The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (PgD Nutritional Sciences) is a prestigious qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in nutrition, health, and wellness. This postgraduate programme provides learners with a deep understanding of nutritional biochemistry, diet-disease relationships, food science, and the application of evidence-based strategies to improve population health.
Aimed at those who aspire to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge base, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this qualification equips learners with both theoretical insights and practical skills required to address modern nutritional challenges. From exploring metabolic pathways to analysing global nutrition policies, the course offers comprehensive training that prepares learners to contribute meaningfully to clinical, academic, and public health settings.
The diploma encourages critical thinking, independent research, and application of advanced nutritional science in real-world contexts. Learners will be able to evaluate current research, implement dietary interventions, and provide leadership in promoting sustainable and effective nutritional practices.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and qualified staff with relevant expertise in nutrition and health sciences. In addition, they are required to provide access to high-quality learning resources, research materials, and practical facilities to guarantee effective teaching and learner success.
By completing this postgraduate diploma, learners will be better positioned to take on senior roles in healthcare, academia, research, policy development, and nutrition consultancy, making a lasting impact on individual and public health outcomes.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (PgD Nutritional Sciences):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (PgD Nutritional Sciences), 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 |
| QC29124- 1 | Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29124-2 | Nutritional Physiology and Metabolism | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29124-3 | Diet, Disease and Preventive Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29124-4 | Food Science, Safety and Innovation | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29124-5 | Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29124-6 | Dissertation / Applied Research Project in Nutritional Sciences | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (PgD Nutritional Sciences):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the start of the programme.
Educational Background:
- A recognised undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline is required.
- Applicants with equivalent professional qualifications or relevant experience may also be considered.
Professional Experience:
- Professional experience in nutrition, healthcare, public health, research, or related fields is highly desirable.
- Candidates with substantial professional practice but without formal academic qualifications may be accepted following a thorough review.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English for academic study and professional communication.
- Non-native English speakers may be required to provide evidence of English language competence, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
Commitment to CPD:
Learners should demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and CPD, aiming to enhance professional practice and knowledge in nutritional sciences.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to a computer or laptop, stable internet connection, and relevant academic resources to complete research, assignments, and applied learning activities.
- Access to research facilities or professional settings may be required for practical components of the programme.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences (PgD Nutritional Sciences):
Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry
- Critically analyse the biochemical processes underlying human nutrition
- Evaluate the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in metabolic pathways
- Examine nutrient interactions and their effects on health and disease
- Apply biochemical knowledge to develop evidence-based nutritional strategies
Nutritional Physiology and Metabolism
- Assess human physiological processes related to energy balance and metabolism
- Critically evaluate how diet influences metabolic health and chronic disease
- Analyse the physiological responses to nutritional interventions
- Apply advanced physiological knowledge to support clinical and public health practice
Diet, Disease and Preventive Nutrition
- Examine the relationships between diet, disease risk, and health outcomes
- Develop evidence-based dietary interventions for disease prevention and management
- Critically evaluate epidemiological and clinical research in nutrition
- Apply nutritional science to support population health and wellbeing
Food Science, Safety and Innovation
- Understand food composition, processing, and safety standards
- Evaluate innovative approaches in functional foods and nutritional products
- Assess the impact of food technology on health and dietary patterns
- Apply scientific principles to improve food quality and safety in practice
Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences
- Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods in nutrition
- Critically review and interpret scientific literature
- Design and implement ethical research studies in nutritional sciences
- Analyse and present data to support evidence-based practice and decision-making
Dissertation / Applied Research Project in Nutritional Sciences
- Conduct independent, postgraduate-level research in nutritional sciences
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Apply research findings to practical and theoretical contexts
- Produce a comprehensive dissertation with actionable recommendations for policy, practice, or further research
The Course is ideal for :
- Nutritionists and dietitians seeking to advance their knowledge in nutritional sciences and evidence-based practice
- Healthcare professionals aiming to integrate advanced nutrition principles into clinical and public health settings
- Public health specialists and policy advisors interested in shaping nutrition-related policies and programmes
- Researchers and academics pursuing postgraduate-level expertise in nutrition and health research
- Food scientists and industry professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of functional foods, food safety, and innovation
- Graduates in life sciences, health sciences, or related fields wishing to specialise in nutrition and metabolic health
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to strengthen their career prospects and professional practice
- Centres must employ qualified and experienced staff with expertise in nutrition, health sciences, and research at Level 7 or above.
- Tutors and assessors should hold relevant academic and professional qualifications and demonstrate competency in delivering postgraduate-level nutrition education.
- Centres must provide access to up-to-date learning resources, scientific journals, research databases, and case studies to support learner success.
- Adequate IT facilities, online learning platforms, and laboratory or practical resources must be available for effective teaching and applied learning.
- Centres must maintain robust internal quality assurance processes to ensure the integrity of teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Learning delivery should take place in a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment that caters to diverse learner needs.
- Centres should facilitate practical learning and research opportunities, allowing learners to apply knowledge in professional or laboratory settings.
- Centres are required to comply with awarding body policies and regulatory requirements, ensuring consistent standards in teaching and assessment.
- Adequate learner support services, including mentoring, feedback, and academic guidance, must be provided throughout the programme.