Note: No additional fees are required for classes. Graduates are welcome to return for free refreshers.

Note: Our institution is a government-registered school and a recognized employment agency by the Labour Department. We provide job referral and teaching opportunities (e.g., Course Assistant, Beauty Therapist, Laser Technician, etc.) for outstanding graduates, offering more career pathways.

VTCT Skills ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Diet and Nutrition for Complementary Therapists 603/4082/4

Course Objective

• This qualification aims to enable learners to gain the necessary theoretical skills to provide healthy eating advice to the general public and gain employment in the complementary therapy industry.
• Suitable for learners aged 16 and over, it is designed to provide occupational competence at Level 2 and serves as a foundation for further training at Level 3.
• Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
  • LO1 Know the anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the digestive system
  • LO2 Know the role and sources of nutrients required for a balanced diet to maintain good health and influencing factors
  • LO3 Know how nutrients can be affected by cooking, processing and refining
  • LO4 Know the causes and effects of nutritional imbalance on health and wellbeing
  • LO5 Provide general information on healthy eating

Learning Hours

• Learning Hours: 100 hours

Entry Requirements

• It is recommended that learners hold a Level 2 Diploma in a Complementary Therapy or Level 3 Diploma in Body Treatments or equivalent.
• Centres must ensure learners have the required knowledge, understanding, and skills to enroll and successfully achieve this qualification.
• Learners must be aged 16 or over.

Course Syllabus

Unit iUCT41: Diet and nutrition for complementary therapists

• LO1: Know the anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the digestive system
  • Structure and function of the organs and accessory organs of the digestive system
  • Digestive process and absorption of nutrients
  • Interrelationship of the digestive system with other body systems
  • Diseases and disorders of the digestive system and their causes
  • Metabolism and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
• LO2: Know the role and sources of nutrients required for a balanced diet to maintain good health and influencing factors
  • Units of food energy (Kilocalories, Kilojoules)
  • Effect of influencing factors on dietary requirements (age, body size, gender, occupation, lifestyle, pregnancy, menopause)
  • Role of protein, fats/lipids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, pre and probiotics in the diet
  • Dietary/nutritional value of common foods
• LO3: Know how nutrients can be affected by cooking, processing and refining
  • Processes which affect the nutrient levels of food (cooking, storage, freezing, blanching, re-heating)
  • Systems of processing (additives, preservatives, colourings, etc.)
  • Role of refined and unrefined foods
• LO4: Know the causes and effects of nutritional imbalance on health and wellbeing
  • Role of common anti-nutrients
  • Role of environmental pollutants
  • Possible side effects of food additives
  • Common ailments related to nutritional imbalance and how diet may help
  • Problems with digestion of gluten, dairy intolerance, nut intolerance
  • Conditions: obesity, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, diabetes
  • Function of water in the diet and effects of dehydration
• LO5: Provide general information on healthy eating
  • Guidelines for healthy eating
  • Importance of eating regularly
  • Awareness of current debates (organic foods, superfoods, vegan diet, intermittent fasting, gut health, etc.)

Assessment Requirements

• External Theory Examination: Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper, 30 minutes, 25 questions, pass mark 60%.
• Portfolio of Evidence: Contains evidence of diet plans for 5 clients, each consulted 4 times with documented evidence.
• Both components must be passed to achieve the qualification.

Assessment Methods

• Theory Examination (MCQ): Externally set and marked.
• Portfolio of Evidence: Internally assessed by the college lecturer and verified by the external examiner via sampling.
• The portfolio must include: client consultation records, medical history, lifestyle assessment, full diet plan with rationale, feedback showing progression, overall conclusion, and reflective practice.

Assessment Fee

• Included in the course fee (exempt).

Benefits for Students

• Acquire professional diet and nutrition knowledge and healthy eating guidance skills
• Enhance employability in the complementary therapy industry, beauty salons, health clubs, spas, etc.
• Obtain an internationally recognized VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate
• Learn client consultation and diet planning processes aligned with industry standards
• Free course refreshers upon graduation
• Job referral opportunities for outstanding graduates

Qualification Awarded

• VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Diet and Nutrition for Complementary Therapists

Accreditation

• VTCT (iTEC) Qualification Recognition
• Aligned with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and European Qualifications Framework (EQF) levels

Progression / Other Relevant Programmes

• Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies
• Level 3 Diploma in Massage / Reflexology / Aromatherapy / Sports Massage
• Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage
• Level 4 Diploma in Spa and Salon Management