The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed to equip healthcare professionals with advanced expertise in managing complex nutritional needs within critical care settings. This postgraduate diploma provides learners with in-depth knowledge of clinical nutrition, metabolic response to illness, and evidence-based interventions that support recovery and improve patient outcomes in intensive and high-dependency care environments.
Aimed at experienced professionals, QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition) is ideal for those wishing to enhance their career prospects, broaden their expertise, and strengthen their commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It focuses on integrating advanced nutritional science with practical clinical application, enabling learners to assess, design, and implement nutritional strategies for critically ill patients. Topics include parenteral and enteral nutrition, fluid balance, metabolic monitoring, and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.
Centres delivering this programme must ensure that they have competent and qualified staff with relevant clinical expertise, along with the necessary teaching resources, research materials, and practical tools to support high-quality training. This guarantees that learners benefit from a structured and rigorous educational experience that meets professional standards and prepares them for advanced practice.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition) is particularly suited to healthcare professionals such as dietitians, nutritionists, doctors, nurses, and allied health practitioners who wish to specialise in critical care nutrition. By completing this qualification, learners will not only advance their clinical capabilities but also make a meaningful impact in the field of patient care through safe, ethical, and evidence-based nutritional support.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition), 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 |
| QC29117- 1 | Advanced Clinical Nutrition in Critical Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29117-2 | Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Support | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29117-3 | Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring in Critical Illness | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29117-4 | Multidisciplinary Approaches to Critical Care Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29117-5 | Ethics, Professional Practice, and Clinical Governance | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29117-6 | Research Project in Critical Care Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or older at the start of the course.
Educational Background:
- A recognised undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in nutrition, dietetics, medicine, nursing, health sciences, or a related discipline is required. Applicants with other academic backgrounds may be accepted if supported by substantial professional experience.
Professional Experience:
- Learners should have relevant clinical or healthcare experience, ideally within intensive care, nutrition support, or hospital settings, to enable applied learning at postgraduate level.
Language Proficiency:
- As this programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate a high standard of English language proficiency. Non-native speakers may be required to provide evidence through a recognised qualification or equivalent professional communication skills.
Commitment to CPD:
Applicants must show a genuine commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as the programme is designed to enhance clinical expertise and support long-term career progression.
Access to Required Resources:
Learners should have access to a suitable study environment, digital tools, academic resources, and reliable internet to complete assignments, research, and independent learning effectively.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (PgD Critical Care Nutrition):
Advanced Clinical Nutrition in Critical Care
- Analyse the metabolic response to stress, trauma, and critical illness
- Evaluate the nutritional needs of critically ill patients across different conditions
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to optimise nutritional care in intensive care settings
- Assess the impact of nutrition on patient recovery, morbidity, and survival rates
Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Support
- Differentiate between enteral and parenteral nutrition strategies
- Design safe and effective nutrition support plans tailored to critically ill patients
- Identify and manage complications related to artificial feeding methods
- Critically evaluate clinical guidelines and protocols for nutrition support
Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring in Critical Illness
- Conduct advanced nutritional assessments using validated tools and techniques
- Interpret biochemical, anthropometric, and clinical data in critical care contexts
- Monitor patient progress and evaluate tolerance to nutrition support interventions
- Integrate nutritional monitoring into holistic patient care plans
Multidisciplinary Approaches to Critical Care Nutrition
- Assess the roles of different healthcare professionals in critical care nutrition
- Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes
- Address cultural, social, and ethical considerations in nutrition delivery
- Apply leadership and teamwork skills in a critical care environment
Ethics, Professional Practice, and Clinical Governance
- Demonstrate ethical and professional accountability in critical care nutrition practice
- Critically evaluate ethical dilemmas in life-sustaining nutritional interventions
- Apply clinical governance principles to ensure safe and effective patient care
- Develop reflective practice to support continuous professional development
Research Project in Critical Care Nutrition
- Design and carry out an independent research project in critical care nutrition
- Apply advanced research methodologies and statistical analysis to clinical data
- Critically appraise scientific literature to inform project findings and recommendations
- Present research outcomes in a professional format suitable for clinical or academic audiences
The Course is ideal for :
This postgraduate diploma is designed for experienced professionals who want to specialise in nutritional care for critically ill patients. It is especially suitable for:
- Dietitians and nutritionists aiming to advance their expertise in critical care nutrition
- Doctors and physicians working in intensive care or hospital settings who wish to integrate advanced nutrition into patient management
- Nurses and critical care practitioners seeking to enhance their knowledge of nutrition support in complex clinical cases
- Healthcare professionals involved in designing, delivering, or monitoring enteral and parenteral nutrition strategies
- Allied health professionals and clinical specialists interested in multidisciplinary approaches to patient care in intensive and high-dependency units
- Professionals committed to CPD who want to strengthen their skills, expand career opportunities, and contribute to improved patient outcomes in critical care
Centres approved to deliver this qualification must ensure:
- All teaching staff are competent, qualified, and experienced in critical care, nutrition, and education
- Appropriate teaching and learning resources are available, including current clinical guidelines, research materials, and digital tools
- Suitable facilities and infrastructure are in place to support classroom, blended, or online delivery
- A robust quality assurance system is implemented to maintain assessment integrity and learner support
- Learners have access to academic guidance, feedback, and pastoral support throughout their studies
- Secure and accurate learner records are maintained, including assessment outcomes and progression
- Facilities and resources are provided for learners to complete independent research and project work
- Full compliance with awarding body standards and requirements is maintained to ensure high-quality delivery and learner success