The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (PgD Nutritional Counseling) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare and nutrition professionals seeking to develop specialised skills in nutritional guidance and behavioural support. This programme equips learners with the expertise to provide personalised nutritional counselling, support lifestyle modifications, and empower clients to achieve optimal health outcomes through evidence-based strategies.
Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this diploma covers critical areas including motivational interviewing, behaviour change techniques, dietary assessment, personalised nutrition planning, and counselling ethics. Learners will gain the ability to understand clients’ needs, develop tailored intervention strategies, and apply advanced communication skills to support sustainable dietary and lifestyle improvements.
This qualification is ideal for dietitians, nutritionists, health coaches, wellness practitioners, and other healthcare professionals who wish to specialise in nutritional counselling. By completing this programme, learners will develop strong analytical and interpersonal skills, understand the psychological and social factors influencing dietary behaviours, and apply evidence-based approaches to help clients achieve long-term health and wellness goals.
Centres delivering this postgraduate diploma are required to uphold the highest standards of education. They must employ competent and qualified staff and provide learners with access to comprehensive teaching materials, up-to-date research resources, and suitable facilities for practical and theoretical learning. This ensures a high-quality learning environment that fosters academic excellence, professional growth, and learner success.
With its strong focus on counselling, behaviour change, and professional development, the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Counseling offers learners an advanced pathway to specialist roles in clinical practice, wellness, and public health nutrition.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (PgD Nutritional Counseling):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (PgD Nutritional Counseling), 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 |
| QC29110- 1 | Advanced Nutritional Science and Metabolism | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29110-2 | Behaviour Change and Motivational Counselling | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29110-3 | Nutritional Assessment and Personalised Planning | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29110-4 | Clinical and Community Nutritional Interventions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29110-5 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29110-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Nutritional Counseling | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (PgD Nutritional Counseling):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or older at the start of the course.
Educational Background:
- A relevant Level 6 qualification (such as a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Health Sciences, Psychology, or related fields) is required. Equivalent international qualifications or recognised professional certifications may also be considered.
Experience:
- Prior professional or clinical experience in nutrition, healthcare, wellness, or counselling is highly recommended to support practical application of advanced nutritional counselling principles.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, as all course materials, assessments, and assignments are delivered in English. This may be evidenced through prior education or an approved English language qualification.
Commitment to CPD:
Learners should be committed to ongoing professional development, seeking to expand knowledge, skills, and career opportunities in nutritional counselling and healthcare practice.
Access to Required Resources:
Learners must have access to a computer or laptop with internet connectivity and relevant software to complete assignments, research projects, and online learning. Access to academic journals, professional guidelines, and counselling resources is essential.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (PgD Nutritional Counseling):
Advanced Nutritional Science and Metabolism
- Critically evaluate advanced concepts in human metabolism and nutrient function
- Analyse the impact of diet on health, disease prevention, and clinical outcomes
- Apply scientific knowledge to inform personalised nutrition recommendations
- Interpret metabolic and biochemical data to guide nutritional planning
Behaviour Change and Motivational Counselling
- Demonstrate understanding of behaviour change theories and models
- Apply motivational interviewing techniques to support sustainable lifestyle changes
- Identify psychological and social factors affecting dietary habits
- Develop strategies to enhance client engagement and adherence to nutrition plans
Nutritional Assessment and Personalised Planning
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using clinical, anthropometric, and dietary tools
- Interpret assessment results to determine individual nutritional needs and risks
- Design personalised nutrition plans tailored to clients’ health status and goals
- Monitor and adjust nutrition plans based on progress and feedback
Clinical and Community Nutritional Interventions
- Design and implement nutrition interventions in clinical and community settings
- Evaluate the effectiveness of dietary programmes and interventions
- Apply evidence-based strategies to address specific health conditions and populations
- Promote health education and lifestyle modification through practical guidance
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Design and conduct research relevant to nutritional counselling
- Critically appraise scientific literature and apply findings to professional practice
- Analyse research data to support evidence-based decision-making
- Develop recommendations for clinical and community nutrition interventions
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Nutritional Counseling
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional conduct in nutritional counselling
- Apply leadership and management skills in healthcare and community settings
- Evaluate professional standards and best practices in nutritional counselling
- Lead initiatives to improve client outcomes and promote health and wellbeing
The Course is ideal for :
- Dietitians, nutritionists, and healthcare professionals seeking advanced skills in nutritional counselling
- Health coaches, wellness practitioners, and clinical staff aiming to support clients with personalised dietary guidance
- Professionals working in hospitals, clinics, community health, or public health programmes focused on nutrition and lifestyle management
- Individuals looking to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career prospects in nutrition and counselling
- Practitioners aiming to lead nutrition programmes, client support initiatives, or multidisciplinary wellness teams
- Learners seeking advanced expertise in behaviour change, client communication, and evidence-based nutritional interventions
- Qualified and Competent Staff
Centres must employ experienced and qualified staff capable of delivering Level 7 postgraduate content and supporting learners in achieving academic and professional success. - Comprehensive Learning Resources
Access to up-to-date textbooks, research journals, case studies, clinical guidelines, and digital learning materials relevant to nutritional counselling is essential. - Teaching and Learning Facilities
Centres should provide appropriate classroom, seminar, laboratory, or online learning environments to support interactive study, practical exercises, and collaborative learning. - Assessment and Feedback Systems
Robust assessment procedures must be in place, including assignments, research projects, and case studies, with timely and constructive feedback for learners. - Technology and IT Support
Learners should have access to computers, internet, and relevant software to complete assignments, research, and online learning efficiently. - Commitment to Quality Assurance
Centres must maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure learner success and compliance with qualification requirements. - Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Centres should encourage ongoing professional development and provide guidance to support learners’ career advancement in nutritional counselling and healthcare practice.