20 Academic Credits
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Obesity Care
Specialist qualification in obesity assessment and management
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Obesity Care
Course Start Dates: January, May, September
PGCert: 60 Academic Credits
Includes: Access to a Personal Tutor
Course Price: £2955 (£985 per module)
Why Study the PGCert?
One in three adults in England has obesity. The PGCert in Obesity Care equips you to assess and manage obesity as the chronic, complex condition it is.
Based on the latest scientific and clinical research, the course prepares you to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care.
Learn to develop individualised treatment approaches that address the biological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to obesity.
Critically assess the multitude of factors contributing to obesity, and understand the health, financial and social consequences of this modern epidemic.
Evaluate current obesity prevention and treatment guidelines . Examine the evidence for what works, what does not, and why implementation often fails.
20 Academic Credits
Explore treatment options that enable you to develop a more targeted approach to devising interventions for individuals with obesity.
20 Academic Credits
“From the course so far, I developed my professional practice by gaining a better understanding of the causes and consequences of obesity, and looking at behavioural aspects around obesity… I am able to relate more to my clients and provide them with more information to support an individual who is going through a weight loss journey.”
Weight-Loss Practitioner
Course Aims
- Equip graduates with the knowledge skills and attributes to enable them to deliver individualised, effective, and evidence-based care and management plans to individuals with obesity.
- Develop a reflective, enquiring, critical and innovative approach to professional practice.
- Foster a commitment to excellence in providing for those requiring obesity care and management through ensuring an analytical approach that is based on best available practice.
- Enhance digital literacy skills for both academic and clinical practice.
Course Structure
The course starts with an induction unit, Introduction to Online Study. You are required to complete some simple assignments to ensure you are not only able to work in the online environment but also are aware of the requirements for academic study at this level.
The PGCert consists of three modules, studied sequentially. Each module earns 20 credits and represents 200 hours of study over a period of 12 weeks. The three modules are:
- Obesity: Causes & Consequences
- Obesity: The Solutions?
- Obesity: Towards a Precision Approach
The modules have been designed to encourage inter-professional and interdisciplinary discussions and sharing of best practice, as required in government and professional body documents on the educational needs in this area.
Learning Strategy
The course uses varied teaching and delivery methods to support different learning styles:
- Interactive e-learning units with audio and visual presentations
- Discussion forums and peer collaboration
- Critical reflective practice on case studies (recorded in Student Log)
- Analysis of research articles and evidence-based sources
- Knowledge quizzes and research-based assignments
Assessment
Each module includes three types of assessment:
- Student Log tasks (reflective practice and case studies)
- Peer-to-peer discussions
- Formal written assignments.
All work is reviewed by your tutor to monitor progress and provide detailed feedback.
Summative assessments contribute to your final module grade. Full assessment details are available in the FAQs below.
Course Fees
Each module studied requires a payment of the standard CCH Postgraduate Module fee of £985.
The total fee to gain a PGCert is £2955 (3 modules).
Module fees can be paid individually as you progress, or you can pay for multiple modules upfront.
Ready to Specialise in Obesity Care?
Frequently Asked Questions
This course is designed for healthcare professionals who work with patients affected by obesity including:
- GPs and practice nurses
- Dieticians and nutritionists
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Physiotherapists and exercise professionals
- Public health practitioners
- Weight management specialists
No prior specialist training in obesity care is required. You will need a relevant healthcare qualification and current professional practice.
Applicants are normally required to have:
- A Bachelor degree in a relevant health, social care, or biomedical discipline
OR
- Equivalent health and/or social care experience at Level 6 (e.g., working as a senior nurse, senior midwife or healthcare practitioner in a leadership or management role that requires critical analysis and evaluation)
Additional requirements:
- Minimum of one year experience in a relevant area healthcare area
- English language proficiency (equivalent of IELTS Level 7 minimum, with at least 6.5 in all components)
Tuition fees for the PGCert in Obesity Care are £2,955.
Each module costs £985. Module fees can be paid as you progress through the course, or you can pay for multiple modules upfront.
Please contact the Admissions Team on +44 (0)20 3773 4895 for more details on payment options and instalment plans.
With each module, you will be assessed through three types of tasks: student log tasks which involve reflective practice and case studies, peer discussion, and formal written assignments.
Each piece of work you submit is reviewed by your tutor to monitor your progress, provide feedback, and support your learning and development. Assessment tasks can be either formative (feedback only) or summative (feedback provided and a mark awarded). The marks awarded for your summative assessments determine the overall grade for the module.
This qualification positions you to:
- Meet patient needs more effectively across all healthcare settings
- Take on specialist roles in weight management services
- Contribute to service development and improvement
- Develop confidence in addressing the complexity of obesity care
Graduates will enhance their knowledge and expertise in obesity care and management, becoming confident, highly skilled practitioners with a well-rounded understanding of the obesity problem and how to treat and manage it effectively.
Graduates can progress to the PGDip (3 additional specialist modules) or complete the full MSc programme.
1. Application Form
Complete the application form. If you need any help, please call +44(0)20 3773 4895.
2. Review
We will review your application within 10 working days. At this stage, we may ask for additional documents.
3. Tuition Fees
If your application is successful, you need to make an initial payment of your tuition fees.
4. Access
Once payment is received you will receive access to CCH-x, the online learning platform. Complete the 5-hour Introduction to Online Learning course, and start your studies.