The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics) is an advanced and prestigious qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in clinical dietetics and nutrition management. This programme equips learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to assess, plan, and implement dietary interventions for patients across diverse clinical settings, promoting optimal health outcomes and supporting recovery.
Designed specifically for professionals aiming to advance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this qualification combines rigorous academic study with practical, evidence-based applications. Learners will explore advanced topics including medical nutrition therapy, therapeutic diet planning, clinical assessment, patient management, and specialised nutrition for complex conditions, enabling them to deliver high-quality care in hospital, community, or research environments.
Centres delivering this postgraduate diploma are required to maintain the highest standards of education. This includes employing competent and qualified staff who can guide learners effectively, providing access to comprehensive teaching materials, up-to-date research resources, and appropriate facilities. Such robust support ensures a rich learning environment that promotes professional growth and maximises learner success.
By completing the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics, learners will gain the advanced skills, critical thinking ability, and professional confidence necessary to excel in clinical practice, contribute to evidence-based healthcare, and take a leading role in improving patient nutrition and health outcomes.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics), 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 |
| QC29101- 1 | Advanced Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29101-2 | Medical Nutrition Therapy and Disease Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29101-3 | Clinical Assessment and Nutritional Intervention | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29101-4 | Specialist Dietetics in Complex Conditions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29101-5 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Dietetics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29101-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Clinical Dietetics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or above at the start of the course.
Educational Background:
- A relevant Level 6 qualification (such as a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, Health Sciences, or related fields) is required. Equivalent professional qualifications or recognised international degrees may also be considered.
Experience:
- Prior clinical or professional experience in dietetics, nutrition, healthcare, or related sectors is highly recommended to support the practical application of advanced learning.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, as all course materials, assessments, and assignments are delivered in English. This may be evidenced through previous education or an approved English language qualification.
Commitment to CPD:
Learners should be committed to ongoing professional development, actively seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career progression in clinical dietetics.
Access to Required Resources:
Learners must have access to a computer or laptop with internet connectivity and standard software to complete assignments, research projects, and online learning. Access to clinical case studies, academic journals, and research databases is also essential.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics):
Advanced Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism
- Critically evaluate human metabolism and nutrient interactions in health and disease
- Analyse advanced concepts in macro- and micronutrient requirements across populations
- Apply knowledge of metabolism to develop evidence-based nutritional strategies
- Assess the impact of diet on clinical outcomes and patient recovery
Medical Nutrition Therapy and Disease Management
- Design and implement nutrition care plans for patients with acute, chronic, and complex conditions
- Evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions in managing diseases
- Integrate medical nutrition therapy principles into clinical practice
- Critically appraise current research and guidelines to support therapeutic decision-making
Clinical Assessment and Nutritional Intervention
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using validated clinical tools
- Develop tailored dietary interventions based on individual patient needs
- Monitor and adjust nutritional care plans to optimise patient outcomes
- Apply critical thinking to solve complex clinical nutrition problems
Specialist Dietetics in Complex Conditions
- Manage nutrition care for specialised clinical areas such as renal, oncology, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal conditions
- Analyse and apply advanced clinical dietetic knowledge to complex patient cases
- Develop strategies to address multi-morbidity and nutritional challenges
- Evaluate clinical evidence to inform specialist dietetic practice
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Dietetics
- Design and conduct nutrition-related research using appropriate methodologies
- Critically appraise scientific literature and clinical studies
- Apply research findings to support evidence-based dietetic practice
- Develop recommendations and guidelines based on robust research evidence
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Clinical Dietetics
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making in clinical dietetic practice
- Apply leadership and management skills in multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Evaluate professional standards, codes of conduct, and best practices in dietetics
- Lead initiatives to improve clinical nutrition services and patient care
The Course is ideal for :
- Registered dietitians, nutritionists, and healthcare professionals aiming to advance their clinical dietetics expertise
- Professionals working in hospitals, community health, or research settings seeking specialised knowledge in medical nutrition therapy
- Individuals looking to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career progression in clinical dietetics
- Practitioners interested in developing leadership, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice skills
- Professionals aiming to design and implement personalised nutrition interventions for patients with complex or chronic conditions
- Learners seeking advanced knowledge in metabolism, therapeutic nutrition, and patient care across diverse clinical scenarios
- Qualified and Competent Staff
- Centres must employ experienced and qualified staff capable of delivering Level 7 postgraduate content effectively, supporting learners in achieving academic and professional excellence.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources
- Centres should provide access to up-to-date textbooks, clinical guidelines, research journals, case studies, and digital learning materials relevant to clinical dietetics.
- Teaching and Learning Facilities
- Appropriate classroom, seminar, or online learning environments must be available to support interactive study, practical sessions, and collaborative learning.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems
- Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, including assignments, projects, and research tasks, along 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 modules 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, offering guidance and resources to support career advancement in clinical dietetics.