About the program

The program is interdisciplinary in nature, combining the fields of nutrition, psychology, and health sciences, which enables a comprehensive approach to working with patients as they make lifestyle changes and develop lasting healthy habits. The education program addresses the current needs of the healthcare system and the growing public awareness of healthy lifestyles.

Objective

The objective of the programme is to prepare auditors to provide professional support to patients in changing their eating habits, taking into account psychological, medical, and social factors, particularly by developing competencies in dietary counselling, communication, and the application of psychodietetic tools during their professional internship. The program prepares students to work with patients in public and private healthcare facilities, dietary counseling centers, and healthcare institutions, as well as to conduct educational and preventive activities in the field of health promotion.

Benefits

Graduates of the program are prepared to work in the field of Psychodietetics, particularly in supporting patients in changing their eating habits, providing dietary counseling, and applying psychological tools in their professional practice. Completion of the program expands the professional competencies of medical professionals and other specialists working in the healthcare sector.

The practical nature of the program

 The program employs a variety of educational methods, including problem-based lectures, practicals, practical workshops, case studies, educational discussions, simulations of clinical and therapeutic situations, and work using IT tools to support dietary planning. The use of diverse teaching methods enables students to acquire competencies in analyzing nutritional problems, planning dietary interventions, and communicating effectively with patients.  Particular emphasis is placed on developing practical skills, including working with patients, case analysis, and the application of psychodietetic tools in conditions similar to real-world professional internships.

 Graduate Profile

 The graduate possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to work with patients on shaping and changing eating behaviors, taking into account psychological, health-related, and social factors. They are able to analyze the causes of unhealthy eating habits, identify psychological, emotional, and environmental factors, and plan effective interventions to support lifestyle changes.

The graduate is prepared to provide dietary counseling, communicate effectively with patients, build therapeutic relationships, and apply motivational techniques in their professional practice. They possess the skills to identify eating disorders and diet-related diseases and to take appropriate supportive measures.   

Graduates are also prepared to engage in educational and preventive activities promoting a healthy lifestyle, to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and to work independently in the field of Psychodietetics and pursue further professional development.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must attend classes and pass a practical final exam, which includes a case study and the preparation of a psychodietetic treatment plan.

Module I: General, developmental, and personality psychology (25 hours)

1. Introduction to Psychology – basic concepts, trends and areas of application of psychology in health sciences.
2. Human psychological development throughout the life cycle – cognitive, emotional, and social changes.
3. Personality structure and individual differences – temperament, personality traits, and their significance for human functioning.
4. Emotions and stress – mechanisms of emotion regulation and ways of coping with stress.
5. Psychological determinants of health and illness – the role of psychological factors in maintaining health.

Module II: Fundamentals of Human Nutrition and Dietetics (30 hours)

1. Nutrients – characteristics, functions, and importance in maintaining health.
2. Nutritional standards and the human body’s energy requirements.
3. Principles of rational nutrition in various population groups.
4. Methods for assessing dietary patterns – menu analysis, food diary, quantitative and qualitative methods.
5. Characteristics of diets used in human nutrition – basic, elimination, weight-loss, and specialized diets.
6. The principles of planning dietary recommendations – tailoring a diet to the patient’s needs.

Module III: Functional foods and dietary prophylaxis (25 hours)

1. Definition and significance of functional foods in disease prevention.
2. Bioactive food components and their impact on bodily functions.
3. The role of nutrition in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.
4. Dietary supplementation – indications, limitations, and potential risks.
5. Contemporary dietary trends – analysis and assessment of their impact on health.

Module IV: Clinical aspects of eating disorders and diet-related diseases (30 hours)

1. Classification and Characteristics of Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, BED).
2. Diet-related diseases – obesity, diabetes, diseases of the cardiovascular system.
3. Metabolic and hormonal disorders and diet.
4. Nutritional assessment and interpretation of test results.
5. The role of the therapeutic team in the treatment of eating disorders.

Module V: The psychology of nutrition and eating behaviors (30 hours)

1. Psychological mechanisms regulating eating behavior—hunger, satiety, and food control.
2. Emotional and compulsive eating, and the psychological factors underlying eating disorders.
3. The impact of stress, the environment, and social factors on eating behaviors.
4. Forming and changing eating habits—mechanisms of learning and reinforcing behaviors.
5. Case studies of patients with eating disorders.

Module VI: The psychology of motivation and health behavior change (25 hours)

1. Motivation theories and their application in patient care.
2. Models of health behavior change (e.g., the stages of change model).
3. Barriers to lifestyle change and mechanisms of patient resistance.
4. Techniques for supporting motivation and building readiness for change.
5. Strategies for reinforcing new healthy habits.

Module VII: Dietary counselling and communication with patients (25 hours)

1. The dietary consultation process – meeting structure, stages of working with the patient.
2. Therapeutic communication – active listening and questioning techniques.
3. Building a relationship with the patient – trust, empathy, and cooperation.
4. Praca z trudnym pacjentem – opór, brak motywacji, trudne emocje
5. Edukacja zdrowotna – przekazywanie zaleceń i wspieranie zmiany

Module VIII: Elementy psychoterapii i techniki pracy w psychodietetyce (25 hours)

1. Podstawowe nurty psychoterapii – przegląd podejść i ich znaczenie w pracy z pacjentem
2. Granice kompetencji psychodietetyka oraz zasady współpracy z psychoterapeutą
3. Wybrane techniki pracy z pacjentem – elementy podejścia poznawczo-behawioralnego, techniki uważności
4. Working with patient resources – building competence and a sense of agency
5. Case Study – applying the methods and tools acquired in practice during an internship

Final examination

Our teaching staff consists of highly qualified specialists with professional and teaching experience in the fields of dietetics, psychology, psychotherapy, and health sciences.

The faculty includes practitioners who work with patients on a daily basis, including lecturers who are engaged in professional activities in the fields of dietary counseling, psychotherapy, and health promotion, which ensures the practical nature of the courses. Lecturers at the university are also faculty members with a track record of scholarly achievement and experience in medical and health sciences education, whose work is closely linked to professional internships. The program involves individuals with clinical and practical experience in working with patients who have nutritional issues and eating disorders.

 Program Coordinator:  dr Justyna Chałdaś-Majdańska

Registered nurse (currently practicing), university lecturer, clinical dietitian, and psychodietitian (in education), with clinical experience working with patients, particularly in the area of eating disorders and nutritional issues in children.

dr Katarzyna Kociuba-Adamczuk

Nurse, university lecturer, psychotherapist, practitioner – psychological therapy practice

dr Karolina Szczygieł

Clinical dietitian, university lecturer, Master of Public Health graduate, practitioner – nutrition counseling practice

mgr Aleksandra Chaber

Psychologist, nurse, university lecturer

mgr Karolina Rak

Clinical dietitian, university professor, practitioner – nutrition counseling practice

mgr Maciej Pokarowski

Clinical dietitian, university professor, practitioner – nutrition counseling practice

Application form for postgraduate studies Application for admission to postgraduate studies Postgraduate studies contractAdmission is determined by the order in which applications are received and the accuracy of the documents submitted. The admission period for the fall-winter semester lasts until September 30, with classes scheduled to begin in October; the admission period for the spring-summer semester lasts until February 28, with classes scheduled to begin in March*

* Please note that if there are not enough applicants, the group may not be formed.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• degree certificate/transcript of higher education
• filled-in questionnaire
• filled-in application for admission
• filled-in agreement in 2 copies (date to be entered by the University)
• 1 photo
• proof of payment of the application fee
• for candidates applying for admission to programs taught in English, proficiency in English at a level sufficient to participate in classes (at least B2) is required

DOCUMENTS:

• Postgraduate studies contract
• Application for admission to postgraduate studies
• Application form for postgraduate studies

FEES FOR STUDIES

1. Program taught in Polish language

• • • Application fee:200 PLN – ATTENTION! Non-refundable.
    • Price:3800 PLN – possibility of payment in two semester installments of 1,900 PLN each or in six monthly installments of 705 PLN each

2. Program taught in English language

• • • Application fee:100 EURO – ATTENTION! Non-refundable.
    • Price: 1200 EURO – possibility of payment in two semester installments of 600 euros each or in six monthly installments of 470 euros

DISCOUNTS

Discount for a one-time payment – 5%.

BANK ACCOUNT

Bank account to which the application fee can be paid:

WSEI University in Lublin

Center for Postgraduate Education

4 Projektowa St., 20-209 Lublin

73 1140 1094 0000 2027 6900 1081

Please include your first name, surname and study program in the transfer title

INVOICES

Those interested in receiving an invoice are asked to contact the University Finance Office, Room 110 (1st Floor), tel. 81 749 32 08