The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (Dip Nutritional Epidemiology) is an advanced qualification designed for learners who aspire to gain specialist knowledge in the intersection of nutrition, public health, and epidemiology. This programme provides an in-depth understanding of how dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and nutrition-related exposures influence population health outcomes. Learners will develop the ability to critically analyse research, interpret epidemiological data, and apply evidence-based approaches to address nutritional challenges on both a national and global scale.
This qualification is particularly aimed at professionals who wish to expand their expertise, enhance career prospects, and contribute to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It equips learners with advanced analytical skills, preparing them to work within public health organisations, academic institutions, healthcare systems, and research environments.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that competent and qualified staff are available to teach, support, and assess learners effectively. In addition, they must provide access to high-quality materials, research resources, and digital platforms to enable a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. These requirements are essential in ensuring that learners achieve the highest standards of academic success and professional readiness.
By completing this diploma, learners will be able to bridge the gap between nutrition science and public health practice, making meaningful contributions to policies, programmes, and research that promote better health outcomes across populations.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (Dip Nutritional Epidemiology):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (Dip Nutritional Epidemiology) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC29070- 1 | Foundations of Nutritional Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29070-2 | Research Methods and Study Design in Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29070-3 | Statistical Analysis and Interpretation of Nutritional Data | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29070-4 | Nutrition and Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29070-5 | Global and Public Health Perspectives in Nutritional Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29070-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Nutritional Epidemiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (Dip Nutritional Epidemiology):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- Applicants are expected to hold a Level 5 qualification or equivalent in nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, epidemiology, or a related discipline. A strong foundation in biological or health sciences is recommended.
Experience:
- Previous professional or voluntary experience in nutrition, dietetics, healthcare, epidemiology, or public health is desirable to support progression at Level 6.
Language Proficiency:
- As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to effectively engage with learning resources, assessments, and academic discussions.
Commitment to CPD:
- Learners should show a clear commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with an interest in keeping their skills and knowledge up to date in the fields of nutrition and epidemiology.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to relevant study resources, digital platforms, research materials, and reliable internet connectivity to successfully complete guided learning, independent study, and research tasks.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology (Dip Nutritional Epidemiology):
Foundations of Nutritional Epidemiology
- Explain the principles and scope of nutritional epidemiology
- Analyse the relationship between diet, nutrition, and population health
- Evaluate key concepts of exposure, outcome, and confounding in nutrition studies
- Apply epidemiological thinking to nutrition-related health challenges
Research Methods and Study Design in Epidemiology
- Compare different types of epidemiological study designs used in nutrition research
- Develop skills to design reliable and valid nutritional epidemiology studies
- Critically assess strengths and limitations of various research approaches
- Apply methodological principles to real-world nutrition and health investigations
Statistical Analysis and Interpretation of Nutritional Data
- Apply advanced statistical techniques to analyse nutritional datasets
- Interpret epidemiological results with accuracy and clarity
- Use software and tools relevant to data management and analysis in nutrition studies
- Evaluate the validity and reliability of statistical findings in research
Nutrition and Chronic Disease Epidemiology
- Examine the role of diet in the development and prevention of chronic diseases
- Interpret evidence linking nutrition to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease
- Critically appraise large-scale cohort and intervention studies in chronic disease epidemiology
- Propose diet-related strategies for reducing the burden of chronic disease at population level
Global and Public Health Perspectives in Nutritional Epidemiology
- Analyse global trends and challenges in nutrition and public health
- Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors on dietary patterns
- Assess international nutrition surveillance systems and data sources
- Propose strategies for addressing nutrition-related health inequalities at global and local levels
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Nutritional Epidemiology
- Apply ethical principles in the design and conduct of nutrition research
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within professional practice
- Reflect critically on personal and professional development needs
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to advance nutritional epidemiology
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Epidemiology is designed for learners who want to advance their expertise in nutrition, public health, and epidemiological research. This qualification is ideal for:
- Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals
Learners already working in nutrition or dietetics who want to expand their knowledge of epidemiology and apply evidence-based practices in clinical and public health contexts. - Public Health Practitioners
Professionals in public health, health promotion, or community health who wish to strengthen their ability to use nutritional data for population-level health strategies. - Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, nurses, and allied health workers who want to integrate nutrition and epidemiological principles into healthcare planning and patient management. - Researchers and Academics
Individuals engaged in or aspiring to research who wish to develop advanced skills in study design, data interpretation, and scientific communication within the field of nutritional epidemiology. - Policy Makers and Programme Managers
Professionals involved in health policy or programme implementation who aim to use nutrition-related evidence to design and evaluate interventions. - International Learners
Those working in diverse healthcare or academic settings worldwide seeking globally relevant training in nutritional epidemiology. - Learners Committed to CPD
Individuals who are dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and want to remain at the forefront of emerging knowledge in nutrition and public health research.
Centres offering this qualification must meet the following essential requirements to ensure quality delivery and learner success:
- Qualified Teaching Staff
Trainers and assessors must hold relevant academic qualifications in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or epidemiology, with experience in higher-level teaching and research. - Professional Experience
Teaching staff should demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and professional expertise in nutritional epidemiology and related fields. - Access to Learning Resources
Centres must provide comprehensive learning materials, research journals, case studies, and data sources that meet international academic standards. - Facilities for Assessment
Centres must ensure reliable facilities and systems for assessments, including research projects, written evaluations, and learner feedback. - Digital and Technological Support
Access to online platforms, statistical software, and digital libraries must be provided to support advanced learning and research activities. - Quality Assurance Systems
Centres must have robust internal verification and quality assurance processes to maintain consistency, integrity, and compliance with qualification standards. - Learner Support Services
Centres should provide academic guidance, research mentoring, and personal support to ensure learners achieve their full potential. - Compliance with Qualification Guidelines
Centres must follow all requirements outlined by QualCert to deliver training and assessment at the highest professional and academic level.