Course at a glance
Introduction
Living a healthy lifestyle has become increasingly popular, and this course explores why a balanced diet combined with regular exercise is essential for good health.
The Level 3 Diet and Nutrition Diploma defines diet and nutrition and explains what our bodies need and how they process food, build muscle, and maintain energy levels. It covers the essentials for staying healthy, including the required foods and quantities.
Through practical activities, students will learn the foundations of diet and nutrition, with tasks that can easily be completed at home.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 3 Diet + Nutrition Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Diet + Nutrition Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Diet and Nutrition Diploma Course Content
Module 1: The Digestive System
This introductory module explains how the digestive system processes food and water, covering both digestible and indigestible substances. Students will learn how food travels through the digestive system, from the mouth to the intestines, and the nutritional benefits that different foods provide.
Module 2: Dietary Nutrients
This module examines the essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water—and their functions in the body. Students will explore concepts like “Energy Balance” and “Body Mass Index” and discuss how to introduce balanced nutrition into daily life.
Module 3: Supplementary Nutrients
In addition to standard nutrients, the role of vitamins, minerals, and supplements is covered here. This module discusses the benefits and limitations of supplements, especially for groups with specific health needs, such as children, the elderly, and those recovering from illness.
Module 4: The Role of Fluids
Water is crucial to life, and this module explains the importance of fluids for hydration, temperature regulation, waste elimination, and joint health. It covers the role of electrolytes and the effects of dehydration. The module also looks at alcohol’s effects on the body, including metabolism and health impacts.
Module 5: Weight Loss and Dieting
This module explores the health benefits of weight management and the risks of rapid weight loss methods. Topics include appetite control, metabolism, and strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Simple methods for healthy weight gain are also discussed.
Module 6: Vegetarianism
This module covers the reasons people choose vegetarianism, including ethical and health considerations. It discusses the health benefits and challenges of a vegetarian diet, different variations of vegetarianism, and ideas for balanced vegetarian meals.
Module 7: Young People
The nutritional needs of children and young people vary based on age, activity level, and gender. This module explores these specific requirements and discusses nutrition for pregnant women and women planning to conceive, focusing on health from early stages of life.
Module 8: Groups with Special Dietary Needs
This module examines the unique dietary needs of specific groups, including those with diabetes, heart disease, allergies, and asthma. It explores symptoms and preventive measures, emphasising essential minerals and vitamins like iron to avoid deficiencies such as anaemia.
Module 9: Eating Disorders
This module addresses eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive eating, discussing these conditions as expressions of psychological conflict. Students will learn strategies for supporting individuals struggling with disordered eating and improving body image.
Module 10: Personal Dietary Plans
The final module teaches students how to create personalised dietary plans tailored to an individual’s age, gender, activity level, and health goals. This includes meal suggestions, keeping food and exercise diaries, and tracking progress towards health targets.
Additional Recommended Text:
- Nutrition, Health and Sport by Tutor Argon
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Diet + Nutrition Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
