Course summary
Obesity is a global epidemic and a leading cause of several major non-communicable diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Prevention and management is critical in reducing the considerable health costs of obesity. The Postgraduate Diploma in Obesity and Weight Management will focus on enabling health care professionals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to treat patients effectively. This online course creates professionals who can independently assess, evaluate and disseminate the evidence base related to Obesity and Weight Management. It will develop problem solving and clinical skills together with preparing students to take a leadership role. On successful completion of this course you could go on to study the MSc Obesity and Weight Management.
Modules
The course consists of six modules over one year, each of six weeks’ duration: Module 1 – The adipocyte, regulation of appetite and nutrition. This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the physiology and regulation of the adipocyte, adipose tissue, human nutrition and appetite. Module 2 – Obesity: defining obesity, epidemiology and health risks. This aims to develop a critical understanding of the epidemiology of obesity, including the importance of the distribution of adiposity, its epidemiology, the global problems of obesity and its relationship in different populations. Module 3 – Causation of obesity and weight gain in relation to disease and genetics. This will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the medical and genetic conditions that can cause obesity and weight gain. Module 4 – Weight Management, Diet, exercise and changing behaviour. This aims to enhance the clinical skills and knowledge required to effectively evaluate and treat obesity with emphasis on lifestyle and behavioural modifications. Module 5 – Weight Management – Medical treatments and emerging therapies. The module aims to develop an understanding of the role of medications and emerging therapies used in weight management including pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance. Module 6 – Surgical approaches to weight management. The module aims to enhance the clinical skills and knowledge required to understand surgical weight management strategies.
Assessment method
Assessment methods will vary for each module and include case-based examinations, discussions and scenarios, reflective portfolio, forum discussions and group activities.
Entry requirements
First degree or equivalent (including international qualifications); Relevant professional healthcare qualifications; Applicants without recognised qualifications but have relevant work experience, background knowledge and skills will also be considered on an individual basis; Applicants are required to submit the following documents when applying: Qualification certificates; One written reference; English language qualification (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of South Wales
Llantwit Road
Treforest
Pontypridd
CF37 1DL