Many applicants for the MSc or PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition programmes take our online BEC modules in Human Biology, Chemistry, Physiology and Biochemistry either in full, or as a refresher prior to starting. Our Maths module is also available, if required. The modules underpin personalised nutrition and practice.

Based on prior academic studies applicants will be advised if they meet direct entry requirements for the MSc or PG Dip programmes, or if they need to complete one or more of the above BEC modules. The MSc or PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition and the Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma (PNPD), attracts applicants from a wide range of backgrounds from the fields including the sciences, law, engineering, business and finance, the arts and healthcare. Many applicants have not studied science since leaving school and so typically need to complete the full BEC prior to starting the MSc or PG Dip.

Several applicants each year take one or more BEC modules to join other health science courses. Applicants can check that the content of our courses meets the requirement with another training provider. You can access detailed module descriptors from the downloads tab to send to an external training provider. In our experience most training providers have accepted our BEC modules for entry onto their programmes. 

The BEC is a home study, self-paced course which can be started within a week of accepting a course offer. Most students complete the 4 BEC modules within 6-12 months in preparation for starting degree studies at CNELM in January, April or September each year. The BEC is Endorsed by Training Qualifications UK up to Level 4.

• Endorsed by Training Qualifications UK up to Level 4
• Self-directed online learning with tutor support
• Can start within a week of accepting a course offer
• Self-paced with up to 12 months to complete prior to incurring a further enrolment fee
• Coursework assessed
• Required learning materials and resources accessed online
• Can be used to gain entry to other health science courses

• for entry to the MSc or PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition students must provide evidence of having completed studies at degree, or at degree equivalent level, or a professional programme assessed at a similar level
• if English is a second language, applicants must be conversant in spoken and written English at IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent. A minimum of IELTS 6.0 is required across all categories.
• Basic computer skills including word processing, internet browsing and use of email
• can apply to complete one or more modules for interest or to further professional development

Successful completion of the Bioscience Entry Course modules at 60% or above enables entry to the MSc, PG Dip and PNPD programmes, and may serve as an alternative to demonstrating IELTS 6.5 or equivalent or the MSc or PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition; and IELTS 7.0 for the Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma (PNPD).

CNELM Entry Modules in Human Biology and Chemistry assumes that the student has little knowledge and takes the student through a range of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level, or equivalent concepts in preparation for joining a nutrition and health science degree. So it is not a whole ‘O’ or ‘A’ level.

The CNELM Maths module, if needed, focuses on maths concepts for health science programmes.

CNELM Biochemistry and Physiology modules are taught at first year undergraduate level and build upon the knowledge gained from Human Biology and Chemistry. Biochemistry is underpinned by chemistry. The physiology module will be applied to a range of nutrition concepts.

A good understanding of Chemistry, Human Biology, Nutritional Biochemistry and Applied Physiology provides a necessary background for understanding nutrition, health and disease.

We find students enjoy the entry modules and having a purpose to study these science subjects for the first time as an adult learner makes all the difference.

The four core BEC modules and their respective levels are:

• Human Biology (Level 3)
• Chemistry (Level 3)
• Maths (Level 3 – may be required for some applicants
• Physiology (Level 4)
• Biochemistry (Level 4)

You work through the learning materials independently with tutor support. Study at at your own pace and submit coursework to the course tutor for marking and feedback on a regular basis. You can book a time to speak with the course tutor throughout each module.

Modules are coursework assessed with quiz, short answer and essay questions.

Once you have successfully completed one or more modules you will be awarded a CNELM Certificate of completion.

Occasionally we recommend to some students to complete our Level 5 Research Methods module prior to entry to the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma.

For further information please review the Downloads tab for detailed modules descriptors.

Please review the Downloads Tab for the Course Flyer and Costs.

Please also review the Finance and Policies Tab to access our Payment, Charges and Refund Policy.

Each module should take approximately 120 hours to complete – total 480 hours (if studying all 4 core modules). If adding the Maths module a total of 580 hours is anticipated.

We recommend that you take your time to complete each module as it should stand you in good stead for starting degree studies with us. 6-8 months is a good amount of time to allow for completing the four modules. Achieving 60% or more for each module is recommended to meet entry requirements to the MSc and PG Diploma in Personalised Nutrition.

You will have up to 12 months to complete the four modules. After that you will incur a £300 re-enrolment fee. This might happen if you have had to pause your studies for some unforeseen reason.

Most students completing the four core BEC modules are looking to join the MSc or PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition. It is important to complete all modules in time for starting the MSc or PG Diploma programmes.

Depending on your background a few applicants may also be required to complete the Level 5 Research Methods module, either independently or in combination with one or more of the four core modules.

• Student Finance Options
• Key Policies & Statements

Please review our Key Policies including the Payment, Charges and Refund Policy

• Course Flyer & Costs
• Module Outlines:
  • Human Biology (Level 3)
  • Chemistry (Level 3)
  • Physiology (Level 4)
  • Biochemistry (Level 4)
  • Research Methods (Level 5)
• Full Prospectus

The Bioscience Course Tutor is the main support for students completing the entry modules. Other tutors involved with specific modules are also available for support.

Students completing the entry modules can access to wider support from Administration, IT, and Student Pastoral Support.

If you have ‘A’ level, or equivalent level 3 qualifications in human biology and chemistry and evidence of having studied biochemistry and physiology at first year degree level, or equivalent, you should meet exemption requirements for entry to the MSc and PG Diploma in Personalised Nutrition.

If you have covered one or more of the subjects to ‘A’ level or an equivalent level 3 qualification, or first year degree level, you may only need to complete relevant modules.

To meet an exemption for one or more modules your knowledge must be current. This means your qualifications are within the last 5 years or you are continuing to apply the knowledge in a work environment.

Otherwise, you may be recommended take the module/s in full or as a Refresher at a reduced module cost.