ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition (PgD Sports Nutrition)
The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition (PgD Sports Nutrition) is an advanced qualification tailored for professionals aiming to specialise in the science and application of nutrition within athletic and high-performance environments. With increasing global recognition of the vital role that nutrition plays in optimising performance, recovery, and long-term health, this programme equips learners with the expertise needed to design evidence-based nutrition strategies for a wide range of sporting disciplines.
This postgraduate diploma enables learners to develop a deep understanding of exercise physiology, nutrient metabolism, performance enhancement, and the management of dietary requirements for athletes and physically active individuals. It also explores emerging research in areas such as supplementation, hydration strategies, and the prevention of sports-related injuries through tailored nutrition plans.
Learners undertaking this qualification will benefit from an academically rigorous and professionally relevant curriculum that blends scientific theory with practical application. The programme prepares individuals to critically analyse nutritional challenges in professional sport, create performance-focused dietary interventions, and contribute to multidisciplinary teams within elite sport, fitness, and rehabilitation settings.
Designed for those who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this diploma opens doors to senior roles in sports nutrition practice, research, consultancy, and education. It is an ideal pathway for healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and practitioners seeking to align their expertise with the growing demands of the sports and fitness industries.
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition (PgD Sports Nutrition)
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition (PgD Sports Nutrition), learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition (PgD Sports Nutrition), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Advanced Principles of Sports and Exercise Nutrition
- Nutrient Metabolism and Performance Enhancement
- Nutrition Strategies for Training, Recovery, and Injury Prevention
- Research Methods in Sports and Exercise Sciences
- Public Health, Ethics, and Policy in Sports Nutrition
- Leadership and Professional Practice in Sports Performance
Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:
Advanced Principles of Sports and Exercise Nutrition
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of nutrition in exercise physiology and performance.
- Analyse the effects of macro- and micronutrients on energy systems and athletic adaptation.
- Evaluate current research on sports nutrition practices and their application to diverse sporting contexts.
- Apply evidence-based nutritional approaches to enhance athletic training and competition outcomes.
Nutrient Metabolism and Performance Enhancement
- Examine the biochemical pathways of nutrient metabolism during rest, exercise, and recovery.
- Assess the role of supplementation, ergogenic aids, and advanced dietary strategies in sports performance.
- Critically evaluate the ethical considerations and safety concerns associated with performance nutrition.
- Develop nutrition plans that optimise performance for athletes in different sports and activity levels.
Nutrition Strategies for Training, Recovery, and Injury Prevention
- Design nutrition strategies to support endurance, strength, and high-intensity training demands.
- Apply evidence-based dietary interventions for effective recovery and adaptation.
- Evaluate the role of nutrition in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term athlete health.
- Integrate hydration, supplementation, and periodised nutrition planning into training and competition schedules.
Research Methods in Sports and Exercise Sciences
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Design and implement independent research projects in sports nutrition and exercise sciences.
- Use appropriate statistical and analytical tools to evaluate nutrition-related data.
- Critically interpret scientific literature to inform professional practice and innovation in sports nutrition.
Public Health, Ethics, and Policy in Sports Nutrition
- Assess the wider impact of sports nutrition on community health and wellbeing.
- Evaluate international guidelines, regulations, and policies governing sports nutrition and supplementation.
- Apply ethical frameworks to decision-making in professional sports nutrition practice.
- Advocate for evidence-based policies that support athlete welfare and fair play in sport.
Leadership and Professional Practice in Sports Performance
- Demonstrate leadership skills in multidisciplinary sports performance teams.
- Communicate complex sports nutrition concepts effectively to athletes, coaches, and stakeholders.
- Apply professional and ethical standards in the delivery of sports nutrition services.
- Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain expertise and leadership within the sports nutrition field.
The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Nutrition equips learners with advanced knowledge and applied skills that create significant opportunities for both academic and professional advancement. With the growing global demand for qualified sports nutrition specialists, this programme ensures learners are well prepared to contribute to elite sports, healthcare, fitness, and research environments while also progressing towards higher-level qualifications.
Academic Progression
- Eligibility to progress to doctoral-level study (PhD or professional doctorate) in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, dietetics, or health sciences.
- Opportunities to enter specialised research programmes focusing on performance nutrition, supplementation science, metabolism, or rehabilitation.
- Ability to contribute to academic teaching, publications, and research projects within higher education institutions.
- Development of advanced research skills that support entry into funded research fellowships or collaborative international research initiatives.
Professional Progression
- Career opportunities as a sports nutritionist or performance nutrition consultant for elite athletes, professional teams, and sporting organisations.
- Advancement into lead roles within sports medicine clinics, fitness centres, and rehabilitation programmes, designing evidence-based dietary strategies.
- Opportunities to work with government bodies, NGOs, and sports federations to shape nutrition programmes and athlete welfare policies.
- Specialisation in areas such as nutrition for endurance sports, strength and conditioning, youth athletes, or injury recovery.
- Potential to establish an independent sports nutrition consultancy practice, providing expert guidance to professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and corporate wellness programmes.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Ongoing CPD to remain aligned with international standards, emerging research, and new practices in sports nutrition.
- Opportunities to attend and present at international sports science and nutrition conferences, expanding global professional networks.
- Development of leadership skills to supervise and mentor other practitioners in sports nutrition and allied health fields.
- Enhanced professional credibility, supporting membership and recognition with international professional bodies in nutrition and sports science.