The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology) is an advanced qualification designed for professionals seeking to specialize in the growing field that bridges nutrition, psychology, and behavioral health. This programme explores the profound connection between dietary habits, mental wellbeing, and psychological processes, equipping learners with the expertise to apply evidence-based strategies in clinical, research, and community health settings.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates. Instead, it is tailored for professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge, and expand their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will develop the ability to critically analyze the psychological factors influencing eating behaviors, understand the role of nutrition in mental health, and design interventions that promote sustainable lifestyle changes.
Centres delivering this programme must ensure they have qualified and experienced staff with expertise in both nutrition and psychology. They must also provide access to comprehensive resources, including academic literature, research databases, and modern learning tools, to support a high standard of delivery. High-quality learner support and robust assessment systems are essential to ensure successful outcomes.
The PgD in Nutritional Psychology opens pathways for professionals in health, nutrition, counselling, psychology, and related disciplines who aspire to deepen their expertise and contribute to holistic approaches in improving mental and physical wellbeing. By undertaking this qualification, learners will position themselves at the forefront of an evolving discipline that integrates science, psychology, and practical application.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201112
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology (PgD Nutritional Psychology), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201112-1 |
Foundations of Nutritional Psychology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201112-2 |
Psychological Factors Influencing Eating Behaviour |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201112-3 |
Nutritional Interventions for Mental Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201112-4 |
Research Methods in Nutritional Psychology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201112-5 |
Clinical Practice and Professional Application |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201112-6 |
Public Health, Policy, and Advanced Practice |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Nutritional Psychology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the interaction between nutrition and psychological wellbeing.
- Analyse biological, cognitive, and behavioural mechanisms linking diet and mental health.
- Assess key theories and research findings in the field of nutritional psychology.
Unit 2: Psychological Factors Influencing Eating Behaviour
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine cognitive, emotional, and social factors affecting food choices.
- Identify and analyse disordered eating patterns and behavioural triggers.
- Apply behavioural assessment tools to evaluate individual eating behaviours.
Unit 3: Nutritional Interventions for Mental Health
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop personalised nutrition strategies to support psychological wellbeing.
- Apply evidence-based approaches for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and related conditions through diet.
- Integrate macro- and micronutrients, as well as functional foods, into therapeutic interventions.
Unit 4: Research Methods in Nutritional Psychology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in nutritional psychology.
- Critically appraise scientific literature and emerging research studies.
- Design and conduct research projects to inform evidence-based nutritional interventions.
Unit 5: Clinical Practice and Professional Application
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Implement nutritional psychology strategies in clinical, counselling, and wellness settings.
- Develop personalised intervention plans using case study analysis.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in practice.
Unit 6: Public Health, Policy, and Advanced Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate the role of nutritional psychology in public health and community programmes.
- Develop policy recommendations and intervention strategies to promote mental wellbeing.
- Reflect on professional practice to enhance Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and advanced expertise.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology is designed for professionals seeking to specialise in the dynamic field where nutrition and mental health intersect. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates but for individuals with a strong academic or professional background who wish to advance their career, expand their expertise, and enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This course is ideal for:
- Nutritionists and Dietitians aiming to integrate psychological insights into personalised nutrition strategies.
- Psychologists and Counsellors seeking to apply nutritional interventions to improve mental wellbeing.
- Healthcare Practitioners including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals interested in holistic approaches to patient care.
- Wellness and Lifestyle Coaches looking to strengthen their ability to support behavioural and dietary change in clients.
- Researchers and Academics who want to explore the emerging field of nutritional psychology and contribute to evidence-based practice.
- Public Health Professionals involved in community programmes and initiatives targeting mental health and nutrition.
Enrolling in this postgraduate diploma enables learners to gain cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and evidence-based strategies to address the psychological and nutritional needs of individuals and communities. Learners will develop the expertise to implement interventions that promote mental and physical wellbeing in clinical, research, and public health settings.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Psychology must meet strict standards to ensure high-quality learning, learner success, and professional credibility. The following requirements are essential:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff
Centres must employ trainers and assessors with recognised qualifications and professional experience in nutrition, psychology, or related health sciences. Staff should be competent to deliver advanced-level content and support learners in achieving professional and academic excellence. - Comprehensive Learning Resources
Centres should provide access to up-to-date academic materials, including textbooks, research journals, case studies, and digital learning platforms to support evidence-based learning and practical application. - Appropriate Learning Facilities
Centres must offer modern classroom or online learning environments equipped with the necessary technologies to facilitate interactive, engaging, and accessible learning experiences. - Robust Quality Assurance Systems
Centres should implement internal quality assurance processes to monitor course delivery, assessment standards, and learner progress to ensure consistent achievement of learning outcomes. - Learner Support Services
Centres are expected to provide academic guidance, research support, and pastoral care to help learners fully engage with the programme and achieve their learning goals. - Commitment to CPD and Professional Growth
Centres should encourage learners to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), reflective practice, and professional networking opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
By meeting these requirements, centres will ensure that learners receive a high-quality, professional education in nutritional psychology, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in clinical, research, and public health settings.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
