ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics)
The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics) is an advanced qualification designed for learners who wish to specialise in clinical nutrition and dietetic practice within healthcare settings. This programme equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to assess, manage, and optimise nutritional care for patients with a wide range of medical conditions. With growing recognition of the critical role diet plays in prevention, treatment, and recovery, this qualification provides learners with a robust foundation for advanced practice in clinical dietetics.
Learners will explore complex topics such as medical nutrition therapy, nutrient metabolism, dietetic assessment, and the management of chronic and acute conditions. The programme also covers emerging research in nutritional science, evidence-based dietetic interventions, and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. By combining theoretical understanding with applied practice, learners develop the competence needed to contribute effectively to healthcare teams, clinical decision-making, and patient-centred care plans.
This postgraduate diploma is ideal for professionals who aim to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It prepares learners for senior roles in hospitals, clinics, community health services, and specialised dietetic centres. The curriculum emphasises analytical thinking, critical evaluation, and professional leadership, enabling learners to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed nutrition care that positively impacts patient outcomes.
Completing this qualification empowers learners to advance as leaders in clinical dietetics, research, and healthcare nutrition, supporting both individual patient health and broader organisational objectives within modern healthcare systems.
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics)
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics), learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics (PgD Clinical Dietetics), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Advanced Principles of Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition
- Nutritional Assessment and Diagnostic Approaches
- Medical Nutrition Therapy and Management of Clinical Conditions
- Research Methods in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- Public Health Nutrition and Policy in Clinical Practice
- Leadership and Professional Practice in Clinical Dietetics
Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:
Advanced Principles of Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the scientific principles underlying clinical dietetics and nutritional care.
- Analyse the impact of macro- and micronutrients on human health, disease prevention, and recovery.
- Critically evaluate current research and emerging trends in clinical nutrition.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to complex clinical cases and dietary interventions.
Nutritional Assessment and Diagnostic Approaches
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical tools.
- Interpret laboratory results, dietary intake, and patient history to inform clinical decision-making.
- Develop age- and condition-specific assessment strategies for diverse patient populations.
- Critically appraise the effectiveness and ethical considerations of diagnostic approaches in clinical dietetics.
Medical Nutrition Therapy and Management of Clinical Conditions
- Formulate and implement individualised nutrition care plans for patients with acute, chronic, or complex conditions.
- Apply therapeutic diet strategies for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and obesity.
- Integrate cultural, ethical, and psychosocial considerations into patient care plans.
- Monitor, evaluate, and adjust nutrition interventions to optimise patient outcomes.
Research Methods in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research methodologies.
- Design and conduct independent research projects relevant to clinical dietetics and healthcare nutrition.
- Analyse and interpret data using appropriate statistical tools and methods.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature to inform evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making.
Public Health Nutrition and Policy in Clinical Practice
- Assess the impact of diet and nutrition on population health and clinical outcomes.
- Evaluate national and international nutrition policies, guidelines, and frameworks.
- Design interventions and programmes that align clinical practice with public health objectives.
- Advocate for ethical, evidence-based nutrition policies within healthcare and community settings.
Leadership and Professional Practice in Clinical Dietetics
- Demonstrate leadership skills in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Communicate complex nutritional information effectively to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
- Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards in clinical dietetic practice.
- Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain expertise and contribute to innovation in dietetics.
The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dietetics equips learners with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies, enabling progression to senior roles within healthcare, research, and academia. This qualification supports both career advancement and further study opportunities for professionals committed to excellence in clinical dietetic practice.
Academic Progression
- Eligibility to progress to doctoral-level study (PhD or professional doctorate) in dietetics, nutrition, clinical health sciences, or related fields.
- Opportunities to engage in specialised research programmes focusing on therapeutic diets, clinical interventions, metabolic disorders, or patient-centred nutrition.
- Development of skills to contribute to academic publications, teaching roles, and research projects in higher education.
- Access to research fellowships and international collaborations in clinical nutrition and dietetics.
Professional Progression
- Advancement into senior clinical roles such as clinical dietitian, specialist nutrition consultant, or medical nutrition advisor.
- Opportunities to work in hospitals, clinics, community health services, and specialised dietetic centres, designing and managing patient care plans.
- Roles in health policy, nutrition programme management, and public health nutrition integration.
- Consultancy opportunities in healthcare organisations, NGOs, and professional advisory services.
- Potential to lead initiatives in chronic disease management, nutritional rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Engagement in CPD activities to remain current with emerging research, clinical guidelines, and best practices in dietetics.
- Participation in conferences, workshops, and professional networks to enhance expertise and collaboration.
- Development of leadership skills for mentoring, supervising, and managing dietetic teams.
- Enhanced professional recognition through membership of international nutrition and dietetic associations.
