The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (PgD Nutritional Pharmacology) is an advanced qualification designed to equip learners with a deep understanding of the interaction between nutrition, bioactive compounds, and pharmaceuticals in the prevention and management of disease. This programme provides a unique blend of nutritional science and pharmacological principles, enabling learners to evaluate how diet and therapeutic agents can work synergistically to optimise health outcomes.
This postgraduate diploma is aimed at professionals who wish to expand their expertise, enhance their career prospects, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in a highly specialised field. Learners will explore critical topics including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nutrients, drug–nutrient interactions, clinical applications of nutraceuticals, and the role of personalised nutrition in healthcare. Emphasis is also placed on evidence-based practice, research methodologies, and ethical considerations in nutritional pharmacology.
The programme is particularly relevant to nutritionists, healthcare practitioners, dietitians, researchers, and professionals working in the health sciences who are seeking advanced knowledge to support both clinical practice and research innovation. By completing this diploma, learners will gain the skills to critically evaluate scientific evidence, apply integrative approaches to patient care, and contribute to cutting-edge developments in the field of nutritional pharmacology.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that delivery is supported by competent and qualified staff, alongside access to all necessary learning materials, laboratories, and research resources. This guarantees a structured, high-quality learning experience that empowers learners to achieve academic success and professional growth.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (PgD Nutritional Pharmacology):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (PgD Nutritional Pharmacology), 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 |
| QC29119- 1 | Advanced Principles of Nutritional Pharmacology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29119-2 | Drug–Nutrient Interactions and Clinical Implications | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29119-3 | Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nutrients | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29119-4 | Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Healthcare | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29119-5 | Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Ethics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29119-6 | Independent Research Project in Nutritional Pharmacology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (PgD Nutritional Pharmacology):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or above at the time of registration.
Educational Background:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in nutrition, health sciences, medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, or a related field is required.
Professional Experience:
- Relevant professional or academic experience in nutrition, healthcare, pharmacology, or biomedical sciences is highly recommended.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English (or the language of instruction) through prior qualifications or equivalent evidence of competence.
Commitment to CPD:
Applicants should show a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the fields of nutrition, pharmacology, and healthcare.
Access to Required Resources:
Learners must have access to a suitable study environment, research materials, statistical tools, and digital learning resources to complete the programme effectively.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Pharmacology (PgD Nutritional Pharmacology):
Advanced Principles of Nutritional Pharmacology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the principles and scope of nutritional pharmacology
- Analyse the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of nutrients and bioactive compounds
- Evaluate the role of nutrition in modulating pharmacological responses and therapeutic outcomes
- Critically assess emerging trends and research in nutritional pharmacology
Drug–Nutrient Interactions and Clinical Implications
- Identify and explain key drug–nutrient interactions and their clinical significance
- Assess the impact of nutrients on drug absorption, metabolism, efficacy, and safety
- Evaluate strategies to minimise adverse interactions in clinical practice
- Apply knowledge of drug–nutrient interactions to patient case studies and healthcare settings
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nutrients
- Explain the processes of nutrient absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
- Analyse the pharmacodynamic effects of nutrients on cellular and systemic functions
- Critically evaluate the factors influencing nutrient bioavailability and therapeutic action
- Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles to clinical and research contexts
Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Healthcare
- Examine the therapeutic role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in disease prevention and management
- Evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of bioactive compounds in healthcare
- Assess regulatory frameworks and quality assurance issues relating to nutraceutical products
- Apply knowledge of nutraceuticals and functional foods to evidence-based healthcare solutions
Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Ethics
- Demonstrate advanced skills in research design and methodology relevant to nutritional pharmacology
- Critically appraise scientific literature to support evidence-based practice
- Apply ethical principles and governance frameworks to research in nutrition and pharmacology
- Design research proposals that reflect professional and ethical standards
Independent Research Project in Nutritional Pharmacology
- Design, plan, and conduct an independent research project in nutritional pharmacology
- Apply advanced research methods and statistical tools to analyse findings
- Critically evaluate and interpret research data to draw valid conclusions
- Present research outcomes in a professional academic or applied healthcare format
The Course is ideal for :
This postgraduate diploma is designed for professionals, researchers, and practitioners aiming to advance their knowledge and career in nutritional pharmacology. It is particularly suitable for:
- Nutritionists and dietitians who want to specialise in drug–nutrient interactions and clinical applications
- Healthcare professionals and clinicians seeking to integrate nutritional pharmacology into patient care and treatment strategies
- Pharmacists and biomedical scientists interested in understanding the impact of nutrients on pharmacological responses
- Public health specialists working on evidence-based interventions involving nutraceuticals and functional foods
- Researchers and academics aiming to contribute to innovation and scientific development in nutritional pharmacology
- Graduates in health sciences who wish to progress to advanced research, doctoral-level study, or specialised practice
- Professionals committed to CPD who want to strengthen their expertise in nutrition, pharmacology, and integrative healthcare
Centres approved to deliver this qualification must ensure:
- All teaching staff are appropriately qualified, experienced, and competent in nutritional pharmacology, pharmacology, nutrition science, and research methods
- Access to current learning resources, including textbooks, academic journals, digital libraries, statistical software, and research databases
- Availability of suitable facilities and learning environments for classroom-based, blended, or online delivery
- A robust quality assurance system to maintain academic integrity, assessment standards, and learner support
- Provision of academic guidance, tutorial support, and constructive feedback to learners throughout the programme
- Secure and accurate management of learner records, assessments, and certification processes
- Resources and supervision for independent research projects, including access to relevant research tools and ethical frameworks
- Full compliance with awarding body policies, assessment regulations, and delivery standards to ensure high-quality learning outcomes