Clinical nutrition is a critical discipline within modern healthcare, addressing the prevention, management, and treatment of disease through evidence-based dietary and nutritional interventions. The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN) has been designed to provide healthcare professionals with advanced expertise in nutrition science, patient care, and clinical practice. This postgraduate qualification is tailored to meet international standards, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to take on specialist, leadership, and research roles in the field of clinical nutrition.
The programme explores the integration of nutritional science into clinical practice, focusing on the management of chronic and acute diseases, nutritional assessment, therapeutic interventions, and public health nutrition. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, this diploma empowers learners to address complex nutritional challenges within multidisciplinary healthcare settings.
Graduates of this programme will be able to apply advanced principles of nutrition to optimise patient outcomes, contribute to healthcare policy, and engage in academic or clinical research. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, the PgDCN ensures learners are prepared for the evolving demands of modern healthcare.
Clinical nutrition plays an essential role in addressing global health challenges such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and malnutrition. The QualCert Level 7 PgDCN equips professionals with specialist knowledge and clinical insight to meet these challenges. By completing this programme, learners will gain the confidence to deliver patient-focused nutritional interventions, contribute to healthcare improvements, and advance in leadership roles within clinical nutrition and public health.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27233- 1 | Advanced Principles of Human Nutrition and Metabolism | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27233-2 | Nutritional Assessment, Screening, and Clinical Investigations | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27233-3 | Nutrition in the Management of Chronic and Acute Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27233-4 | Gastrointestinal Disorders, Malnutrition, and Critical Care Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27233-5 | Public Health Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Preventive Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27233-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Clinical Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment
Educational Background:
- An undergraduate degree in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dietetics, nutrition, or a closely related health or life sciences field
Experience:
- Relevant clinical, healthcare, or professional experience in nutrition, dietetics, or allied health practice is recommended, especially for applicants without a nutrition-related degree
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate English language proficiency at a level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or higher, or an accepted equivalent, to ensure ability to engage with postgraduate-level study
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (PgDCN):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Human Nutrition and Metabolism
- Analyse the biochemical and physiological roles of macro and micronutrients
- Evaluate the relationship between nutrition, metabolism, and human health
- Critically appraise current research in nutritional biochemistry
- Apply advanced knowledge of metabolism to clinical case scenarios
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment, Screening, and Clinical Investigations
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using validated tools
- Interpret biochemical, anthropometric, and clinical indicators of nutritional status
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional screening methods in healthcare settings
- Integrate nutritional assessments into multidisciplinary patient care plans
Unit 3: Nutrition in the Management of Chronic and Acute Diseases
- Examine the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease
- Apply nutritional interventions for acute conditions and post-surgical recovery
- Assess the impact of dietary modification on disease progression and patient outcomes
- Develop individualised nutrition care plans aligned with evidence-based practice
Unit 4: Gastrointestinal Disorders, Malnutrition, and Critical Care Nutrition
- Analyse the impact of gastrointestinal disorders on nutritional status and management
- Evaluate strategies for preventing and treating hospital-acquired malnutrition
- Apply clinical nutrition protocols in intensive care and critical care environments
- Formulate evidence-based approaches for enteral and parenteral nutrition support
Unit 5: Public Health Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Preventive Strategies
- Assess the role of nutrition in reducing population-level health risks
- Critically evaluate national and global public health nutrition strategies
- Design lifestyle-based nutrition interventions for disease prevention
- Examine the social, cultural, and economic influences on dietary behaviour
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Clinical Nutrition
- Critically appraise research methodologies in clinical nutrition
- Apply evidence-based approaches to improve patient care and outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within clinical nutrition practice
- Develop proposals for research or quality improvement projects in nutrition
The Course is ideal for ;
This programme is ideal for healthcare and allied health professionals who wish to enhance their expertise in clinical nutrition, including:
- Medical doctors and physicians
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- Dietitians and nutritionists
- Pharmacists with an interest in nutrition therapy
- Public health practitioners and health educators
- Allied health professionals seeking to specialise in clinical nutrition
- Researchers and academics pursuing advanced studies in nutrition science
It is particularly suited to professionals aiming to integrate nutritional science into clinical practice, research, public health strategies, or healthcare leadership roles.
Approved centres delivering this qualification must:
- Have appropriately qualified academic and clinical staff with expertise in nutrition and healthcare
- Provide access to suitable teaching and learning resources, including current research, clinical guidelines, and case studies
- Maintain facilities and learning support to meet postgraduate-level study requirements
- Ensure systems are in place for assessment, internal quality assurance, and learner support
- Provide opportunities for learners to engage with evidence-based practice and professional development activities