Certificate in Obesity Management
A five day practical course for primary health care professionals in association with the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR) and the Centre for Inter-Professional Postgraduate Education and Training (CIPPET).
The course focuses on the development of knowledge and skills to enable students on completion of the course to be able to set up and deliver an effective weight management service.
The Certificate in Obesity Management will cover the following aspects of obesity assessment & management:
- The management of obesity and prevention of obesity-related co-morbidities
- Patient assessment
- Dietary interventions
- Promoting physical and "everyday" activity
- Motivational Interviewing & behaviour change consultation
- The role of pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery
Who is it aimed at?
Any primary healthcare professional with an interest in obesity management who wishes to develop weight management services and who is able to study at degree or masters level.
This includes
- Dietitians
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
What are the benefits of attending?
On completion of the course participants will have:
- a thorough grounding in all aspects of obesity management
- developed the skills to facilitate the delivery of appropriate services for patients
- participated in learning opportunities with local, national and international experts
- undertaken a practice-based project in their work area
Who delivers the course?
The programme has been developed by local clinicians and is being delivered by local and national experts in the field of obesity management.
Qualifications
The course can be studied at degree or master level and will lead to a 20 credit module certificate. Credits may be used to contribute to other degree level studies.
How is the course assessed? 
The course will be assessed by a portfolio approach. You will be required to collect evidence of achievement of key learning outcomes through completion of on-line assessments, logs of learning and development of a project.
Who funds the course?
Development of the course has been supported by the Government Office of the South East (GOSE) and the South Central Strategic Health Authority (SCSHA).
The Caroline Murphy Educational Bursary is available for local applications from dietitians and details of who to apply to can be provided on request.
Course dates 
The course is held over five days in the Autumn term:
- 19 September 2012
- 20 September 2012
- 17 October 2012
- 21 November 2012
- 12 December 2012.
Future courses will have a similar format.
Am I a suitable applicant?
In order to apply for the course you will need to be employed in a role where you will have the opportunity to put course learning into practice. This means that you will need:
- Support from your manager to undertake the course and apply your learning in practice
- Some ideas on how you would like to developyour current weight management services
- Access to a computer and the internet
How do I apply?
- Gain agreement and support from your manager
- Confirm that there are appropriate resources to support the course fee
- Complete the University Postgraduate application form and submit evidence to indicate how you would apply your learning in practice
Who do I contact for further information?