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Solent offers UK’s only AfN accredited undergraduate applied nutrition degree

4th January 2018
Health, psychology and sociology

Our new BSc (Hons) Applied Human Nutrition course was recently accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), making it the only AfN accredited applied nutrition degree currently in the UK for undergraduate studies.

With a focus on the ‘applied’ side of nutrition education, the degree allows students to work with real-life clients and develop their professional skills in the University’s new nutrition and bioscience laboratories, and joins the list of undergraduate degrees accredited by the Association for Nutrition.

Solent's new nutrition lab

Course leader, Dr Ali Hill, has more than a decade’s experience as a nutritionist, and is responsible for bringing the course to life: “This degree was designed around the AfN accreditation requirements, but is significantly influenced by Solent’s strong belief in real-world learning opportunities.”

Students on the course have the opportunity to complete several placements, including opportunities with the multi-award winning Solent Health team, which also currently teaches on the degree.

“We want our graduates to not only have the evidence-based nutrition knowledge, but to also be able to back that up with practical knowledge and experience,” adds Ali. “After all, there’s no point telling someone to each more fruit and veg if they don’t know how to cook. Our students will be working closely with people to improve their nutrition practically, sometimes even in the kitchen with them!”

The AfN is responsible for the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), which distinguishes nutrition practitioners who meet “rigorously applied training, competence and professional practice criteria.”

After graduation from this course, students will be able to apply for direct entry to the UKVRN as Registered Associate Nutritionists, and can then apply to become Registered Nutritionists after earning three years’ experience.