blood or urine
considerations and safety. Critical appraisal of these principles
to provide the optimal results for specific requirements. Also you
is a key feature from both holistic and evidence-based medicine
will be introduced to critical analysis of nutrition research.
perspectives. This module will also provide you with a systematic
explanation of nutritional biochemistry, integrated within a clinical In Year 1 you will cover:
and functional medicine context. You will be able to deepen your • Functional Medicine matrix • Supplementation
understanding of pharmacokinetics, absorption, distribution, • Digestive system • Fatigue
metabolism, assimilation and excretion of nutrients and drugs. • Inflammation • Adrenal and thyroid
This material is crucial to understanding the evidence base as a • Musculo-skeletal system • Immunity
practitioner. You will also learn about, and critique, a range of • Food intolerance and food • Nutrition research and evidence
different dietary approaches such as gluten free and living foods, allergy; gut immunology based medicine
and develop the skill of using food as a therapeutic tool. • Functional testing
28In Year 2 you will cover: In Year 1 you will cover:
• Eye health • Gynaecological systems • Motivational Interviewing play setting
• Oral Health and sexual function techniques • Live teaching clinics
• Skin health • NLP - Neuro-linguistic • Case study presentations
• Ear, nose and throat health
programming techniques • Anthropometric measurements
• Paediatrics • Nutrigenomics
• Transactional Analysis • Dietary analysis
• Respiratory problems • Laboratory testing
techniques
• PMS, pregnancy and • Chronic fatigue • Clinical skills taught in a role-
menopause • Endocrine disease
In Year 2 you will cover:
• Cardiovascular disease and • Ageing
metabolic syndrome • Case study reviews • Business Skills
• Cancer
• Live teaching clinics
• Mental and emotional • Auto-immunity
problems
Nutrition Research
Clinical Practice 1 & 2
This module will enable you to critically appraise different research
The clinic modules cover the practical application of theoretical approaches, and methods of evaluation in research into nutrition.
knowledge in a live clinic setting using the personalised You will learn how to critically evaluate scientific papers, debate
medicine approach. Skills gained will include learning specific methodological issues and critique data and interpretations. This
motivational techniques to help effect change, nutritional module prepares you to be an effective practitioner who can
case taking, determining any appropriate tests, formulating interrogate the evidence base to ensure sound and up to date
appropriate nutritional advice plans, giving dietary advice, dietary recommendations. It also provides you with the necessary
recommending nutritional supplements if appropriate, and skills needed to undertake the MSc dissertation in your third year.
considering possible interactions and safety. You will also gain In Years 1 & 2 you will cover:
experience in administering the College’s clinical outcomes • The rationale for evidence- • Statistical research tools
research and audit process. based nutrition • Ethics and challenges in
• Research methods: quantitative nutrition research
and qualitative; audit, research • Identifying a research topic and
and service evaluation designing research protocols
• Literature skills • Planning and preparing a
• Critical appraisal research project
29MSc/PGDip in Nutrition Science and Practice -
how the course progresses
Year One second term you will take part in our three day clinic teaching long
weekend, to prepare you for work in the teaching clinic. This leads
You will cover the following modules: on to you formally attending the teaching clinic, initially observing
Principles of Nutritional Science second year students running the consultations and joining in with
the case analysis discussions. As your experience builds towards
The Principles of Nutritional Science module features substantially the end of the first year you will be ready to manage a consultation
in your first year. It will build on the learning outcomes covered yourself, with close support from the clinical supervisor. Between
on the Access Course which you will find particularly relevant client appointments you will also be researching and completing
when you start to see real clients in the clinic. It will also help you a ‘strategy’ sheet for the client’s next visit to clinic. This helps to
to understand the more scientific aspects such as biochemistry, focus your learning and ‘personalise’ the information you give
metabolic pathways and drug and nutrient pathways of to your clients. Dietary evaluation also covers measuring the
assimilation and excretion. This will then build into pharmacology body (anthropometrics) in order to work out specific nutritional
and drug/ nutrient/herb interactions in the later modules. You will requirements; and dietary analysis using the Nutritics software.
also learn about different types of diets, their potential uses and
limitations. This module forms the foundations on which to build
your nutritional knowledge and skills for the rest of the course.
Features of the first year
Practical sessions
Personalised Approaches We provide lots of opportunities for practical application of your
to Nutrition 1 learning. Our students really enjoy the themed lunchtime sessions
In this module you will learn how to use the “functional medicine where each person brings a dish and its recipe. We all share the
matrix” to analyse cases and develop a functional nutrition lunch and recipes, which can be added to your portfolio so you
approach to the conditions that you will see as a nutrition have a ready-made collection when you graduate. It is a great
practitioner. opportunity for networking, sharing ideas and generally getting to
know one another. The themes we have for the lunches are living
Clinical Practice 1 foods, gluten-free and dairy-free. You are expected to follow these
particular dietary approaches for a week prior to the lunch so you
It is essential as a practitioner to have effective interpersonal skills can share your experiences and get a feel for what you may ask a
which enable clients to make realistic and sustainable dietary client to undertake.
and lifestyle changes. This module will introduce you to the
principles of motivational interviewing, transactional analysis and E-learning
NLP and there will be opportunity to practise these skills in the Throughout the first year, there are a number of pre-recorded
classroom. You will also have the opportunity to observe videos e-learning sessions which are available via our online learning
of clinic consultations during the first term. At the beginning of the platform. These sessions are usually ‘live’ for 2 weeks, during
30You can also read
