The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology) is an advanced, specialised qualification designed for professionals seeking to explore the complex relationship between nutrition, behaviour, and mental health. This programme equips learners with in-depth knowledge of how dietary patterns, nutrients, and psychological factors interact to influence emotional wellbeing, cognition, and overall health. It is ideal for healthcare practitioners, nutritionists, psychologists, dietitians, and allied professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their expertise, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this PgD programme will develop advanced skills to assess the impact of nutrition on mental health, design personalised interventions, and implement evidence-based strategies to support behavioural change. The course emphasises the integration of scientific research into professional practice, enabling learners to critically evaluate current studies, apply psychological principles to nutritional therapy, and deliver effective interventions in clinical, research, or community settings.
Centres delivering the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology are required to maintain the highest standards of education and training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing all necessary teaching and learning materials, and ensuring learners have access to appropriate facilities and resources. By upholding these standards, centres create a structured, engaging, and high-quality learning environment that promotes learner success and professional development.
This qualification is perfectly suited for professionals committed to advancing in nutritional psychology, mental health, and allied healthcare sectors, offering a pathway to make a meaningful impact on wellbeing while continuing to develop expertise and CPD credentials.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology), 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 |
| QC29115- 1 | Foundations of Nutritional Psychology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29115-2 | Nutrients and Brain Function | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29115-3 | Psychological and Behavioural Assessment | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29115-4 | Clinical Applications of Nutritional Psychology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29115-5 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29115-6 | Professional Practice and CPD in Nutritional Psychology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or older at the start of the course.
Educational Background:
- Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in nutrition, psychology, dietetics, biomedical sciences, healthcare, or a closely related field. Equivalent international qualifications may also be considered.
Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience in clinical nutrition, psychology, healthcare, or related practice is recommended to enhance learning outcomes.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognised qualifications (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component) or an equivalent recognised test.
Commitment to CPD:
Candidates should be committed to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and maintaining professional standards in nutritional psychology practice.
Access to Required Resources:
Learners must have reliable access to a computer, internet, and relevant software for research, data analysis, and assignment submissions. Access to clinical, laboratory, or research tools is recommended for applied learning.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology):
Foundations of Nutritional Psychology
- Analyse the principles linking nutrition and psychological wellbeing
- Examine key theories of behavioural nutrition
- Evaluate how dietary patterns influence mental health
- Apply foundational concepts to clinical and research contexts
Nutrients and Brain Function
- Investigate the impact of macro- and micronutrients on cognition and mood
- Analyse biochemical mechanisms underlying nutrient-brain interactions
- Evaluate evidence-based nutritional interventions for mental health
- Apply knowledge to optimise cognitive and emotional wellbeing
Psychological and Behavioural Assessment
- Assess psychological and behavioural factors influencing dietary habits
- Apply behavioural models to support lifestyle change
- Analyse eating behaviours in the context of mental health
- Develop strategies to enhance adherence to nutritional interventions
Clinical Applications of Nutritional Psychology
- Design personalised interventions to support mental health through nutrition
- Integrate psychological and nutritional principles in clinical practice
- Evaluate outcomes of interventions using evidence-based methods
- Apply strategies for managing mental health disorders with nutritional approaches
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Critically appraise research in nutritional psychology
- Design and conduct advanced research studies
- Apply statistical and analytical methods to assess intervention outcomes
- Implement evidence-based practice in professional settings
Professional Practice and CPD in Nutritional Psychology
- Demonstrate professional and ethical standards in practice
- Develop Continuing Professional Development (CPD) strategies
- Apply reflective practice to improve clinical and research outcomes
- Maintain high standards of professional competence and learner engagement
The Course is ideal for :
- Healthcare professionals, nutritionists, dietitians, and psychologists seeking advanced knowledge in nutritional psychology
- Practitioners aiming to integrate nutrition and psychological strategies in clinical practice
- Researchers and scientists specialising in mental health, nutrition, or behavioural science
- Professionals looking to enhance career prospects and professional credibility in healthcare, nutrition, or mental wellbeing sectors
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and maintaining high standards of professional practice
- Learners aspiring to contribute to clinical practice, research, policy development, or education in nutritional psychology
- Employ competent and qualified staff with expertise in nutritional psychology, mental health, and related disciplines
- Provide access to comprehensive teaching and learning materials, including textbooks, journals, and online resources
- Ensure learners have access to appropriate clinical, laboratory, and practical facilities for applied learning
- Maintain a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment that promotes academic excellence and professional growth
- Implement robust systems for assessment, feedback, and learner progression
- Promote and facilitate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teaching staff
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and professional standards in all learning activities
- Provide reliable access to IT infrastructure, software, and digital platforms for research, learning, and assignment submission