Certificate in Functional Performance Nutrition



This shorter version of our Dietary Counselling: Functional Sports Nutrition course is ideal for fitness professionals with a strong science and coaching background who wish to add another dimension to their physical fitness training recommendations. It is designed to ensure any nutritional advice being given to clients, or being used for personal use,  is based on the most up to date research to help maximize physical performance even further.  

It is a perfect adjunct to any sports related career and will enhance your own health as well as that of your current or future clients. It is however open to anyone with an enthusiasm the subject and a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology (this can be obtained through a short IHS add on module).

  • Flexible study options  - Study entirely via e-Learning or choose to attend lectures of your choice
  • Get up to date with the latest industry research – new developments in the field of sports nutrition for enhanced athletic and fitness performance
  • Add another dimension to your physical fitness training advice – get improved performance results for your clients with current advances in sports nutrition
  • Continue on to develop a new career as a Dietary Counsellor - Top up to an ITEC accredited professional qualification in Dietary COunselling by completing just two more modules

Performance Nutrition

About the Course

The IHS sports nutrition courses are based on the principles of functional medicine which has moved sports nutrition beyond a focus on the ratio or protein, carbohydrates and fats consumed into a new and exciting era. This approach clearly demonstrates that optimum fitness is not possible without underlying optimum health and that intensive exercise unsupported by tailored dietary and supplement regimes may actually be detrimental to both health and performance.

This short three module course is a perfect adjunct to any sports related career and will enhance your own health as well as your current or future clients. It is however open to anyone with an enthusiasm the subject and an understanding of anatomy and physiology (this can be obtained through a short IHS add on module or through completing the full Certificate in Dietary Coaching: Sports Nutrition).

The Certificate in Functional Sports Nutrition may be completed by e-Learning or blended learning (home study with some in-class lectures). The format of the course is modular allowing you to direct the progress of your learning. Structured home study allows you to complete each module in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace whilst mutually agreed goals and milestones ensure that you will remain focused while still allowing you flexibility.

A timetable of potential in-class lectures is given to each student at the commencement of their studies so they can decide if and when they would like to attend relevant lectures, workshops, cooking demos etc. As a student you will be assigned a personal tutor to guide and mentor you through the programme. Online tutorials are provided so that you receive the support that you need.

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Performance Nutrition

Course Content

The focus of this course is using diet and nutrition to maximise physical performance, weight loss, muscle building, endurance and general health. We examine the problems with current sports nutrition approaches, overweight issues and ill-health in the context of the modern Western diet and examine common barriers to fitness and peak performance. Students are given practical knowledge on formulating individualised healthy eating programmes using food, nutrients, supplements and herbs with a focus on maximising physical performance and maintaining optimum health.

Click here to view course outline

Graduates of the course whom already have a recognised qualification in sports and fitness training can apply to ARCHTI for membership.

Add-on Modules

Food and the Environment
Growing your own | Whole food initiatives | Slow food movement, GIY, Farm to Fork | Regulatory bodies | Traceability | Food processing and manufacturing
Links to chronic disease | EU food regulation | Organic Food | The environment | Sustainable agriculture | Introduction to herbs for common health disorders

Health, Healthcare & Dietary Therapy
Understanding the Human Body and Health: The human body and how it works | The nutrition requirements of different systems of the body | Digestion and absorption | Bowel flora and health | The effects of poor digestion on health | Supporting digestion | Key factors in disease progression in the West Western Diet, Lifestyle & Health: The modern Western diet and lifestyle | The typical Irish diet and lifestyle | Food processing/manufacturing methods | Refined foods and their effects on health | Medical conditions associated with modern diet & lifestyle 


Nutrition in Society
Meal Planning and Maximising Nutrient Status | Healthy eating on a budget | Food labeling | Growing your own | Whole food initiatives: The slow food movement, GIY, Farm to fork | Regulatory bodies | Traceability | Food processing/manufacturing | Links to chronic disease | EU food regulation | Organic food | The environment | Sustainable agricultureAlternative diets e.g. macrobiotic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan | Effects on health | Popular therapeutic diets | Effects of diet on common health disordersCooking demonstration

Clinical Practice Weekends
Certificate students can improve their clinical skills by attending additional clinical practice weekends during the academic year. These weekends include case studies and group activities using the Functional Medicine model of practice.

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Study in Nutrition and Health

Entry Requirements

The minimum academic entry requirement for this course is a grade C at Junior Certificate or 4 GCSEs grades A to C (preferably including a science subject). Equivalent international qualifications will also be accepted. A background in sports and fitness coaching would be advantageous as is a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology. However anybody with a passion for fitness, food, nutrition and health will be considered.

(ii) Prior Learning and Prior Experiential Learning

Applicants with Prior Learning and Experiential Prior Learning will also be considered. All knowledge, skills and competencies accumulated through life and work experience will be considered.  

All applicants will be interviewed to determine their suitability for the course. 

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Course Fees

€995

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How to Apply

Training is an investment in your future. As with any investment it is important to identify what you wish to gain and which course will be most suitable for your needs. The Institute staff will spend time speaking with you to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision. We recommend you attend one of our regular open evenings to find out more about the course structure, content and career opportunities.

To enrol please complete the application form, save it and email it to info@instituteofhealthsciences.com 

If you would like IHS to contact you please fill out our online contact form and a staff member will get in touch with you shortly.

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