The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge of the nutritional needs of older adults and the role of diet in healthy ageing. This diploma explores the science behind ageing, age-related physiological changes, and how nutrition can be used to promote wellbeing, prevent disease, and enhance quality of life in later years.
Aimed at professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their expertise, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this programme integrates scientific evidence with applied practice. Learners will gain a deep understanding of topics such as nutritional assessment in older adults, the prevention and management of age-related conditions, dietary interventions for cognitive and physical health, and the design of nutrition strategies for ageing populations.
This qualification is highly relevant for healthcare practitioners, dietitians, nutritionists, public health professionals, and those working in elder care services who want to develop specialist expertise in the field of ageing and nutrition. By completing this diploma, learners will acquire the skills to critically evaluate research, apply evidence-based dietary interventions, and contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of older individuals in both clinical and community settings.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and qualified staff, appropriate teaching materials, and the necessary facilities and resources to maintain high standards of learning and assessment. This ensures that learners benefit from a comprehensive educational experience that combines advanced theory with practical application.
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Ageing and Nutrition equips learners to play a vital role in shaping the future of nutrition for ageing populations, making a meaningful impact on health, independence, and quality of life.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition and Feeding (Dip Pediatric Nutrition), 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 |
| QC29096- 1 | Principles of Healthy Ageing and Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29096-2 | Physiological and Metabolic Changes in Ageing | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29096-3 | Nutrition in the Prevention and Management of Age-Related Diseases | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29096-4 | Dietary Interventions for Cognitive and Physical Health in Older Adults | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29096-5 | Nutritional Assessment, Planning and Support in Ageing Populations | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29096-6 | Research Project in Ageing and Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
Educational Background:
- A Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in nutrition, health sciences, dietetics, healthcare, or a related discipline is recommended. Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered.
Experience:
- Prior experience in healthcare, nutrition, public health, elder care, or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners should have proficiency in English, with strong reading, writing, and communication skills to engage with academic content and complete assignments successfully.
Commitment to CPD:
- Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as this diploma is designed for professionals seeking career progression and advanced expertise.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to a personal computer or laptop, reliable internet connection, and essential study resources, including academic journals, e-libraries, and research tools.
These requirements ensure that learners can fully engage with the qualification and gain the advanced skills necessary to progress in paediatric nutrition, feeding, and child health.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition):
Principles of Healthy Ageing and Nutrition
- Analyse the biological, psychological, and social aspects of healthy ageing
- Evaluate the role of nutrition in promoting longevity and wellbeing
- Assess the impact of lifestyle factors on the ageing process
- Apply global frameworks and guidelines for healthy ageing
- Critically examine the relationship between diet, ageing, and disease prevention
Physiological and Metabolic Changes in Ageing
- Examine age-related changes in digestion, absorption, and metabolism
- Evaluate the impact of body composition changes on nutritional needs
- Assess nutrient bioavailability and requirements in older adults
- Analyse hormonal, skeletal, and muscular changes that affect nutrition
- Apply knowledge of metabolic changes to dietary planning for ageing populations
Nutrition in the Prevention and Management of Age-Related Diseases
- Evaluate the role of diet in preventing chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- Assess nutritional strategies for managing sarcopenia and frailty
- Apply evidence-based dietary approaches to reduce age-related disease risk
- Analyse the relationship between diet, inflammation, and disease progression
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions in older adults
Dietary Interventions for Cognitive and Physical Health in Older Adults
- Assess the role of nutrition in maintaining brain health and cognitive function
- Evaluate dietary approaches to support physical strength, mobility, and independence
- Examine the effects of specific nutrients and functional foods on ageing health outcomes
- Apply nutrition strategies to improve quality of life in older populations
- Critically analyse research on diet, ageing, and neurological health
Nutritional Assessment, Planning and Support in Ageing Populations
- Demonstrate advanced skills in nutritional screening and assessment of older adults
- Develop personalised dietary plans tailored to age-related needs and conditions
- Evaluate the use of anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical indicators in ageing nutrition
- Apply best practice in providing nutrition support across different elder care settings
- Critically assess the effectiveness of individual and community-level dietary interventions
Research Project in Ageing and Nutrition
- Identify and define a relevant research question in ageing and nutrition
- Apply appropriate research methodologies and ethical practices
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data in relation to nutrition and ageing populations
- Critically evaluate findings and compare them to existing evidence
- Produce a structured dissertation demonstrating advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
The Course is ideal for :
- Nutritionists, dietitians, and healthcare professionals aiming to specialise in ageing and nutrition
- Professionals working in elder care, community health, or public health programmes supporting older populations
- Researchers and academics seeking to expand expertise in the relationship between ageing, diet, and disease prevention
- Healthcare practitioners such as nurses, physiotherapists, and allied health workers involved in elderly care and wellbeing
- Policy makers and managers designing nutrition programmes and interventions for ageing populations
- Individuals committed to enhancing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in advanced nutrition and healthy ageing
- Learners aspiring to progress into senior roles within healthcare, nutrition consultancy, or ageing-related services
Centres approved to deliver the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Ageing and Nutrition must meet the following requirements to ensure consistent quality, learner success, and compliance with qualification standards:
- Qualified Staff: Trainers and assessors must hold relevant academic and professional qualifications in nutrition, dietetics, ageing studies, healthcare, or related fields, with proven teaching and assessment competence.
- Assessment Expertise: Assessors should demonstrate expertise in supervising Level 6 assignments and research projects, with the ability to evaluate complex work to advanced standards.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to updated textbooks, academic journals, research databases, and digital platforms in ageing and nutrition.
- Facilities and Equipment: Adequate classrooms, IT facilities, and research tools must be available to support both theoretical study and practical application.
- Quality Assurance: Robust internal verification and quality assurance procedures must be in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance in assessment practices.
- Learner Support: Centres must provide appropriate academic guidance, mentoring, and pastoral support to enable learners to achieve their qualification successfully.
- Commitment to CPD: All staff delivering or assessing this qualification must engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to remain up to date with best practices in ageing and nutrition.
- Compliance: Centres must operate in accordance with all QualCert regulations, policies, and requirements to ensure high standards of delivery.