350 Years of Excellence
For over 350 years, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has set the benchmark for medical education and professional standards.
Professional Diploma in Obesity Care
Programme Overview
The Professional Diploma in Obesity Care enables doctors, nurses, and health and social care professionals, working in clinical practice and public health settings, to acquire evidence-based knowledge and develop advanced skills for the comprehensive assessment, management, and prevention of obesity across the life course.
Through an integrated, multidisciplinary, and person-centred approach, participants will enhance their capacity to deliver equitable, stigma-free care and contribute to service improvement and leadership within clinical and community settings.
Programme Benefits
What differentiates this professional diploma?
- A globally respected RCPI qualification.
- Developed by world-leading specialists in obesity prevention and management.
- Co-designed with patient experts.
- Practical, workplace-focused learning with strong application of systems thinking principles.
- Clinician-centred programme aligned with the National Clinical Programme for Obesity and the HSE Model of Care, supporting coordinated inter and multidisciplinary approaches.
- Flexible structure designed for busy professionals and suitable for anyone involved in strategy development, supporting people living with obesity, or seeking to deepen knowledge in obesity care.
- 60 CPD credits.
- 1-hour tutorial per week.
Overview
Pricing:
€4,000
Duration :
10 months
Format:
Fully online / 1 weekly tutorial
Start Date:
September 2026
Award:
Professional Diploma
Awarding Body:
RCPI
CPD Credits:
60
Advancing Excellence in Obesity Care
A comprehensive, evidence-based programme empowering healthcare professionals to deliver person-centred, stigma-free obesity care across the life course.
Module 1 - Understanding Obesity
Programme Co-Lead & Module Lead – Dr Jean O’ Connell
This module aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of obesity as a complex and relapsing chronic disease influenced by genetic, biological, psychological, and social determinants.
For more information, please download the brochure at the link below
Module 2 – Obesity Management Strategies
Module Lead – Dr Cathy Breen
This module aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to plan and deliver comprehensive, evidence-based obesity management within a chronic disease framework.
For more information, please download the brochure at the link below
Module 3 – Obesity Equity and Health Systems integration
Module Lead – Dr Ximena Ramos Salas
This module aims to enable learners to critically examine obesity and its prevention within the broader context of health systems, public policy, and social equity.
For more information, please download the brochure at the link below
Meet the Team
World Class Faculty
Learn from internationally recognised experts in obesity care, research, and public health policy.
Prof Donal O'Shea
Programme Co-Lead.png)
Dr Jean O'Connell
Programme Co-Lead & Module 1 Lead.png)
Dr Cathy Breen
Module 2 Lead.png)
Dr Ximena Ramos Salas
Module 3 LeadWHY CHOOSE RCPI
Unrivalled Credibility and Globally Recognised Qualification
A qualification backed by centuries of medical education excellence and trusted by healthcare institutions worldwide.
Globally Recognised
Our qualifications are recognised worldwide as a mark of clinical excellence and academic rigour, trusted by healthcare professionals and institutions across the globe.
Expert Faculty
Our faculty includes senior clinicians, obesity specialists and experienced educators who combine practical expertise with academic excellence.
Dedicated Tutor Support
Each learner is supported by a dedicated RCPI-affiliated tutor, offering guidance, feedback and mentorship throughout the programme.
Ireland was chosen by the WHO Regional Office for Europe as a demonstration site for innovative obesity prevention and treatment approaches.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Hold a degree in medicine, nursing, or any other health and social care profession (e.g., dietetics, physiotherapy, public health, health promotion, occupational therapy, pharmacy, etc.)
- Minimum English Language requirement - must meet one of the following:
- Primary Qualification in English - Level 8 degree (or equivalent)
- Professional Experience in an English-Speaking Health Setting
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall score 6.5, with no band below 6.0
- Equivalent tests accepted (e.g., OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic)
- Equivalencies benchmarked against IELTS 6.5 using recognised concordance tables
- Reliable broadband (≥ 5 Mbps)
- Computer/tablet with a camera and headset
- Basic Microsoft 365 software skills
Course Cost
Fees & Payment Options
Flexible payment options offered to make this qualification accessible for all healthcare professionals.
Tuition Fee
€4,000
Full programme fee covering all three modules, tutorials, and RCPI certification.
Save up to
10%
- 10% discount for full upfront payments
- 10% discount for RCPI Members, Fellows & Trainees in good standing
*One discount can be applied per applicant
Payment Plan
4 Installments
Deposit (On acceptance) - €1,000
Instalment 1 (Module 1 start) - €1,000
Instalment 2 (Module 2 start) - €1,000
Instalment 3 (Module 3 start) - €1,000