The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition (Dip Community Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed for learners who aspire to specialise in promoting health and wellbeing at community level through evidence-based nutritional practices. This programme focuses on the role of nutrition in preventing disease, improving population health, and addressing inequalities across diverse social and cultural settings. Learners will gain the expertise to design, implement, and evaluate nutrition programmes that meet the needs of specific populations.
This qualification is particularly suited to professionals seeking to enhance their career opportunities, broaden their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It combines advanced theoretical learning with practical applications, enabling learners to contribute to public health strategies, nutrition education, and policy development.
Centres delivering this diploma must ensure that highly competent and qualified staff are available to guide and support learners throughout their studies. In addition, centres are required to provide access to all necessary materials, resources, and digital platforms to ensure that learners receive high-quality training and achieve strong outcomes.
Upon completion, learners will have the confidence and skills to apply community nutrition principles in various professional contexts, including public health organisations, healthcare systems, NGOs, educational settings, and research environments. This diploma prepares learners to become leaders and advocates for improved nutritional health across populations, contributing to healthier communities and better quality of life.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition (Dip Community Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition (Dip Community 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 |
| QC29071- 1 | Principles of Community Nutrition and Public Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29071-2 | Nutrition Assessment and Programme Planning in Communities | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29071-3 | Food Security, Sustainability, and Community Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29071-4 | Nutrition Education, Behaviour Change, and Communication | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29071-5 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Community Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29071-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Community Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition (Dip Community Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 18 years of age 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, public health, or a related discipline. A background in biological or social sciences will be an advantage.
Experience:
- Prior professional or voluntary experience in nutrition, healthcare, public health, or community development is desirable to support progression at this level.
Language Proficiency:
- As the qualification is delivered in English, learners must have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to engage fully with study materials, assignments, and academic discussions.
Commitment to CPD:
- Learners should demonstrate a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and be motivated to keep their knowledge and skills up to date in the field of community nutrition.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to reliable study resources, academic references, digital platforms, and internet connectivity to complete guided learning, independent study, and assessments successfully.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition (Dip Community Nutrition):
Principles of Community Nutrition and Public Health
- Analyse the role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing disease within communities
- Evaluate the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and public health outcomes
- Apply public health nutrition principles to improve population wellbeing
- Assess current community nutrition policies and strategies at local and national levels
Nutrition Assessment and Programme Planning in Communities
- Conduct community-level nutrition assessments using appropriate tools and methods
- Identify key nutritional issues affecting specific populations
- Design evidence-based nutrition programmes tailored to community needs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions and initiatives
Unit 3: Food Security, Sustainability, and Community Health
- Explain the concepts of food security, sustainability, and their impact on health
- Assess the challenges of ensuring equitable access to nutritious food in communities
- Evaluate the role of policy and programmes in addressing food insecurity
- Propose sustainable solutions to promote long-term community health
Nutrition Education, Behaviour Change, and Communication
- Apply theories of behaviour change to promote healthy eating in community settings
- Develop culturally appropriate nutrition education materials and campaigns
- Communicate effectively with diverse populations to influence dietary practices
- Evaluate the impact of education and communication strategies on community nutrition outcomes
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Community Nutrition
- Critically evaluate research methodologies relevant to community nutrition
- Interpret data from nutrition-related studies and surveys
- Apply evidence-based approaches to improve community health interventions
- Design small-scale research or practice-based projects in community nutrition
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Community Nutrition
- Demonstrate leadership skills in the management of community nutrition programmes
- Apply ethical principles in professional practice and decision-making
- Critically reflect on personal and professional development needs
- Collaborate effectively with stakeholders to advance community nutrition initiatives
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition is designed for learners who wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills in applying nutrition principles to improve health outcomes at community and population levels. This diploma is ideal for:
- Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals
Learners working in nutrition or dietetics who want to expand their expertise in community-based nutrition and public health strategies. - Public Health Practitioners
Professionals involved in health promotion, health education, or public health programmes who wish to integrate nutrition into their practice. - Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals who aim to use nutrition to support prevention, treatment, and overall community wellbeing. - Community Development Officers
Individuals working with NGOs, charities, or government organisations who design and deliver nutrition programmes to vulnerable populations. - Researchers and Academics
Learners interested in research who want to gain advanced skills in evidence-based practice and contribute to nutrition-focused studies. - Policy Makers and Programme Managers
Professionals involved in shaping public health policy or managing community health projects who require strong knowledge of nutrition and its wider impacts. - International Learners
Those seeking globally relevant training in community nutrition to apply within diverse social and cultural contexts. - Learners Committed to CPD
Individuals dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to strengthen their professional standing and remain at the forefront of community nutrition practice.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Community Nutrition must meet the following requirements to ensure high-quality delivery and learner success:
- Qualified Teaching Staff
Tutors and assessors must be appropriately qualified in nutrition, public health, or a related discipline, with relevant teaching and assessment experience. - Access to Learning Resources
Centres must provide up-to-date textbooks, journals, research publications, and digital learning resources relevant to community nutrition. - Facilities and Equipment
Suitable classroom, seminar, and/or online learning facilities must be available, equipped with modern teaching aids and technology. - Assessment Systems
Centres must have robust systems in place to manage assignments, projects, and assessments in line with qualification standards. - Learner Support
Centres must offer academic and pastoral support, including guidance on research, study skills, and CPD opportunities. - Quality Assurance
Internal quality assurance procedures must be established to maintain consistency and reliability in teaching, learning, and assessment. - Policies and Procedures
Centres must have clear policies for equality, diversity, inclusivity, health and safety, and safeguarding. - Access to Experts and Guest Lecturers
Where possible, centres should provide learners with opportunities to engage with practitioners, researchers, and guest speakers in the field of community nutrition. - CPD Opportunities for Staff
Teaching and assessment staff must engage in regular CPD to ensure knowledge remains current and aligned with international nutrition and public health standards.