Programme Overview

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.

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.

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.