Nutrition education in the UK can be grouped in a number of ways including role outcomes, study type and location as well as recognised sub sectors within nutritional practice.
- Role Outcomes – From Nutrition Advisors and Coaches to Nutritionists to Dieticians and Nutritional Therapists there are a variety of different roles within the UK. Each has different qualification requirements and scopes of practice.
- Study Type and Location – From online courses to University degrees and postgraduates masters and lots in between such as diplomas and awards. Much is now delivered online but for those prepared to pay Universities and Colleges normally offer face to face locations for their courses still.
- There are also splits in recognised sectors within nutrition with Nutritionists and Dieticians regulated by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and Nutritional Therapists having the British Association for Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) as their professional body. Nutrition Coaches and Advisors can fall under different areas depending on the learning provider and sub sector of work.
The title “Dietician” is a protected term in the UK and anyone wishing to use this title must have completed a recognised degree programme. The title “Nutritionist” can currently be used by anyone with formal nutrition education, however this is in the process of changing within government with all Nutritionist’s soon to be required to completed a recognised degree programme. This will bring Nutritionists in line with the protections given to Dieticians providing clearer, safer regulation for the nutrition profession overseen by the AfN.
Article by Steve Brown
– Steve is a leading Nutrition expert with over 25 years experience working with educators in the UK in University’s, colleges and further education establishments. Steve has worked closely with UK regulators to help elevate the UK’s nutritional health in a number of areas.
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