DIPLOMA IN
NUTRITION
Nutrition is the cornerstone of a
healthy lifestyle and any performance goal.
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Unlock your potential with an APEC Nutrition course!
The APEC diploma in Performance Nutrition course is a complete guide for coaches looking to improve health and performance through nutrition. If you’re a coach looking to make the biggest impact on your athletes and clients you work with then this Performance Nutrition course is an essential part of your coaching criteria.
The diploma in Performance Nutrition is a combination of the Role Society of Public Health Level 3 in Supporting Behaviour Change, Level 4 Nutrition for Health and Level 5 Nutrition for Physical Activity and Sport combined into one integrated course. The diploma in Performance Nutrition enables you to start working in the health and fitness industry as a nutrition coach. You will even have the option to start your very own nutrition coaching business...
The course educates coaches on everything from the principles of nutrition right through to the most effective ways to fuel and prepare the body to perform at the highest level as well as optimal recovery strategies. Post-exercise nutrition is such a critically important component of ensuring performance is at its highest but also the overall health and longevity of your clients and athlete’s.
APEC’s diploma in Performance Nutrition is designed by industry leaders and fitness professionals to be an innovative and effective learning experience where by the skills, knowledge and behaviours developed can be utilising straight away with your clients and athletes.
The course is a blended learning course which enables you to base your learning around your own schedule and lifestyle. We use our industry leading e-Learning platform to ensure you have the best learner experience as well as constant online support from our education team.
The APEC diploma in Performance Nutrition theory is completed entirely online via the APEC e-learning platform. Assessments and case study workshops will be held in a face to face workshop which allows you to fit your learning around your schedule and lifestyle.
The APEC education platform was designed to make learning simple utilising a number of different resources from video lectures to online workbooks and much more. You will also have support from your designated APEC tutor throughout your time with us.
The APEC diploma in Performance Nutrition takes 2-6 months on average to complete.

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Entry Requirements:
Level 3 & 4
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Course Type:
Part Time, Online
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Course Length:
2-6 Months
Blended Learning
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Accreditations:
Focus Awards, RSPH
Qualification Overview
This course will not only provide you with an overview of performance nutrition but also coaching philosophy principles, communication and behaviour change. The Performance Nutrition Diploma will develop and enhance your soft skills so you can have the best chance of having the greatest impact on those who you choose to work with. We have created the most complete Performance Nutrition course in the industry that will leave you fully accredited and qualified to go out and start coaching and educating a whole new client base.
Qualification Details
QRN: 601/5840/2
Credit: 52
GLH: 346
TQT: 520
Qualification Structure
On completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Performance Nutrition, you will be able to prescribe guided plans for a wide range of athletes and clients as well as educate them on the nutritional principles that will help them in performing at their best. There is a number of options available for you to pursue be it working with sports teams, private clients, supplement companies or wellness providers. The Diploma in Performance nutrition is also an excellent way to set your self apart as a performance coach by adding performance nutrition to your repertoire.
To achieve the Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training (RQF), learners must achieve 52 credits from all 10 mandatory units.
Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH)
Level 3 – Supporting Behaviour Change
Level 4 – Nutrition for Health
Level 5 – Nutrition for Physical Activity and Sport
Learner Entry Requirements
There is also an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading, and writing) involved so learners should have basic skills in communication at Level 2.
Progression Routes
Learners wishing to progress from this qualification can undertake the following qualifications:
- Level 4 Certificate in Nutrition for Weight Management and Athletic Performance (RQF) copy
- Focus Awards Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (RQF)
Age Ranges
Entry is at the discretion of the centre; however, learners should be a minimum of 16 years old to undertake this qualification.
Please note that 16 to 18 year-olds may need to be supervised in the workplace, once they have achieved the qualification.
Geographical Coverage
This qualification is available in England and Northern Ireland.
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations
Please refer to the Focus Awards ‘Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy’.
On completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Performance Nutrition, you will be able to prescribe guided plans for a wide range of athletes and clients as well as educate them on the nutritional principles that will help them in performing at their best. There is a number of options available for you to pursue be it working with sports teams, private clients, supplement companies or wellness providers. The Diploma in Performance nutrition is also an excellent way to set your self apart as a performance coach by adding performance nutrition to your repertoire.
Assessment Methods
There is a number of different assessments throughout the Diploma in Performance Nutrition each complete through the APEC learning platform and live case study assessment.
The following assessments need to complete to be awarded your Diploma in Performance Nutrition.
- Complete and pass MCQ exams Level 3, 4 & Level 5.
- Complete the online cases studies at the end of each section Level 3, 4 & Level 5.
- Complete Learner Assessment Pack (LAP) workbooks Level 3, 4 & Level 5.
Before assessments are carried out, students will be briefed on what is required. Any issues or queries you have will be answered by a member of our support team.
The Diploma in Performance Nutrition is internally assessed.
Each learner is required to create a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates achievement of all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria associated with each unit. The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include:
- Assessor observation
- Witness Testimony
- Learner product
- Worksheets
- Assignments/projects/reports
- Record of oral and written questioning
- Learner and peer reports
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Useful websites and supporting materials
The Module Breakdown
How the APEC Nutrition course is broken down module by module
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7
Module 8
Module 9
Module 10
Module 11
Eating for Performance
Module 12
Hydration for Performance
Module 13
Nutritional Strategies
Module 14
Supplementation
Module 15
Anti-doping
The Module Breakdown
How the APEC Nutrition course is broken down module by module
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7
Module 8
Module 9
Module 10
Alcohol and Medicine
Module 11
Eating for Performance
Module 12
Hydration for Performance
Module 13
Nutritional Strategies
Module 14
Supplementation
Module 15
Anti-doping
Module for career pathways
1-ST Course

Certificate in Nutrition for Health and Wellbeing level 3 & 4 2 months
2-ND Course
Diploma in Performance Nutrition Level 5 4 month

3-RD Course
Diploma in Health Coaching Level 5 6 months

FINAL Course
Applied Degree Nutruition Science 1 year

Module for career pathways
1-ST Course

2-ND Course

3-RD Course

FINAL COURSE

Unrivalled Career Support
Guaranteed Interviews
APEC guarantees post-course interviews with leading gym brands, securing your dream Nutrition Coaching job after graduation.
Professional Guidance
Free CV analysis, 1-to-1 interview preparation, and expert career advice equip you for ongoing success.
Alumni Benefits
Hundreds of exclusive discounts including supplements, clothing & insurance to help you excel as a Nutrition Coach.
Avaliable Packages
Personal Training &
Nutrition Course Package
- Level 5 Diploma In Performance Nutrition (RQF)
- Level 5 Diploma In Health Coaching (RQF)
From:
€ 1,800
€ 3,600
Personal Training, Nutrition & Strength & Conditioning Course Package
- Level 4 Diploma In Personal Training (RQF)
-
Level 5 Diploma In Performance Nutrition (RQF)
- Level 5 Diploma In Strength & Conditioning (RQF)
From:
€ 2,700
€ 5,400




Testimonials

“I completed my fitness instructor and personal training certificate with APEC. The delivery of the course was second to none and being able to learn at my own pace was an added bonus. The knowledge I learned from the course has made becoming a personal trainer that bit easier. I now work with a variety of different individuals helping them achieve their goals on the gym floor and also work with clients online too, building them programs specific to their goals. I have no doubt that the understanding this course gave me in fitness, anatomy and programming is what has made me successful in the fitness industry. The coaches are always quick to reply to any emails/questions and are extremely knowledgeable and experienced. In my eyes APEC has one of the best fitness and personal training courses out there and I highly recommend them if you want to be successful in the fitness industry”
Molly O’Sullivan
S&C coach swim Ireland

My name is Andy Murphy and I run and operate Urban Gym which is a boutique style fitness facility in New Ross which is also home to Team Ryano Wexford MMA. I’ve been in the leisure industry the past 16 years and to quote Socrates, ‘I know one thing, that I know nothing.’ In our field and line of work you can never stop learning. This industry continues to grow and evolve. It’s this very reason that on a personal level I seek to constantly grow and evolve with it and add strings to my bow that will enable me to become a better coach and mentor to my athletes and members. I cannot recommend APEC courses enough. First off the guys are not only extremely knowledgeable in their field but they are genuinely nice guys that make you feel welcome from the moment you sign up to their course…
Andy Murphy
Owner and coach Urban Gym, new ross, Wexford

I completed the Fitness Instructor course with APEC in 2019 and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made! I was unsure on where I wanted to complete my qualification but after learning about the experience of the coaches and reading more about the course content, I knew I would be in good hands with APEC. The course itself worked really well with my busy schedule, it had the perfect blend of online and in person learning and assessments. The in person learning and practical assessment took place over the course of a weekend and Shane was fantastic at ensuring we focused on form and communication in everything we were doing right from the start. The whole team were fantastic and so open to questions and sharing their experience. I would recommend a course with APEC to anyone looking to become a PT, fitness instructor or even anyone looking to elevate their own knowledge of the fitness world to the next level. You won’t regret it!
Ciara Smith
Coach at F45 Dublin

On the APEC course I’ve learned a lot and I am really excited to keep on learning and adding more knowledge to the pot.
Would like to pass on a big thank you to Sam and Shane. Both were incredibly professional and knowledgeable and they really went the extra mile to make us feel comfortable and gave us lots of confidence when we were nervous when going through the exams.
Looking forward to keep on going and learning with you.
Frank Lopez
PT and S&C coach DT fitness cork

I firstly completed my fitness instructor and personal training diplomas with APEC which gave me a super foundation of knowledge through the online content provided as part of the course. I got great value from the content which really set me up from a theoretical point of view through the anatomy and physiology, nutrition and lifestyle management, client motivation, and exercise programming components, as well as the practical content where the tutors went out of their way to help. I enjoyed the course so much I returned to complete my Strength and Conditioning qualification also!