Sports Nutrition Diploma

Name: Sports Nutrition Diploma
SKU: ODL96
Price: 590 GBP

This Quality Assured Level 3 Diploma is suitable for all those who wish to achieve an understanding of the principles of good nutrition and would like to be able to relate this to sport.

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Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / ODL96

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Course summary

Expert Tutoring

12 months tutor support

24hr Access to

Course, assignments & tutor

Endorsed by the

Quality Licence Scheme

NUS Card Eligibility

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Course introduction

It will be of interest to you if, you exercise to keep fit, are interested in training others, whether as coaches or as parents/guardians of young athletes, participate regularly in sporting activities, from marathons to tennis tournaments, or are training to reach peak levels in their chosen activity.

The course will cover a broad variety of topic areas including types of performance enhancers and meal planning to coaching young athletes. Materials can be studied online or students have the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

Course Content:

Module 1 - Dietary Nutrients

This module introduces the basics of good nutrition. It helps us understand how to introduce good nutrition into our daily lives and teaches us concepts such as "Energy Balance", "Body Mass Index" and "The Harris Benedict Equation".

The important dietary nutrients of carbohydrate, protein and fats and oils are explained in more detail, so that we can understand the function of these nutrients in our body and how this relates to our sporting performance.

As fat is the nutrient needed least by our body, we also look at ways of achieving a healthy intake of fat in this module, as well as variety in our diet.

Module 2 - Performance Enhancers

Is good nutrition enough for us to perform at our best? Should we try to enhance our performance by taking supplements? Are products, which claim to give us the edge over our competitors worth the money? These are some of the key questions we look at throughout this module.

As well as the dietary nutrients (macronutrients) studied in the first module, in this module, we explore the role of vitamins and minerals, highlighting the key ones for our purpose of enhancing health and performance.

Antioxidants get a lot of press in health publications nowadays. We discover what antioxidants actually are, where we can find them and what the benefits of them in our diets are.

There is a vast market of products including, sports foods, gels, bars, meal replacement products, all claiming to enhance our sporting performance. Do they do as they say? This is something we discuss further in this module. There are also supplements, which are illegal in the sporting arena. We look at what these are, what they claim to do and whether these claims are justified.

Module 3 - Fluid Management

Ensuring we consume enough fluid is vital to our health and to our performance as athletes. This module looks at all the issues surrounding fluid intake, from how much we need to drink to remain well hydrated, to the problems associated with dehydration and heat stress.

There are numerous varieties of sports drinks available to buy in the supermarket and at specialist retailers over the Internet. We look at the difference between hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic drinks, the role of each of them, and whether they are more beneficial to athletes than drinking plain water. Further sources of fluid also include other non-alcoholic drinks like diet, carbonated and Caffeinated and we consider the value of consuming these types of drinks.

Alcohol can play a key role in the life of an athlete, particularly those involved in team sports, where celebrations after a win might be common practice. In this module, we identify some of the specific problems for athletes, related to the consumption of alcohol.

Module 4 - Weight Management

Weight management is not solely the concern of athletes, although many athletes do have to "make weight" for their particular sport. If we look specifically at jockeys, then we can understand why weight management may be an issue. You will not find many athletes who are, what we may consider as being "overweight". However, to perform at their best, a lot of athletes like to shed a few pounds of body fat.

It is, nevertheless, not as easy as eating less and training more, as a key concern is to lose the fat and not the muscle. This module looks at safe, healthy ways of losing body fat, while still having the energy and strength to perform well.

A weight-loss eating plan is included, as well as tips for losing weight successfully, by, for example, increasing your metabolic rate.

Module 5 - Managing Body Composition

This module follows on from the previous one, in that it looks at ways of managing your body composition once you reach the weight you want. You will gain an understanding of the link between body fat and performance and how to measure your own body fat distribution.

You may need to gain weight, but must ensure that it is muscle you gain and not extra body fat, which will hinder your performance. In this module, you will find out how to gain weight successfully, by following a weight-gain eating plan and weight-gain tips. Once you have the extra muscle you need, you will also be able to make sure that, after exercise, you can repair and regenerate muscle.

Module 6 - Women Athletes

This Diploma in Sports Nutrition is designed to cover all elements of nutrition and how everyone can use nutrition to impact on their sporting lives. There are, however, specific issues, which relate to women and, in the next module, children and young athletes. This module deals specifically with some of the issues that might impact on a woman athlete.

We look more closely at eating disorders and disordered eating and identify the difference. We study terms like "Amenorrhoea" and "Osteoporosis", finding out their meanings and how they relate to a women's sporting life.

One of the main risks for women is not consuming enough iron to support their training and/or competition. It is important to consume sufficient iron and included in this module are suggestions of how to do this and what to include in your diet.

Also specific to women are the issues of pregnancy, premenstrual tension and the menopause. We consider all these in general terms and in relation to athletic performance.

Module 7 - Young Athletes

This module will be of particular importance to the parents and coaches of young athletes, as it deals with all the issues that may affect a young athletes health and performance.

Some of the questions we pose are, "Why are young athletes more susceptible to dehydration than adult athletes?" And " How can we encourage young athletes to consume enough fluid?"

We learn, not only about their fluid needs, but also about their energy, protein and carbohydrate needs and how these differ to the needs of adult athletes. Meal timing is also an important issue for young athletes, as quite often, when "on the go" all the time, eating is not a priority for young athletes. It is up to those that are responsible for their training to ensure that young athletes consume sufficient fluid and food.

Module 8 - Before, During and After Exercise

This module brings together a lot of the information we have studied so far in this Diploma and relates it specifically to training for a specific event. It looks in detail at your nutritional needs before, during and after exercise, highlighting the best food and drink choices at specific times of the day. As well as this, details about what and when to eat and drink at competition time are included.

Some long distance events rely on us having enough energy to complete them and it may be that we need to consume more carbohydrate than we otherwise would. This is when "carbohydrate loading" can be considered. We look at what "carbohydrate loading" is and how it might benefit certain athletic performance.

Equally as important as performing at our best, is recovery and avoiding injury, so that we may continue to perform at our best and are not forced to "sit out" of the event next time, due to injury. Ways of avoiding injury are also included in this module.

Module 9 - Meal Planning

This is a very practical module, in that it asks you to design a personal nutrition programme, taking into account all the personal details of the athlete and the sport they are striving to achieve in. It may be for yourself or for someone you are coaching.

Included in your plan will be lots of suggestions and ideas for meals, as essentially it is what your athlete eats and drinks at certain times of the day that will be the key to their success.

Also included in this module are ideas for meals for vegetarian athletes. If you yourself are vegetarian or you are training someone who is vegetarian, then this section of the module will support you in preparing healthy meals for them, taking into consideration that certain nutrients are to be found more abundantly in animal products. However, there are alternatives for vegetarians and these are included here.

Your nutrition plan will also be concerned with how to boost immune function by consuming certain foods and drinks so that, at certain times of the year, you do not become prone to the coughs and colds that inevitably go round.

Module 10 - Sports Nutrition for different Sports

In the final module of this course, you will learn about 4 differing sports and how nutritional needs may alter both within the sport and between the different sports.

One of the most popular sports is running and so we look at 3 types of event, long distance, middle distance and sprinting and how nutritional requirements vary between the 3 events.

The other sports we consider are swimming, cycling and team sports like football, rugby and hockey. Not only do you learn about the characteristics of these sports, but you will also find sample menus for the different athletes, and case studies, which may help you, identify any individual problems you or the athlete you are coaching may have. We also take into account how tournaments differ from individual sporting events and how you can meet the nutritional requirements of these prolonged events.

Required knowledge

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination.

Certification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme. This means that the provider has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained. The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at QLS Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.

The Skills and Education Group’s knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.

*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales

Course modules

Unit 1: Dietary Nutrients
Unit 2: Performance Enhancers
Unit 3: Fluid Management
Unit 4: Weight Management
Unit 5: Managing Body Composition
Unit 6: Women Athletes
Unit 7: Young Athletes
Unit 8: Before, During and After Exercise
Unit 9: Meal Planning
Unit 10: Sports Nutrition for different Sports

Learner support

12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

FAQs

What does NCC stand for?

NCC originally stood for the National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges. This brought together the FE Colleges to achieve the best provision. Regular national meetings were attended by both Colleges and Government agencies who funded them. This was very helpful to them both to best deliver training to their students.

For more than 25 years NCC has supplied FE Colleges with learning materials as well as student marketing.

NCC now specialise in online training of a very high quality to students both self-funded, paid for by schools, employers and training providers.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and you can study anytime, anyplace, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a job, family commitments, or any other commitment that won’t allow them time off to study.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Both our online and paper courses are completed via an online learning portal (LMS) which you can access after you receive your login details by email. Please ensure that you check your junk email if you do not receive your login details within 48 hours.

All learners will submit their assignments, receive feedback and correspond with their tutor directly through the LMS. If you require help from our support team, then simply email [email protected].

If you opt for the online course, you will not receive any course materials through the post. Everything is available via the LMS.

If you opt for the paper version, you are simply paying for a study book to be printed and posted to your home, or place of work. You will use this book as a reference guide, but you will still be required to upload your assignments and correspond with your tutor via the LMS.

If you are unable to access our online LMS, we do have alternative options available, so please email [email protected] in order to request further support.

What do I need to do to get started?

We recommend that you choose a course that will interest you and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, contact us here or dial 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How much will it cost?

The price largely depends on the size and duration of the course. The course cost is determined by the expenses associated with its provision, taking into consideration the course's size and complexity, development costs, study materials, and the level of tutor support required. Some courses also necessitate additional in-person assessments by assessors, which incur additional expenses and consequently affect the course's cost.

The cost for each course is always listed clearly on the course description page before you make a purchase.

Additionally, extra fees may apply for courses that require externally monitored assessments (such as A Levels or ICB qualifications). For more details, it's best to consult with one of our course advisors.

How do I enrol?

Once you've chosen your course, you have two options for enrolment:

You can purchase the course online by clicking the "Buy now" button, which will enrol you automatically.
Alternatively, you can call our helpline at 0333 3445 690, and our expert course advisors will assist you in signing up for the course and arrange for the delivery of any requested additional learning materials to your address.

All courses are available to purchase in full or via affordable monthly payments over 12 months. A £29 non-refundable deposit is required for monthly payments, and you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit.

We do not require you to complete a credit check to sign up for monthly payments.

How quickly will I receive my course materials?

We ensure that you will receive your ordered course materials within 5 working days of registration, though for many courses, delivery may take as little as 48 hours.

Your course materials will be sent through a tracked courier service to guarantee delivery of your study book within the specified timeframe.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

All the relevant information required to complete your course is available via the LMS. Additional research via the internet is encouraged, depending on the level you are working at, to bolster knowledge of the subject area.

There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials.

What support will I receive?

You will have access to a dedicated personal tutor whom you can contact through the Learning Management System (LMS) for assistance and guidance on any course-related matters. Your tutor will only initiate contact in response to your messages. If you encounter any difficulties reaching your tutor, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected].

Many courses require you to submit work to your tutor during the period of study, and your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback to you within 10 working days. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please note that the course includes tutor support for a duration of 12 months. If you require additional time, please inform us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an option for a paid extension, if feasible, to assist you in completing your course.

Please be aware that our tutors are actively assisting multiple learners, and to ensure they are not inundated with excessive workloads, we have implemented a policy limiting learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time. We recommend that you upload your completed units as you finish them. This way, you can benefit from your tutor's feedback to enhance your future assignment submissions.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 10 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Kindly note that our tutors are currently supporting multiple learners simultaneously. In order to maintain a balanced workload for them, we have established a policy that restricts learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time.

How long should it take to complete a course?

The time needed to complete your course depends on the specific course you've chosen and the time you're able to dedicate. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months. You'll usually have up to 12 months from the date of purchase to complete your course if you wish to receive your certificate, this is your end of support date.

One of the biggest advantages of distance learning is the flexibility it offers. You can study at your own pace, fitting your coursework around your personal schedule and commitments. There's no pressure—no one will be chasing you to submit work or asking why you haven't turned in an assignment.

That said, we recommend considering your availability before enrolling to ensure you can devote enough time to stay motivated and complete the course within a reasonable timeframe.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are fully accredited, and to successfully complete them, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding. Depending on the course you choose, this could involve an examination, but the assessment methods can vary.

For some courses, you'll be continuously assessed throughout your studies, while others may require a final exam or an assignment, which can be done from home and submitted to your tutor.

For specific qualifications like A-levels and GCSEs, you will need to sit invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You'll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of these exams, but full guidance will be provided by the centre delivering the qualification.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We can help or connect you with the course provider for more details.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are: https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/awarding-organisations

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows, but we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is that if your circumstances change you can always take a limited break and come back to your studies to save your paid for support.

If you decide to enrol on more than one course at the same time, speak to our enquiries team for any bundle deals or offers.

Can I enrol and study outside the UK?

Absolutely! In most cases, our courses are accessible regardless of where you're located. However, some courses may have geographical restrictions set by the Awarding Organisation, and any such limitations will be clearly outlined in the course details.

Keep in mind that all of our tutors are UK-based, and while most work can be submitted via email, there may be rare instances where submissions need to be sent by post.

For courses that require a monitored exam, there are many test centres available internationally. If you're planning to study from abroad, we recommend reaching out to us before purchasing the course to ensure everything is in place for your studies.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you may return the materials within 14 days, provided you have not yet submitted any coursework for evaluation. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. We will refund your payment, minus a non-refundable deposit of £29. Additionally, you have the option to select an alternative course that better matches your goals and aspirations.

For any help on cancelling your course please email [email protected], we will only deal with cancellation enquiries via email.

What is a Totum Card?

Totum is the new brand for UK student cards and replaces the old NUS student card. NCC students are eligible to sign-up for the Totum card where applicable, giving access to a multitude of retail, food and travel special discounts. For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.totum.com/