Postgraduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine
Validated by University of Buckingham
Our online, part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine can be completed in just 6 months and is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to prevent, treat and manage chronic diseases, also known as noncommunicable disease (NCDs). This programme delivers up-to-date insights into the principles of lifestyle medicine, combining evidence-based strategies with practical applications tailored to diverse healthcare settings.
Engaging with a network of peers from around the world, you’ll participate in discussions that broaden your perspective and inspire innovative approaches to patient care. This multidisciplinary course encourages collaborative learning and the exploration of real-world applications, fostering a global understanding of health challenges and solutions.
The international burden of chronic diseases is large, in fact within the US, chronic diseases have been found to be the leading causes of disability and death (CDC, 2022). Additionally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noncommunicable diseases account for approximately 7 out of the top 10 leading causes of death globally (WHO, 2020), accounting for an estimated 41 million people every year which is equivalent to 74% of all global deaths (WHO, 2022). A lifestyle medicine certification will help students address these challenges through evidence-based interventions targeting diet, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connections.
Over six months, this online lifestyle medicine certification offers tutor-led discussions and a comprehensive curriculum that enhances your expertise in research, communication, and practical problem-solving. Our lifestyle medicine course is designed to fit around your schedule and build your confidence and resilience, equipping you with the tools to implement lifestyle medicine principles effectively.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical and systematic knowledge of lifestyle medicine, skills in critical appraisal and application of knowledge for direct patient benefit/service development and future study.
- Apply lifelong learning and advanced problem-solving skills to practice in lifestyle medicine.
- Evaluate practice critically in relation to the evidence base in lifestyle medicine.
Next Intake
1st September 2025
Apply By
29th August 2025
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
6 months
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Curriculum
Our online Lifestyle Medicine Postgraduate Certificate allows you to study for just six months and is a part-time, online course. The certificate is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Year 1
Aims of the module:
To enable students to master the foundations of lifestyle medicine and evidence-based nutrition while developing practical skills in nutrition assessment, physical activity prescription, and movement coaching. They will be able to integrate this knowledge to design and implement comprehensive, patient-centred programmes, underpinned by behavioural change principles and evidence-based practice.
Content summary:
- Principles of Lifestyle Medicine and Behavioural Change
- Foundations of Evidence-Based Nutrition
- Practical Nutrition Assessment and Coaching
- Physical Activity Science and Exercise Prescription
- Movement Programmes and Activity Coaching
- Integration and Implementation of Nutrition and Exercise Programmes
Learning outcomes:
- Critically synthesise the scientific principles of evidence-based nutrition and physical activity within the context of lifestyle medicine, evaluating their physiological, behavioural, and clinical implications for diverse healthcare settings.
- Evaluate and design comprehensive, patient-centred lifestyle interventions by critically analysing current research and developing contextually appropriate nutrition and physical activity strategies applicable to practice.
- Construct and professionally implement tailored nutrition assessment and physical activity interventions that demonstrate ethical, evidence-based practice within individual professional scopes, integrating behavioural change principles and adapting to specific patient needs and clinical contexts.
Aims of the module:
To equip students with an advanced understanding of sleep physiology, circadian mechanisms, and substance use patterns, developing expertise in assessing the impact of behavioural addictions in the digital age. Students will develop evidence-based skills to create personalised health optimisation strategies that integrate sleep science, behavioural modification, and recovery principles.
Content summary:
- Sleep Physiology and Circadian Rhythms
- Sleep Assessment and Optimisation
- Substance Use Patterns and Sleep Impact
- Assessment and Management of Substance Use
- Behavioural Addictions and Digital Health and Wellbeing
- Integrated Recovery and Personalised Health Planning
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse the distinct physiological, psychological, and environmental mechanisms underlying sleep disorders and substance use patterns, evaluating their individual and potential intersectional impacts on holistic health within the context of lifestyle medicine.
- Critically evaluate and design comprehensive, personalised health optimisation strategies by integrating insights from sleep and addiction science, behaviour modification, and evidence-based management principles.
- Construct and professionally implement targeted assessment and intervention protocols for sleep disorders and substance-related challenges, demonstrating the ability to develop evidence-based approaches that respect individuality and professional scope of practice.
Aims of the module:
To enable students to deeply comprehend the physiological, psychological, and social determinants of mental wellbeing. Students will gain expertise in mind-body interventions, stress management techniques, and building therapeutic relationships to facilitate holistic, community-driven lifestyle medicine programmes, integrating social prescribing and community-based support as core components of personalised health optimisation strategies.
Content summary:
- Stress Physiology and Mental Wellbeing
- Mind–Body Interventions and Stress Management
- Social Determinants of Health
- Building Therapeutic Relationships and Communities
- Social Prescription and Community Programmes
- Integration of Social Support in Lifestyle Medicine Practice
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationships between stress physiology, mental health, and social determinants of health, assessing their multifaceted effects on individual and population well-being within the framework of lifestyle medicine.
- Critically analyse and design holistic interventions that incorporate mind-body practices, social prescribing strategies, and evidence-based behavioural change techniques to address stress-related health challenges in diverse population settings.
- Develop and effectively apply context-specific therapeutic interventions that integrate stress management strategies, social support systems, and community-based health promotion methods tailored to individual and professional practice environments.
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
- Deposit for 1st September 2025: £420 †
- Total Course Fees (UK & International) for 1st September 2025: £2,520 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
- Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
Postgraduate Certificate
| Deposit | 5 Monthly Payments |
| £420 † | £420 |
Total payments: £2,520
Additional Financing
Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of Buckingham run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
Faculty
Programme Director: Dr Sue Kenneally MBBS MRCGP MSc (NutMed) ANutr
Dr Sue Kenneally is a practising GP, qualified nutritionist, and passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine. She holds an MSc in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Surrey and is an...
Partners
University of Buckingham
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Who is this course for?
This Postgraduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge in the increasingly prevalent subject of lifestyle medicine, and is particularly suited to:
General Practitioners (GPs):
Lifestyle Medicine equips GPs with specialised skills to become leaders in preventive care, enhancing their credentials and expanding their professional scope.
Physician Associates:
Knowledge of Lifestyle Medicine positions Physician Associates as valuable contributors to preventive care, increasing their impact and career opportunities in primary care.
Physicians:
Lifestyle Medicine enables physicians in fields like cardiology and endocrinology to broaden their expertise, boosting their career potential and patient outcomes.
Nurses:
This qualification enhances nurses’ ability to deliver advanced patient care, opening doors to leadership roles in health promotion and community health.
Dietitians / Nutritionists:
Specialising in Lifestyle Medicine strengthens dietitians’ and nutritionists’ profiles, allowing them to offer tailored interventions and expand their career horizons.
Physical Therapists / Exercise Physiologists / Osteopaths:
Expertise in Lifestyle Medicine enhances these professionals’ ability to integrate exercise-based care, positioning them as leaders in holistic health.
Pharmacists:
A background in Lifestyle Medicine empowers pharmacists to expand their role in patient counselling, adding a competitive edge to their career.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:
Group activity
Designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum and the leader allocates tasks to group members. The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.
- Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.
- The online exam is marked automatically.
- The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.