This programme is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) enabling FHT membership on completion

This CNELM award is an excellent adjunct for a range of existing practitioners who wish to include dietary education in their practice.

Students studying on the MSc or PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition with or without the Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma (PNPD) have the opportunity to gain this award part-way through study subject to meeting all requirements for the Certificate.

Graduates of the DEC work with clients without diagnosed chronic disease or taking complex medication to help them make informed choices about their diet. Writing and giving talks about food and health to the public is an anticipated outcome of this course.

The Dietary Educator Certificate is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and successful graduates can apply to register with the FHT and gain insurance to use the qualification.

For further information regarding entry requirements, course content and fees, please also refer to our full Prospectus.

• Fully accessible online enabling international access. Up to 40% or students live outside of the UK
• Most modules currently run three times a year enabling ongoing opportunities for progression
• Full or part-time options available
• Dietary Educator Certificate is awarded by CNELM and accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapist (FHT)
• MSc and PGDip in Personalised Nutrition is validated by Middlesex University. A PGCert is an Exit Award from the MSc and PGDip in Personalised Nutrition for students that complete 2 taught modules from either programme.

• Direct entry is based on applicants demonstrating A’ levels A-C or equivalent in Biology & Chemistry and having covered biochemistry and physiology as part of a prior degree or degree equivalent studies
• Applicants that hold a prior degree but do not meet direct entry requirements can take one or more of the Bioscience Entry Course (BEC) modules to start the degree level modules
• GCSE in mathematics, or equivalent, OR CNELM’s Maths Foundation module
• GCSE in English Language or equivalent
• IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent is the standard requirement for applicants where English is not their first language
• IELTS 7.0 if taking the DEC as well as the Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma (PNPD) 
• Basic computer skills including word processing, internet browsing and use of email

Please note: GCSE and ‘A’ level, or equivalent qualifications accepted within a 5-year currency or demonstrating continued application in the workplace.

Dietary Education is a distinct service with a defined scope of practice. Alongside the MSc or PG Dip students take two further modules Coaching in Personalised Nutrition Practice (CP) and Personalised Dietary Education (PDE). 

Dietary Educator Services are relevant, meaningful and much needed. Following completion of Personalised Nutrition Requirements (PNR) and Personalised Nutrition and Longevity (PNL) degree modules, CP and PDE, MSc and PG Dip students can apply to take an additional assessment to meet requirements for the DEC. Students enrolled on the MSc or PGDip that Exit the programme with a PGCert in Personalised Nutrition after completing PNR and PNL are eligible combined with CP and PDE for the DEC Award. 

PNR provides the fundamentals of nutrition alongside tackling obesity; Personalised Nutrition & Longevity explores nutrition across the lifespan alongside gene/nutrient/environmental interactions. Each module includes case based assessment and dietary analysis. 

CP enables students to gain fundamental coaching skills to apply as a Dietary Educator. Education alone is often insufficient to bring about lasting positive change. Utilising coaching skills alongside dietary education can make all the difference. The PDE module will enable students to demonstrate educational skills by writing an article about food and health and giving a presentation about food and health. You will have the opportunity to analyse diets and role play dietary educator consultations. For the DEC students see a client under supervision in our Student Teaching Clinic for a dietary educator consultation and provide them with an informative educational report. 

Dietary Educators work with clients who are seeking to improve or optimise their health and do not present with chronic health problems and taking prescribed medications. They provide educational literature and offer group presentations. 

Students taking the MSc or PG Dip + PNPD can gain the DEC whilst completing the rest of these programmes and start to offer a level of services. 

The DEC is based on 90 credits = 900 hours. As a rule of thumb for every 10 credits allow 100 hours of work inclusive of attending webinars, tutorials, independent reading and writing up assessments. 

The DEC course can be completed in a minimum of 12 months in terms of workload. However, the maximum time frame is variable depending on when an MSc or PG Dip student opts to complete the requirements for the DEC within their wider study plan. Health professionals taking the modules for the DEC only have a maximum of 12 months to complete the course. 

• Student Finance Options
• Key Policies & Statements

Please review our Key Policies including the Payment, Charges and Refund Policy. Please note this course is not eligible for Bursary Support. Healthcare professionals are advised to review if tax considerations apply to them.

• Full Prospectus

From the point of application to graduation we aim to provide you with robust support.

Module Leaders are there to support and guide you through each module. Alongside co-markers, Module Leaders are there to provide quality feedback in a timely and developmental manner.

Clinic Supervisors will help you to develop the skills and competencies for professional competencies for one-to-one personalised nutritional therapy practice.

If you need to review your study plan you can meet with the Study Plan Manager. You can request to slow down your pace of study, or increase your pace of study. The Study Plan Manager would meet with you if you need to pause your studies for a period of time.

Our Student Support Manager is there to provide pastoral support, Students can schedule a time to throughout the academic year to discuss concerns they might have that are impacting upon their studies.

Students can be referred to meet with our Coach Mentor, if considered an appropriate means of support for a student.

Applicants with a diagnosed learning need, or students that develop a learning need can meet with the Student Support Manager and our Learning Needs Support Manager.

IT and Administrative support is ongoing throughout studies.

Students that might meet a financial challenge can arrange to speak with our Finance Team.

CNELM is committed to recognising prior certificated and/or experiential learning.

The DEC is made up of 4 modules equating to 240 credits. All students irrespective of prior learning must complete Level 7 PNR and PNL modules.

Some applicants will already hold relevant coaching or business qualifications and can apply for module exemptions for our coaching and business modules.

Prior learning is assessed against the learning outcomes for the modules being considered for an exemption.

In principle, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is based on knowledge being current. For example, an accredited prior course such as a degree or professional qualification is within the last 5 years. If more than 5 years then applicants would need to demonstrate continued application of their knowledge in a work environment. Sometimes, students have experiential learning, for example, running their own business or working for a company that has enabled them to demonstrate the learning outcomes, or partially demonstrate the learning outcomes for the business module.

Applicants can discuss prior learning at interview or after starting studies. Guidance is offered following application. You can email us at info@cnelm.ac.uk.