Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a Certified Nutritionist?

You can become a fully qualified and insured Nutritionist in just 13 months by obtaining a Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Nutrition Science.

An alternative route to becoming a Nutritionist is completing a University degree, which are generally 3-4 years long and cost around £30,000.

Due to the uniquely practical focus of MNU as a professional qualification, the scope of practice of working with clients is the same if not greater than 'degree qualified’ nutritionists. Upon successful completion, you will be able to practise as an MNU Certified Nutritionist, be able to use the post-nominals (MN.Nutr) after your name and gain the Level 5 Diploma status.

You can study to become a qualified nutritionist from anywhere in the world, fully online.

Is the Nutritionist title protected?

In most countries, the nutritionist title is not protected, therefore, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

However, our protected Trademarks allow only our graduates to call themselves an MNU Certified Nutritionist, setting them apart and highlighting their Level 5 Diploma status.

So, Can I call myself a nutritionist?

The simple answer is yes!

The title nutritionist is not protected in most countries, this does however, mean that individuals who have completed a non-evidence based weekend workshop or Youtube style courses course can also call themselves a nutritionist.

On successful completion you will also be eligible for bespoke insurance to work with clients face-to-face and online globally. This in combination with the use of the post-nominal MN.Nutr after your name, will separate you from other Nutritionist in the industry.

We have bespoke policies in over 25 countries that cover you for everything you’re taught on MNU, from nutrition consultancy to designing personalised nutrition & supplement interventions to full meal plans!

You may be able to refer to yourself as a ‘Nutrition Coach’ or ‘Nutrition Consultant’ instead, which are often used interchangeably with ‘Nutritionist’. For example in the UK, you do not require a degree to become a nutritionists.

What is the highest certification for a nutritionist outside of a degree?

The Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Nutrition Science is equivalent to the same level as a foundation degree, the highest level of study outside of a degree.

Upon graduating from MNU, you're eligible to practise as an MNU Certified Nutritionist, as well as use the post-nominal (MN.Nutr) after your name & have the highest level of professional indemnity insurance to do so using the bespoke policies we have with our insurance providers.

Due to the uniquely practical focus of MNU as a professional qualification, the scope of practice of working with clients is the same if not greater than 'degree qualified’ nutritionists. Our bespoke insurance to practice policies are very extensive in terms of what they cover you for.

Essentially a Level 5 Diploma should not only increase a practitioner's knowledge & confidence working with clients but also allows a greater scope to work with a broader range of clients. This, combined with our bespoke insurance policies (that covers the use of meal plans), allows someone to fully develop their career in the world of nutrition, health & performance.

MNU is recognised & regulated by OfQual as a Level 5 Diploma, this very much bridges the gap between MNU Certified Nutritionists & those with degrees in nutrition - for academic institutions & employers that like to see regulated qualification titles.

Didn't find the answer you're looking for? Visit our Help Hub for more FAQs or to contact the MNU Team!