Free Level 2 Understanding Nutrition and Health Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, from home or wherever suits you. It covers healthy eating principles, nutritional needs across different groups, weight management, eating disorders, diet planning, and basic food safety. The course takes around 14 weeks to complete, with approximately 126 hours of study in total. You'll need to be 19 or over and hold at least a Level 1 English or Literacy qualification to enrol.
Who this course is for
This Level 2 Understanding Nutrition and Health Certificate is designed for anyone who has an interest in Nutrition and Health and improving and maintaining their health and wellbeing. It helps to identify how attitudes towards food can influence and impact on wellbeing. It is ideal for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for those working in, or looking to find employment in the following sectors: Health and Social Care, a Hospitality and Catering, Sport, Exercise and Fitness. The qualification looks to increase your knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Principles of healthy eating, Nutritional needs of a variety of individuals, Using food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet, Principles of weight management, Eating disorders and food safety for the home environment,
Entry requirements
You will need to be aged be 19+ as at 31st August prior to the start of the current academic year. You will also need to have at least a Level 1 qualification in English/Literacy or equivalent. To assist in completion of this qualification, it may help to be working in, or have access to, the chosen sector. If you already have a higher-level qualification in this specialism, it may impact on your eligibility.
What you will learn
You'll explore the principles of healthy eating and what makes a balanced diet.
You'll examine the nutritional needs of different individuals, including varying age groups and lifestyles.
You'll use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet.
You'll study the principles of weight management.
You'll develop understanding of eating disorders and their causes.
You'll learn the principles of food safety for the home environment.
How you will learn
The course is delivered entirely online. You study through online learning materials and complete assessments digitally. There are no classroom sessions or set timetable. You can study from home, work, or any location with internet access. Assessment is carried out online throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
Boston College Skirbeck Road will confirm anything you need before you start. As this is a fully online course, you'll need a device with internet access to study and complete your assessments.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: supports clients with daily living in care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assists clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Nutrition advisor (support role): provides basic dietary guidance in community or care roles.
Fitness instructor: advises clients on diet alongside exercise programmes.
Catering assistant: applies food safety and nutrition knowledge in food service.
Health and wellbeing coach (entry level): supports individuals to improve lifestyle habits.
School meals supervisor: oversees healthy eating in school catering environments.
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Nutrition and Health: deepens your knowledge and is suited to those moving into advisory or supervisory roles.
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your skills if you're working or planning to work in care.
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training: combines nutrition knowledge with fitness instruction for those working in sport and exercise.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering: a short compliance qualification useful in hospitality and catering roles.
