This qualification is designed to provide learners with knowledge of nutrition and how to put together diet plans to suit a variety of needs. You’ll discover more about designing meals for people of all ages, including anyone involved in fitness, or with restrictive dietary requirements. Explore key issues including additives, healthy eating and maintaining a normal weight.

If you work with people with complex eating habits, this course will give you the tools to promote nutrition. Learners that want to improve their household diet will also benefit from the IAO Level 3 Certificate in Nutrition and Dietary Planning (RQF).

This distance learning programme is flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace, from home. Unlike traditional college courses, there are no term dates and you don’t need to travel to attend lectures.

What is the RQF?

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system which catalogues qualifications. Regulated by Ofqual, it lists courses at different levels of difficulty.

Is this distance learning course right for me?

This study programme is open to anyone over the age of 16. The content is suitable for learners that want to increase their understanding of nutrition. No qualifications are required to enrol, but you may find it helpful to have completed a course at Level 2.

Overview of the Diet & Nutrition Level 3 Certificate (RQF)

This qualification will help you to plan meals that are tailored to the specific needs of different individuals. From allergies and intolerances, to preparing food, you’ll learn what precautions to take. Gain an understanding of product labelling and where to find nutritional information.

Units will consider human digestion and how food intake should change when following a fitness programme. Nutritional needs vary according to age and gender. The IAO Level 3 Certificate in Nutrition and Dietary Planning (RQF) will help you to provide effective dietary advice. Give guidance on weight management and healthy eating.

What can I do once I have successfully completed the Diet & Nutrition Level 3 Certificate (RQF)?

Following this course, you could go on to further study and gain a qualification in coaching or dietetics. If you work in the care or health profession, you’ll have enhanced your knowledge of nutrition, which you can apply to your role. The IAO Level 3 Certificate in Diet and Nutrition (RQF) can also contribute to your professional development, which could lead to a promotion, or take you down a new career path. 

Unit 1: Principles of nutrition

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the process of digestion
• Understand the role of nutrients in the body

Unit 2: Food additives and labelling

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand food and drink labelling
• Be able to analyse food labels
• Understand the use of food additives

Unit 3: Dietary planning for specific needs

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nutritional needs of individuals with special dietary requirements
• Understand obstacles to adhering to a specific diet 
• Be able to plan meals for a specific dietary requirement

Unit 4: Apply principles of healthy eating

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand guidance on healthy eating
• Understand the components of a healthy diet
• Understand the links between nutrition and health 
• Understand how to promote healthy eating
• Be able to apply the principles of healthy eating

Unit 5: Understanding roles and responsibilities for providing nutritional advice

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand occupational roles and responsibilities in relation to nutritional guidance
• Understand own responsibilities in relation to providing nutritional guidance 

Unit 6: Nutritional needs of children and young people

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nutritional needs of children and young people 
• Understand the benefits of healthy eating for children and young people
• Understand obstacles to healthy eating for children and young people
• Understand how to improve the nutritional health of children and young people 

Unit 7: Nutritional requirements of older adults

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nutritional needs of older adults 
• Understand the benefits of healthy eating for older adults
• Understand obstacles to healthy eating for older adults 
• Be able to plan improvements in the nutritional health of older adults 

Unit 8: Nutrition for sport and exercise

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the body’s energy systems in relation to sport and exercise
• Understand the role of carbohydrates in sport and exercise
• Understand the role of proteins in sport and exercise
• Understand the role of fats in sport and exercise
• Understand the role of micronutrients in sport and exercise
• Understand the importance of hydration for sport and exercise
• Understand the principles of nutrition planning for sport and exercise
• Be able to plan an effective diet for a selected sport or exercise programme

Unit 9: Weight management

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principles of weight control
• Understand eating disorders
• Understand approaches to weight management
• Be able to plan a weight management programme for an individual 

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).