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Train as a Professional Health Coach — Advanced Nutrition, Lifestyle Medicine, and Whole-Health Coaching Skills
UKIHCA Approved - Gold Standard. Multiple Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualifications. Not-for-profit fees. Tutors who are practising professionals.
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching
🎓 Multiple Level 5 Qualifications Two Ofqual-regulated certifications available within one programme**
✅ UKIHCA Approved - Gold Standard The highest professional benchmark in UK health coaching
💼 Earn While You Learn Start seeing clients before you even graduate
💛 Not-for-Profit Fees No shareholders. No sales pressure. Better value.
⏱️ 670 Hours of Depth Not a weekend certificate
This is not a short online certificate. It is a serious practitioner-level training pathway for people who want the confidence, credibility, and professional skills to work with real clients.
Earn While You Learn with Interim Ofqual-Regulated Level 5 Qualifications
A key benefit of training with Active Health Group is the opportunity to gain two interim Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualifications while completing the full programme.
Partway through the course, learners can achieve:
Level 5 Certificate in Coaching for Health and Wellbeing
Level 5 Certificate in Gut Microbiome and Nutrition
These nationally recognised qualifications allow learners to begin practising sooner, supporting an earn-while-you-learn pathway and reducing the financial pressure often associated with long professional training programmes.
By gaining regulated Level 5 certification along the way, learners can start building professional credibility, working with clients, and generating income while continuing their studies toward full programme completion. This staged qualification structure offers exceptional value for money, faster return on investment, and a smoother transition into professional practice.
You can book these additional qualifications at stages throughout your course, for an additional fee of £250.00 per qualification (prices correct as of 1st January 2026)
Active Health Group is one of the few UK training providers to offer this integrated, step-by-step qualification pathway, combining academic depth with real-world employability.
"AHG don't just do 'courses', although it will serve you well to be highly motivated, to support your self-directed learning, absorb live classes, make connections, and dedicate the time and space for your personal growth.
I'm very fortunate to be part of the Alumni at AHG ~ in the words of Isabella Natrins CEO of the UK & International Health Coaches Association (UKIHCA), sharing the feedback from others engaging with us, 'there's just something about Active Health and its graduates like no other'."
Mandie L - AHG Health Coach Graduate
Trusted by 000's of students since 2000 · 95% course completion rate · 60% referred by alumni
Level 5 Health Coaching Qualification – Whole-Health & Root-Cause Focused
The Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching qualification from Active Health Group is designed for those who want to work professionally as Health Coaches within a modern, evidence-based, whole-health framework.
This advanced qualification goes beyond surface-level behaviour change. It trains coaches to support clients in exploring the root causes of health challenges, empowering sustainable lifestyle change through skilled coaching, systems thinking, and person-centred practice.
Our Level 5 training is approved by the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA) and meets their Professional Standards for Education and Training in Whole-Health & Wellbeing Coaching (2024), preparing graduates for safe, ethical, and effective professional practice.
This course is 100% online and can be started at any time.
What is Whole-Health Coaching? The Approach Behind Our Level 5 Training
Real health is not simply the absence of symptoms. It is shaped by the daily interaction of lifestyle, nutrition, environment, physiology, mindset, relationships, and sense of purpose.
Our Level 5 Health Coaching training is built on a whole-health model — one of the most evidence-informed approaches in professional health coaching today. Rather than addressing behaviours in isolation, learners are trained to work with the full context of a client's life, recognising how physical, emotional, psychological, social, and environmental factors all influence health outcomes.
This is what separates a skilled health coach from a generic wellness adviser. Level 5 Health Coaches trained with Active Health Group learn to identify patterns across nutrition, stress, sleep, movement, relationships, and life pressures, supporting clients to make changes that are meaningful, realistic, and built to last.
Functional Medicine Principles in Health Coach Training — What You Will Learn
Our Level 5 Health Coaching programme is strongly informed by functional and systems-based thinking — one of the most sought-after frameworks in modern integrative health practice.
This is not a Functional Medicine practitioner qualification, and we are clear about that. What it does give you is a working understanding of the principles that underpin functional medicine, so you can apply a root-cause perspective in every client conversation.
During your Level 5 training you will explore how to move beyond symptom chasing and ask better questions. You will learn to recognise patterns, triggers, and contributing factors across a client's health history, understand the role of lifestyle, environment, and stress physiology in chronic health challenges, and appreciate the biological individuality that makes every client different.
Health Coaches do not diagnose or prescribe. What they do — and what this training equips you to do with confidence — is support clients to understand their own health, make informed lifestyle changes, and work effectively alongside GPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals.
This root-cause, systems-informed approach is increasingly recognised across NHS-adjacent services, corporate wellbeing, and integrative health settings. Graduates leave with both the language and the practical framework to work at this level.
What This Level 5 Health Coaching Qualification Prepares You For
The Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching qualification prepares you to work as a professional Health Coach in a range of settings, including private practice, community health, corporate wellbeing, integrative health clinics, and multidisciplinary teams.
Graduates develop the confidence to:
Deliver one-to-one and group health coaching sessions
Support behaviour change using evidence-based coaching models
Work ethically within a defined professional scope of practice
Recognise red flags and refer appropriately
Integrate lifestyle and health knowledge using a coaching approach
Maintain professional standards, supervision, and CPD
Course Structure – Level 5 Health Coach Training UK
The programme comprises 670 hours of guided learning, with a maximum completion period of 18 months.
This includes:
120 hours of live, interactive teaching, delivered online (see FAQ below for teaching times)
50 hours of coaching practice, live and experiential
Independent study, reflective work, and assessed coursework
Live sessions are scheduled across afternoons, evenings, and selected weekends, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, as this is a Level 5 programme, learners should be prepared to study at a higher education level and be able to engage with independent learning.
Applicants should have:
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Basic computer and internet skills.
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Good written English and the ability to communicate effectively.
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The ability to study independently and manage their own learning.
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A willingness to develop critical thinking skills, evaluate evidence, and apply learning in practice.
This course is designed to support motivated learners from a wide range of backgrounds, whether they are entering the profession for the first time or wishing to develop their existing knowledge and skills.
Professional Recognition and Career Development
The Active Health Group Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching (UKIHCA-approved) is the primary qualification awarded on successful completion of this programme and represents the culmination of your training.
For learners wishing to gain additional nationally recognised qualifications, there is also the opportunity to register for optional Ofqual-regulated certifications (additional certification fees apply).
These optional qualifications do not require any additional learning, assignments or assessments beyond those already completed as part of the Advanced Diploma programme. They recognise work you are already undertaking, meaning learners simply choose whether they would like the additional regulated certification.
Optional regulated qualifications include:
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Focus Awards Level 5 Certificate in Coaching for Health and Wellbeing (Ofqual regulated)
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Focus Awards Level 5 Certificate in Gut Microbiome and Nutrition (Ofqual regulated)
Many learners choose to add one or both of these regulated qualifications as milestones within their professional journey. They provide an opportunity to evidence nationally recognised achievements, begin building professional credibility, and potentially start generating income within their scope of practice whilst continuing towards the full Advanced Diploma.
The Active Health Group Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching remains the flagship qualification of the programme. It integrates health coaching, nutrition, behaviour change, professional practice, ethics and real-world application into a comprehensive training pathway designed to prepare graduates for professional practice.
For those who choose to add the optional regulated qualifications, the combination of nationally regulated awards alongside the UKIHCA-approved Advanced Diploma provides further evidence of academic achievement and professional development. Together, these qualifications can enhance credibility with employers, insurers, professional bodies and clients, while demonstrating a commitment to high standards of education and ethical practice.
Whether learners complete the Advanced Diploma alone or choose to add one or more optional regulated qualifications, they graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support clients using evidence-informed, person-centred health and nutrition coaching.
A Snapshot of What You’ll Learn
Integrative Health & Nutrition Topics:
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Gut health, autoimmunity, food intolerances
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Stress management, weight issues, hormone balance
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Psychoneuroimmunology, mind-body medicine
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Nutrition across life stages, specialist diets, sports nutrition
Coaching & Mentoring:
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Behaviour change, motivational interviewing, NLP
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Goal setting, trauma-informed coaching, positive psychology
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Professional boundaries, red flags, ethics
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Workplace wellness and group coaching
Business & Marketing:
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Business planning, branding, digital marketing
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Social media strategy, niche development
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Creating and delivering your own signature programme
HOLISTIC HEALTH
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Anatomy & Physiology
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Pathology
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Health Solutions
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Chronic Health Conditions
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Psychoneuroimmunology
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Mind-Body Link
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Autoimmune Issues
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Gut Health
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Food Intolerances
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Weight Management
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Mens Health
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Womens Health
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Environmental Toxins
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Breathwork
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Mindfulness
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Meditation
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Stress Management
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Lifestyle Management
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Physical Activity for Health
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Polyvagal Theory
NUTRITION
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Nutrition Science
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Modern Nutrition Protocols
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Advanced Nutrition Protocols
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Specific Needs Nutrition
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Sports Nutrition
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Food Knowledge
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Evidence Based Supplements
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Specialist Diets
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Nutrition for Physical Activity
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Nutrition through the Life Stages
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Nutrition for Health Issues
COACHING
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Professional Practice
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Red Flags
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Principles and Concepts of Health Coaching
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Effective Communication
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Coaching Theories and Practice
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NLP Techniques
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Coaching with NLP
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Group Coaching
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Behaviour Change Techniques
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Goal Setting
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Stress Management
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Mental Health Awareness
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Trauma Informed Practice
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Emotional Intelligence
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Positive Psychology
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Motivational Interviewing
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Workplace Wellness Coaching
Extensive Live Learning Opportunities
More than an online course.
In addition to your core training, AHG learners have access to a wide range of live learning and professional development opportunities, delivered online, including:
✓ Live enhanced lessons and workshops
✓ Professional reflective practice and supervision sessions
✓ Student Success & Accountability Sessions
✓ Nutrition and health workshops
✓ Guest expert presentations
✓ Monthly Build Your Business mentoring sessions
✓ Coaching practice and networking opportunities
Designed to support not only your qualification, but your confidence, professional development, and long-term success.
Why Choose Active Health Group?
Real Practitioners, Not Just Teachers
Our tutors are experienced practitioners who have worked directly with clients in health, nutrition, coaching, and wellbeing settings. Training is grounded in real-world practice rather than theory alone.
Extensive Live Learning Opportunities
Learners have access to a wide range of live classes, workshops, coaching practice sessions, supervision groups, accountability sessions, and professional development events throughout the year, creating a vibrant learning community beyond the core curriculum.
A Supportive Professional Community
AHG learners and graduates become part of an active community of coaches, nutrition practitioners, therapists, and wellbeing professionals, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and peer support.
Flexible Study Around Your Life
Study at your own pace while balancing work, family, and existing commitments. Most learners fit their studies around busy professional and personal lives.
Training Designed for Real Client Work
Our programmes are designed to help you develop practical skills and confidence that can be applied immediately within coaching, wellbeing, nutrition, or complementary health settings.
Multiple Progression Routes
Whether you are starting your first health coaching qualification or progressing towards advanced nutrition and coaching practice, AHG offers clear pathways for professional development.
Established and Trusted
Active Health Group has been supporting health and wellbeing professionals for over 25 years and has trained thousands of learners across the UK and internationally.
Investment and Enrollment
The Level 5 Advanced Health & Nutrition Coaching course costs £3,599, with a 10% discount available if you pay in full.
If you pay by monthly instalments - Your lessons will be released monthly over 12 months, starting from the course start date, as part of our pay-as-you-learn scheme (terms apply, see FAQ below). You will pay £299.91 per month for 12 months on continuous credit/debit card payment.
To support our learners, we also offer the course to be taken on a year-by-year basis, which means your monthly payments will be smaller. Please click here for full details.
This structured approach allows us to provide better tutor support, clearer progression, and a high-quality learning experience for everyone on the course.
We keep our fees as low as possible as we operate as a non-profit training provider.
**You can book these additional qualifications at stages throughout your course, for an additional fee of £250.00 per qualification (prices correct as of 1st January 2026)
Please note: We do not accept Advanced Learner Loans.
Course Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average duration of this course? This course has been accredited at 670 hours. We recommend studying a minimum of 7 hours per week. You have up to 18 months to complete. Learners take on average 12 months to complete, studying at their own pace.
Are there assignments, exams and case studies? How is the course assessed? At the end of most of the modules there will be some type of assignment, usually short essay style, Q&A or self-reflection. There is also an end of course knowledge review. All learners have to undertake 50 coaching sessions, which constitutes your case studies. We give ample training prior to this, and help our learners to access people looking to volunteer. Learners must attend 120 hours of live teaching sessions, to achieve the final UKIHCA approved qualification. Learners will also attend a Professional Discussion at the end of the course.
Do you provide client forms and programmes? We provide you with a wide range of client forms, covering both coaching and nutrition. Whilst you are free to use these, we always encourage you to create your own when you know how you best work. We also provide some generic programmes for you, and again, we provide these to use, but more importantly to show you how to create your own that are unique to you, and what you offer. Working generically is not the best way when it comes to working with clients, and we teach you how to tailor the programmes to suit your clients. We also teach how to work with companies that will provide you with blood testing and diagnostic services, so that you can offer an even fuller service to your clients.
What support do you offer? We pride ourselves in offering the best support around. As well as regular supervised online peer support groups, we offer monthly supervision, and pastoral support. We also have a thriving online peer support platform, where our students, mentors and graduates offer each other support. We have a student support team to help you with the day-to-day questions, and tutors are available for anything technical.
Do I need to attend live sessions and when are they? Yes - you need to attend 120 hours of live interactive Zoom lessons over the duration of your course. We run a weekly session each Thursday from 7pm until 8:30/9pm, plus additional workshops, peer support groups, mentoring groups, and supervision groups, at various times, to allow as many opportunities to attend. Our schedule is published in advance. We record most of our live sessions so that you can catch up if you miss a session - however, these do not count as live attendance hours. If you do not meet the requirement for 120 hours of live sessions, you will not achieve the final Level 5 Diplomas (AHG Advanced Diploma and Focus Diploma)
Why is your course considerably less than others with similar accreditations? We are quite unique in that we are a not-for-profit training company. Because we do not have to pay out dividends to shareholders, we can keep our course fees low. We also do not employ sales people to sell our courses. If you book a call to discuss a course, you will speak to one of our actual course tutors, who are best placed to give you the most accurate advice about the course and the industry, and don't follow a script.
Which organisations can I join? Upon successful completion of the course, if you have attended 120 hours of live sessions, you will be eligible to join the UKIHCA as a FULL member. If you have not met the 120 hours criteria, you can join them as an affiliate. You can also join IICT, IPHM, FNTP, and we also recommend you join the Nutrition Society.
Why do you offer optional additional qualifications within your course? Our Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Health and Nutrition Coaching is a comprehensive, stand-alone professional qualification. However, we recognise that every learner's career goals are different. For this reason, we also offer the opportunity to gain optional Ofqual-regulated qualifications alongside the Advanced Diploma (additional certification fees apply). These regulated awards are based on the same learning and assessments completed during the programme, so there is no additional coursework or assignments required—only the choice of whether you would like the additional certification. Some learners choose to add these qualifications because they can provide an earlier, nationally recognised milestone, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge, enhance their CV, and begin developing their coaching practice while continuing towards the full Advanced Diploma. Others simply complete the Advanced Diploma, which remains our flagship qualification and is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice through an integrated programme of health coaching, nutrition, behaviour change, ethics, and professional development. By offering this flexibility, learners can choose the qualification pathway that best suits their professional ambitions, budget, and career plans.
Does your course include Trauma, Mental Health, and Neurodivergence Awareness? Yes. Our training includes dedicated coverage of trauma awareness, mental health awareness, and neurodivergence awareness as essential components of safe, ethical health coaching practice. Learners are trained to recognise how trauma and neurodivergent experiences can influence behaviour, health, communication, and change processes. This awareness supports inclusive, person-centred coaching, appropriate boundary-setting, and timely referral, ensuring graduates work safely, compassionately, and within scope of practice across NHS-aligned services, private practice, and corporate wellbeing settings.
What are the terms of your pay-as-you-learn subscription? Our pay-as-you-learn option is a 12-month payment plan, paid by continuous credit or debit card payments with your consent. Monthly payments are taken automatically and cannot extend beyond 12 months. Access to course materials, learning platforms, and live sessions is conditional on payments being up to date. If a payment is missed: After 7 days, access to the course, learning materials, and live sessions will be temporarily suspended. After 14 days, the learner may be administratively withdrawn from the programme due to non-payment, and access will be removed. Payments already made relate to access and services already provided and are therefore non-refundable. Where a learner has been withdrawn due to non-payment, access may only be reinstated if the remaining course balance is paid in full within 28 days of the missed payment. If the outstanding balance is not settled within this period, enrolment will be permanently closed, and no further access will be available.
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