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Thames Valley University

Nutritional Medicine
BSc (Hons)/BSc

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Starting
October, February and June

Mode
Levels 4 and 5 are designed for part-time, supported distance learning.
Level 6 comprises distance learning, in-class teaching, practical workshops and in-clinic supervision. Students studying to BSc level are required to attend one long weekend (2 days) and one 5-day in-class workshop. Students wishing to obtain a BSc (Hons) must attend two additional weekend in-class workshops (3 days and 2 days respectively).

Duration
Each of levels 4 and 5 must be completed within a maximum period of two calendar years. You are, however, encouraged to progress at a quicker pace if appropriate. Each student receives their own timetable for submission of assessments, but may submit assessments prior to the deadlines given.
Level 6, BSc and BSc (Hons) requires an additional year in each case.

Location
Ealing Campus
St Mary’s Road, Ealing, London W5 5RF

Slough Campus (facilitated level 6 study)
Wellington Street, Slough, Berkshire SL1 1YG

Entry Criteria
Applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability to work at academic Level 4. Those who do not hold traditional university entrance qualifications will be required to show how their life/professional/work experiences can demonstrate their ability to work at Level 4. A telephone or in-person interview may be required.

Programme summary

This programme is delivered as Blended Learning. Students study at a distance using learning materials supported by the University's Virtual Learning environment (TVU Online and Blackboard). The course provides the opportunity for full academic progression from Level 4 through to Level 6 in Nutritional Medicine, offered by the Plaskett Nutritional Medicine College (PNMC) at Thames Valley University (TVU).

The programme builds a sound knowledge base in the theory and practice of nutritional medicine, underpinned by the concomitant development of basic medical sciences. 

The student engages in formative learning in cellular biology, chemistry and physiology, as well as the advanced study of named diseases (pathology), as it relates to the field of practice. Students develop their practitioner skills through clinical practice, monitored and supervised by experienced nutritional therapists. 

This programme is attractive to both complete newcomers to healthcare and to individuals who have already trained in other complementary or conventional healthcare areas.

Programme outline
The programme of study consists of supported distance learning study modules, which comprise 120 credits at each level.

Level 4 builds the essential skills, needed for an understanding of nutritional medicine. It marries the study of the philosophies of naturopathic medicine with the study of relevant medical sciences, including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physiology and toxicology.

Level 5 develops skills in naturopathic/nutritional medicine diagnosis, treatment and clinical strategies in order to inform the provision of appropriate and effective patient care. Study of pharmacology and pathophysiology will allow you to understand the treatment of named diseases from both a naturopathic and conventional perspective.

Level 6 (BSc) will enable you to explore the naturopathic, nutritional approach to cancer and provide practical experience of diagnosis, interpretation and development of a nutritional programme, through a series of consultations in clinical situations. It addresses practice management within ethical and regulatory frameworks.
Level 6 (BSc (Hons)) will enable you to critically appraise and evaluate the nature of available evidence in support of the practice of nutritional medicine, including both paper-based and electronic resources. You will be supported in developing a proposal to investigate an aspect of nutritional medicine leading to completion of your own research project (dissertation).

Teaching methods

Levels 4 and 5 comprise blended learning, including written study texts which are supported by the University’s virtual learning environment (TVU Online and Blackboard).  This provides you with access to resources, learning materials, support, opportunities for collaborating with your fellow students; programme announcements and developments; and administrative support. Level 6 consists mainly of facilitated in-class teaching, monitored and supervised clinical practice, and tutor-supported independent study. 

Learning materials

You will be provided with a range of distance learning materials. These include module study guides, which will indicate essential texts, journals, and website addresses. You will also be provided with study texts (folders) and on-line supplementary material, some of which includes audio material. The folders deliver the core learning of each module, and contain learning material, references, appendices and ongoing checkpoint activities (designed for self assessment of progress). The supplementary material is given at appropriate stages in the programme, and addresses the essential underpinning sciences. Lecture notes and student workbooks will be provided to support the facilitated in-class learning in Level 6. 

Assessment

Whilst each level must be completed within a maximum period of two calendar years, you are encouraged to progress at a quicker pace if appropriate. Each student receives their own timetable for submission of assessments, but may submit assessments prior to the deadlines given. 
 
At Levels 4 and 5, modules are assessed by both formative and summative assessments. The formative assessments are mostly in the form of short response questions which require you to examine your learning to date and apply it appropriately. There are a variety of summative assessments across the modules. At Level 4 these include short-response questions, mini-essays, dietary analyses and extended pieces of written work. Most assessments at Level 5 are based on case history taking, interpretation and theoretical treatment of given case studies and voluntary patients. 
 
Assessment at Level 6 comprises three summative assessments, two of which are to be completed under examination conditions, the third being a folder of evidence of monitored and supervised clinical practice. 

Student Support

You will be allocated an academic tutor at the commencement of this course, who will support your learning through the duration of the course. The Learning Skills Development Scheme (LSDS) will also support you in preparing for assessment. 
 
Levels 4 and 5 are designed for part-time, supported distance learning. Three weekend meetings annually are organised at the Ealing campus to take account of some students' needs to engage with peers and staff. 
 
Level 6 comprises supported distance learning, in-class teaching, practical workshops and in-clinic supervision. Students studying to BSc level are required to attend one 2½ day and one 5 day, in-class workshop.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this course to BSc level will enable you to gain full membership of those professional registering bodies on the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) with whom the College has a working relationship. Successful completion of the BSc (Hons) programme may open career opportunities in the field of research, education or specialised practice. 

Further information

Thames Valley University

St Mary’s Road, Ealing, London W5 5RF 

Course enquiries
Tel 020 8280 5408 or 5421

To request a prospectus
0800 036 8888
E-mail learning.advice@tvu.ac.uk
www.tvu.ac.uk

Web site: www.tvu.ac.uk