Course Structure

About the program

The Diploma program is offered by Distance Learning on a part-time basis over two 10 month periods beginning in February each year.

Year 1 - Foundations of Sports Nutrition February-November

Year 2 - Practical Sports Nutrition February-November

Delivery of the program involves a variety of teaching methods, including lectures in electronic format, web-based materials, paper-based reading, on-line discussion forum and other Internet based activities.

Each part of the program consists of lectures in electronic format, supported by directed private study, and includes formal assessment elements.

Program Delivery and Structure

Lectures consist of computer-based presentations with audio and video, and incorporate self-assessment and interactive elements where appropriate.

Lecture material is supplemented by a program of directed study, including review papers and original research publications.

Students are provided with a comprehensive portfolio of reading material in electronic format. Core course textbooks and a subscription to the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism are provided to all students as part of the registration fee.

Each course includes regular assignments and a formal examination to be completed by students.

In addition to the coursework contained in these modules, students are offered the opportunity to participate in an annual residential meeting.

Upon successful completion of all compulsory elements of the program, including coursework, assignments and examinations, students are eligible to graduate with an IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition.

IOC Diploma program in Sports Nutrition

Year 1

Module 1: An Introduction to Sport and Exercise Nutrition 

Module 2: Energy Balance and Body Composition 

Module 3: Protein needs for exercise and eating for muscle gain 

Module 4: Nutrition for training 

Module 5: Nutrition for competition preparation 

Module 6: Fluid and fuel intake during competition and training 

Module 7: Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and the athlete’s health 

Module 8: Dietary supplements and ergogenic aids

Module 9: Professional practice 

Module 10: Special studies module  

Year 2

Module 1: An introduction to practical sports nutrition

Module 2: Sport-specific strategies to enhance performance: endurance and endurance trained sports

Module 3: Sport-specific strategies to enhance performance: winter sports 

Module 4: Sports-specific strategies to enhance performance: intermittent sports 

Module 5: Sport-specific strategies to enhance performance: weight restricted and weight sensitive sports 

Module 6:  Sport-specific strategies to enhance performance: strength and power sports

Module 7: Nutrition, physical activity and health 

Module 8: Special Populations 

Module 9: Nutritional needs in special environments 

Module 10: Special studies module

Annual Residential Meeting

An annual residential meeting will be held and students will have the opportunity to attend one meeting during each year of study. Attendance at these meetings is encouraged but is not a requirement for successful completion of the Program. The annual meeting allows you:

  • To meet fellow students and tutors
  • Take part in an international conference