The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the field of nutrition and ageing. This programme equips learners with an in-depth understanding of the nutritional needs of older adults, age-related physiological changes, and strategies to support healthy ageing. It is ideal for those looking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of ageing populations.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition) is specifically designed for healthcare practitioners, dietitians, nutritionists, public health professionals, and researchers who wish to expand their professional competence and actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will explore critical topics such as nutrient requirements in older adults, disease prevention, malnutrition management, dietary planning, and the social and psychological aspects of ageing.
QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition) ensures that centres delivering this qualification maintain the highest educational standards. Centres are required to employ competent and qualified staff and provide all necessary materials and resources to deliver high-quality training. This guarantees that learners receive practical, relevant, and comprehensive instruction, enabling them to achieve their full potential and succeed in both academic and professional contexts.
By completing the PgD Aging and Nutrition, learners will gain a recognised Level 7 postgraduate diploma and develop the expertise to influence nutrition strategies, design intervention programmes, and lead initiatives that promote healthy ageing. This qualification is a strategic step for professionals aspiring to become leaders in nutrition, gerontology, healthcare, and public health sectors.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC29128- 1 | Advanced Nutritional Science for Older Adults | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29128-2 | Assessment and Management of Nutritional Status in Aging | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29128-3 | Chronic Disease Prevention and Management through Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29128-4 | Food Safety, Hygiene, and Practical Nutritional Planning for Older Adults | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29128-5 | Public Health, Policy, and Nutrition in Aging Populations | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29128-6 | Research Methods in Aging and Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old, ensuring an appropriate level of maturity for postgraduate study.
Educational Background:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, gerontology, or a related field is required. Applicants with significant professional experience in nutrition or healthcare may also be considered.
Professional Experience:
- Relevant work experience in ageing, nutrition, dietetics, healthcare, or public health is highly recommended. This ensures learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English (written and spoken). This can be evidenced through prior academic qualifications, professional experience, or recognised English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Commitment to CPD:
Learners should demonstrate a clear commitment to ongoing professional development, reflecting the course’s focus on career advancement and evidence-based practice.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to essential study resources, including:
- Reliable internet connection for online learning, research, and assessments
- Suitable computing equipment capable of running required software for assignments and data analysis
- Access to library resources, journals, and academic databases for research purposes
- Facilities to support any practical or observational research in ageing and nutrition
These requirements ensure learners are fully equipped to engage with the Level 7 curriculum, complete assignments successfully, and gain maximum professional and academic benefit from the PgD Aging and Nutrition qualification.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (PgD Aging and Nutrition):
Advanced Nutritional Science for Older Adults
- Evaluate the physiological and metabolic changes associated with ageing
- Analyse nutritional requirements for older adults to support health and longevity
- Apply evidence-based nutritional strategies to prevent age-related deficiencies
- Critically appraise scientific literature relevant to ageing and nutrition
Assessment and Management of Nutritional Status in Aging
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for older adults
- Identify risks of malnutrition and implement appropriate interventions
- Develop personalised dietary plans to meet individual or group needs
- Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of nutritional interventions
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management through Nutrition
- Examine the role of nutrition in preventing age-related chronic diseases
- Develop dietary strategies to manage conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis
- Critically assess evidence-based interventions for disease prevention and management
- Apply knowledge to improve the health outcomes of older populations
Food Safety, Hygiene, and Practical Nutritional Planning for Older Adults
- Identify microbiological hazards and contamination risks in food for older adults
- Apply safe food handling and hygiene practices in care settings
- Design practical dietary plans to meet the nutritional needs of ageing populations
- Evaluate strategies to enhance dietary intake and food safety in older adults
Public Health, Policy, and Nutrition in Aging Populations
- Critically evaluate national and international policies on ageing and nutrition
- Analyse public health strategies aimed at improving older adult nutrition
- Formulate evidence-based recommendations for policy or programme development
- Advocate for initiatives that promote healthy ageing within communities
Research Methods in Aging and Nutrition
- Design and implement research projects in ageing and nutrition
- Collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
- Apply research findings to inform evidence-based nutritional practice
- Prepare professional research reports following academic and ethical standards
The Course is ideal for :
- Healthcare professionals, dietitians, and nutritionists specialising in older adult care
- Geriatric nurses, clinicians, and care managers seeking advanced knowledge in ageing and nutrition
- Public health practitioners and policy makers focusing on healthy ageing initiatives
- Researchers and academics working in gerontology, nutrition, and age-related health studies
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career advancement in healthcare and nutrition
- Consultants and specialists advising on dietary interventions and nutritional programmes for older populations
- Individuals seeking a recognised Level 7 postgraduate diploma to enhance professional credibility and expertise
- Practitioners involved in designing, implementing, or evaluating nutrition and health programmes for ageing populations
- Employ competent and qualified staff with expertise in gerontology, nutrition, and healthcare
- Ensure staff maintain up-to-date knowledge of ageing, nutritional science, and relevant regulations
- Provide access to comprehensive teaching and learning materials, including textbooks, case studies, and practical resources
- Maintain a suitable learning environment for both theoretical and practical instruction
- Ensure learners have access to reliable internet, digital learning platforms, and computing equipment for research and assessments
- Provide access to library resources, academic journals, and research databases for evidence-based learning
- Implement robust assessment and quality assurance systems to monitor learner progress and maintain high standards
- Promote a culture of continuous professional development, learner support, and academic excellence
- Comply with health, safety, and ethical standards for any practical or observational activities
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver the qualification to international standards, ensuring learners achieve the intended outcomes