About the Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy and Nutrition
Naturopathy is not a therapy but a philosophy of health, combining vitalistic principles with biological sciences. All civilisations have used natural means to assist the body’s natural healing processes. Naturopathic medicine today draws on these ancient understandings and integrates it with modern day scientific knowledge. The scope of practice of naturopaths includes a range of healing modalities such as nutrition, herbal medicine, flower essences and stress management techniques.
The focus on nutrition in the western world has heightened in recent years with such trends as escalating obesity and diabetes rates. There has been an enormous amount of research to show that diet has an integral part to play in the prevention and treatment of a large number of common illnesses.
As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat”. This simple statement could not better sum up the fact that the tissues that make up our bodies are built on the foods that we put in the supermarket trolley
All of this is covered to help give our students a broader understanding during their time and study throughout the Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy and Nutrition.

Course Details
This programme consists of 16 courses which are each worth 15 credits.
(All courses are compulsory.)
Course Code | Course Name | Course Credits |
DHS 701 | Nutritional Biochemistry | 15 |
DHS 702 | Pathology and Clinical Science | 15 |
DHS 703 | Herbal Medicine Materia Medica | 15 |
DHS 704 | Complementary Therapies I | 15 |
DHS 705 | Complementary Therapies II | 15 |
DHS 706 | Dietary Plan (Lifestyle) | 15 |
DHS 707 | Clinical Skills | 15 |
DHS 708 | Clinical Examinations | 15 |
DHS 721 | Clinical Diagnostics | 15 |
DHS 722 | Medicinal Food Science | 15 |
DHS 723 | Clinical Case Studies | 15 |
DHS 724 | Advanced Herbal Medicine | 15 |
DHS 725 | Pharmacology | 15 |
DHS 726 | Psychology and Counselling Theory | 15 |
DHS 727 | Establish and Manage a Practice | 15 |
DHS 728 | Clinical Practicum | 15 |
Total | 240 |
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the community with naturopaths and nutritionists who can apply in-depth scientific knowledge of the human body to assist people with the prevention of lifestyle based health issues and health conditions or diseases.
Graduates will be able to work as practicing Naturopaths or Nutritionists to provide good naturopathic nutrition advice based on current health science and wellness trends
Education Pathway
Graduates will be able to undertake higher education in the areas of naturopathy, nutrition, health-related disciplines, health science, as well as complementary and natural medicine.
Graduates will have a pathway to degrees in Naturopathy and Nutrition.
Employment Pathway
Graduates are able to work as:
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists and Lifestyle Coaches
- Health and Nutrition Advisors.
Applicants should demonstrate an ability to succeed in tertiary study, shown by the completion of any of the following qualifications or courses of study:
- New Zealand Diploma in Health Science (Level 5)
OR
- Equivalent qualification
AND
- Comprehensive First Aid Certificate (Units 6400, 6401, 6402) needs to be valid and current while enrolled in the programme
Where transfer of credit for previous study is being applied for, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Form must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the Semester start date.
See the Recognition of Prior Learning section for full RPL criteria and details on how to undertake an application.
Two years full time or four years part time
The Advanced Diploma is offered as a blended programme of study. The majority of your learning will be based from home, using online materials. You will also be expected to attend one five day workshop in year one and two five day workshops in year two.
February and July each year. For exact start dates please refer to the calendar.
Tuition Fees | $9,074.72 |
The following currently lists the compulsory of text book for the qualification (subject to change).
Title | Author(s) |
Human Anatomy and Physiology | Marieb & Hoehn |
Staying Healthy with Nutrition | Haas & Levin |
Understanding Pathophysiology | Craft, Gordon & Tiziani |
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine | Murray & Pizzorno |
Encyclopaedia of Healing Foods | Murray & Pizzorno |
Clinical Naturopathic Medicine | Hechtman |
Understanding Nutrition: Aust & NZ Ed. | Whitney, Rolfe, Crowe & Walsh |
The Complementary Therapist’s Guide to Red Flags and Referrals | Stephenson |
Materia Medica of Western Herbs | Fisher |
Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence based guide | Braun & Cohen |
The Sacred Plant Medicine of Aotearoa | Ofsoske-Wybe |
Complete Guide to Aromatherapy | Battaglia |
Materia Medica and Repertory for Homeobotanical Therapy | Bekker & Humphreys |
Facial Diagnosis of cell salt deficiencies | Card |
Jarvis’s Physical Examination and Health Assessment Australian and New Zealand Edition | Forbes & Watt |
Blood Chemistry & CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory testing from a functional perspective | Weatherby & Ferguson |
Flash cards for iridology | Miller |
The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers | Bone & Mills |
Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, Modern Herbal Medicine | Bone & Mills |
The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook: A Home Manual | Green |
Pharmacology for health professionals | Bryant & Knights |
Law and Ethics in Complementary Medicine | Weir |
***You can purchase your textbooks from our Bookshop***