Could I get away with just doing a PGDip or PGCert?

[DeepestDarkestRiver]

So delighted to have this board!

I am 51, and have a lot of education . I have a science-based BSc, MSc and PhD. After finishing my PhD I moved into scientific publishing, which has been a great fit. I do really (mostly) enjoy my job, have quite a senior role and am paid reasonably well for what I do.

However. I don't want to do this until I retire. I would love to do something completely different. So I have enrolled in a nutrition course - it's just the one course, so I could see if I liked it. I do! I'm struggling to find the time to study in between working full time and having a family (kids are in primary and secondary), but I'm enjoying the learning. It's an accredited program, and if I complete this course and one more next term (and pass!) I will be 'invited' to do the MSc next September. I was thinking that is what I would do, except that a) I would have to quit my job for an uncertain future; b) I really have no interest in doing the research aspect of the MSc - been there done that!

Then I realised I could do a PGDip or PGCert and avoid the research component (and higher cost) and keep working while I did the required courses. That appeals much more to me. But what I'm unsure about is whether I would be much less employable as a nutritionist with 'only' the PGCert or PGDip (I'm aware of the differences between a nutritionist and a dietician, but I just can't commit to full-time education right now, and there are no suitable programs anywhere near me).

Would I seem more credible as a self-employed nutritionist, for example, having my scientific background and training, even though they aren't in nutrition? Or would I end up with yet another qualification and no job prospects at all?

Thank you in advance for any advice!

I don’t know - but as other know-nothings might pass by, I’ll leave this here for basic info:

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/wider-healthcare-team/roles-wider-healthcare-team/clinical-support-staff/nutritionist

• and hope someone knowledgeable happens along soon.

(I do empathise with the having a lot of education issue. Would there be any way to eventually capitalise on your doctorate by specialising in some exciting new area of nutritional science?)

Thank you @EdmontinaDancesWithOphelia! I have looked up a bunch of nutritionist career sites, but hadn't come across that link.

It is possible to capitalise, as you suggest, on my PhD, but not in research. I've been out of it for far too long, and my heart just isn't in it. But I am thinking about how I might combine the two. What I don't want is to end up working for a nutrition publisher! Same game, different name.

The question is which level is the accredited qualification. If the MSc is by “invitation” I’ll hazard a guess that it is the PgDip that is the accredited award but you’ll need to check with the provider /accrediting body. This should have been made clear pre-registration. In my field a Pgcert is usually an exit award (awarded if a student does not have enough credits for a higher award) or offered as CPD to qualified professionals only.

It's the MSc that is accredited. I could apply for direct entry to the MSc (I have the required qualifications), but they also let you take individual courses, and if you pass two (of the core MSc courses), then there is the option of being 'invited'. I went that route because I didn't want to quit my job and just dive in!

I should also say that I'm not really familiar with PGDips or PGCerts, or how they're perceived. They aren't a 'thing' in my current line of work or field.