The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed for professionals who wish to specialise in nutrition for mothers, infants, and children. This diploma equips learners with in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to address the unique nutritional needs of maternal and child populations, supporting optimal growth, development, and long-term health outcomes.
The programme covers essential areas including maternal nutrition during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation, infant and child dietary requirements, feeding practices, prevention of malnutrition, and the management of nutrition-related health conditions. Learners will also explore public health policies, research methods, and evidence-based interventions, ensuring they can apply scientific principles effectively in clinical, community, or public health settings.
Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this qualification is particularly suitable for dietitians, nutritionists, healthcare practitioners, midwives, paediatric specialists, and public health professionals. Learners will gain the expertise to assess nutritional needs, design personalised dietary strategies, and deliver effective interventions for mothers and children across various healthcare and community contexts.
Centres offering this diploma must have competent and qualified staff, along with the necessary teaching materials, resources, and support systems, to ensure high-quality training and successful learner outcomes. This ensures that every learner is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to make a meaningful impact in maternal and child nutrition practice.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child 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 |
| QC29076- 1 | Foundations of Maternal Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29076-2 | Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29076-3 | Infant and Child Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29076-4 | Malnutrition Prevention and Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29076-5 | Public Health, Policy, and Maternal-Child Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29076-6 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 18 years of age or older at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- A recognised Level 5 qualification or equivalent in nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, maternal and child health, or a related discipline is required. Applicants with substantial professional experience may also be considered.
Experience:
- Previous experience in clinical practice, maternal and child health, nutrition, or public health is highly desirable to support engagement with advanced topics.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English (or the language of instruction) to understand course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments effectively.
Commitment to CPD:
- Learners should show dedication to advancing their professional knowledge, skills, and career development in maternal and child nutrition.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to appropriate study materials, including textbooks, academic journals, research databases, and digital learning tools, to support study and evidence-based practice
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition):
Foundations of Maternal Nutrition
- Explain the principles of maternal nutrition and reproductive health
- Analyse maternal nutrient requirements and dietary guidelines
- Evaluate physiological changes during preconception and pregnancy
- Apply foundational nutrition knowledge to improve maternal health outcomes
Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation
- Assess energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient needs during pregnancy
- Develop nutrition strategies to support lactation and maternal wellbeing
- Evaluate interventions for preventing pregnancy-related nutritional deficiencies and complications
- Apply evidence-based approaches to optimise maternal and infant health
Infant and Child Nutrition
- Explain nutritional requirements for infants and young children
- Analyse feeding practices, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding
- Identify strategies to promote healthy growth and development
- Apply nutritional interventions to prevent malnutrition in early childhood
Malnutrition Prevention and Management
- Identify risk factors and signs of malnutrition in mothers and children
- Apply screening tools and assessment methods for malnutrition
- Design personalised interventions to prevent and manage undernutrition and overnutrition
- Implement evidence-based strategies to improve nutritional status
Public Health, Policy, and Maternal-Child Nutrition
- Examine national and global policies affecting maternal and child nutrition
- Evaluate public health strategies for improving maternal and child health outcomes
- Understand ethical, cultural, and social considerations in nutrition interventions
- Apply policy knowledge to design and implement effective nutrition programmes
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Develop research skills relevant to maternal and child nutrition
- Critically evaluate scientific literature to inform practice
- Apply evidence-based research findings to clinical and community nutrition interventions
- Design practical nutrition strategies based on research and best practice
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition is designed for professionals and learners aiming to advance their expertise in nutrition for mothers, infants, and children. This qualification is ideal for:
- Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists
Learners seeking to specialise in maternal and child nutrition and deliver evidence-based dietary guidance. - Healthcare Professionals
Midwives, nurses, doctors, and allied health practitioners who want to enhance their understanding of nutrition’s role in maternal and child health. - Public Health Specialists
Professionals involved in community health programmes or maternal-child health initiatives aiming to improve population health outcomes. - Biomedical and Life Science Graduates
Learners with a background in nutrition, biology, or health sciences who wish to specialise in maternal and child nutrition. - Researchers and Academics
Individuals interested in contributing to research and evidence-based practice in maternal and child nutrition. - Childcare and Community Health Practitioners
Professionals working in childcare, early years settings, or community services who wish to improve nutritional care for mothers and children. - Learners Committed to CPD
Individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects, professional knowledge, and skills in maternal and child nutrition.
This diploma equips learners with the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to assess nutritional needs, design personalised dietary strategies, and implement effective interventions that improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality learning and successful learner outcomes:
- Qualified Staff
Tutors and assessors must hold recognised qualifications in nutrition, dietetics, maternal and child health, or related fields, with experience teaching at Level 6 or equivalent. - Learning Resources
Centres must provide learners with access to up-to-date textbooks, academic journals, research publications, and digital learning platforms. - Facilities and Equipment
Adequate teaching spaces, seminar rooms, and, where applicable, practical or laboratory facilities must be available to support learning and demonstrations. - Assessment and Quality Assurance
Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, internal quality assurance systems, and fair, consistent evaluation methods. - Learner Support Services
Centres must provide academic guidance, mentoring, and access to study and research resources to enhance learning outcomes. - Policies and Compliance
Centres must adhere to professional, ethical, and safeguarding standards, including equality, diversity, and health and safety regulations. - CPD for Staff
Tutors and assessors must engage in ongoing Continuing Professional Development to maintain up-to-date knowledge in maternal and child nutrition. - Technology Access
Learners should have access to computers, online databases, and e-learning platforms to support research, study, and evidence-based practice.