A postgraduate diploma (PGDip) in nutrition and dietetics is a vocational and academic qualification offering advanced learning tailored for aspiring dietitians. It enables graduates to embark on careers as registered dietitians in clinical and public health sectors, sports nutrition and food service management.
There are currently seven nutrition and dietetics PGDip courses available to study in the UK, typically completed with one year of full-time study. These programmes often require a relevant undergraduate degree in nutrition, biological sciences or a health-related discipline.
The PGDip is accredited by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and adheres to the standards of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK, ensuring graduates meet the necessary professional requirements for dietetic practice.
What to Expect
The nutrition and dietetics PGDip programme covers a comprehensive exploration of a range of topics, including clinical dietetics, human metabolism, food science and public health nutrition. It emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical application, including supervised clinical placements essential for honing practical dietetic skills.
Assessment methods in the programme include written examinations, coursework and evaluations of practical and clinical competencies. Distinct from a master’s degree, the PGDip does not typically require a research dissertation, focusing instead on applied learning and skill acquisition.
Completing the PGDip qualifies graduates to register with the HCPC as dietitians, a prerequisite for practicing professionally in the UK. This opens varied career opportunities in healthcare environments, government bodies, as well as non-government organisations, sports facilities and the food industry. Graduates are equipped with the expertise to treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level, making them vital contributors to the health and well-being of the population.