• Access Duration:  1 Year
• Awarded by: Qualifi
• Qualification Level:  Level 5
• Qualification Number: 610/2578/1
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 108
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 170
• Credits: 17

• Explain digestion and its importance while exploring the latest nutrition guidelines.
• Describe the structure, function and sources of macro- and micro-nutrients and work out how much energy you need.
• Learn how the gut contributes to innate immunity.
• Understand the microbiome, microbiota and microflora, and explain how short-chain fatty acids benefit gut health.
• Learn how things like diet, stress, and medications can impact microbiome health.
• Identify the most common gut health problems like GERD, Coeliac Disease, IBS, SIBO and lactose intolerance.
• Discuss the gut-brain axis and the interaction between hormones and the gut microbiome.
• Understand what healthy eating means and how resistant starch and probiotics contribute to gut health.

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring nutrition coaches and health coaches
• Wellbeing and lifestyle practitioners
• Complementary therapists (e.g., massage therapists, reflexologists)
• Fitness professionals and personal trainer
• Corporate wellbeing coordinators
• Career changers with a passion for gut health and nutrition
• Existing health professionals adding a nutrition and microbiome specialism
• Anyone seeking an Ofqual regulated qualification to build credibility in nutrition advice

• You must be aged 18 or over to apply.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (4 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (2 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 5 Certificate requires approximately 108 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

Internal Assessment: The qualification is graded and assessed by assessors at South London College and externally quality assured by Qualifi.

Assessment Tasks: You will be assessed through case-study assignments, multiple-choice questions and critical-thinking tasks.

Grading: This qualification is graded as Pass or Fail. To get the qualification, you will need to pass all the required assessments.

A Qualifi Level 5 Certificate in Human Nutrition and Gut Microbiome will allow you to progress onto higher level qualifications in health coaching, nutrition and other related fields of expertise.

Next Steps for a Potential Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 1: Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Nutrition and Health Coaching
• Step 2: Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Health
• Step 3: Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition

Alternative Pathways:

• Specialist CPD courses in sports nutrition, women’s health, or mental health.
• Professional coach accreditation through the International Coach Federation (ICF) or UKIHCA.

This Level 5 certificate will boost your employability as a professional and assist you in landing specialist jobs in the health and wellness industry.

Here are some career opportunities you could pursue as you gain experience and complete this qualification, along with approximate UK salaries. (Source: Glassdoor UK)

• Nutrition Coach – £30,000
• Health and Wellbeing Coach – £28,000
• Gut Health Specialist – £27,500
• Wellness Consultant – £27,000
• Lifestyle Coach – £26,000
• Complementary Therapist (with nutrition focus) – £24,000
• Nutrition Advisor – £23,500

Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, is the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. It regulates to help ensure that regulated qualifications maintain consistent standards and are trusted by the public. Ofqual regulation sets out the regulatory requirements that recognised awarding organisations and their regulated qualifications must meet.The design of the qualification, assessment requirements and quality-assurance arrangements are the responsibility of the awarding organisation. Approved centres deliver the qualification in accordance with those requirements, while assessment and marking arrangements are determined by the awarding organisation.

For this qualification, Qualifi normally appoints markers and moderators, marks and moderates assignments, agrees the final marks and issues certificates, unless otherwise agreed. The qualification may support progression to further study or relevant employment, depending on the entry requirements of individual education providers and employers.