QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (PgD Community Nutrition)

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (PgD Community Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare and nutrition professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in promoting nutrition and wellbeing at the community level. This programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate nutrition programmes that improve public health outcomes across diverse populations.

Tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this diploma focuses on advanced public health nutrition concepts, community engagement strategies, and evidence-based programme design. Learners will explore topics such as nutritional assessment, health promotion, food security, policy development, and the evaluation of community nutrition interventions, enabling them to make a tangible impact on population health.

This qualification is ideal for nutritionists, dietitians, public health practitioners, community health workers, and researchers who wish to influence nutrition-related outcomes at local, national, or global levels. By completing this programme, learners will gain the expertise to develop sustainable nutrition initiatives, implement effective interventions, and contribute to healthier communities through data-driven strategies.

Centres delivering this postgraduate diploma are required to maintain the highest standards of education. They must employ competent and qualified staff and provide learners with access to comprehensive teaching materials, up-to-date research resources, and appropriate facilities. This ensures a supportive and enriching learning environment that promotes academic excellence, professional growth, and learner success.

With its strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, community engagement, and professional development, the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition offers learners a valuable pathway to leadership roles in public health nutrition and community health initiatives.

Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (PgD Community Nutrition):

The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (PgD Community Nutrition), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Unit Ref#Unit TitleCreditsGLHTQT
QC29104- 1Advanced Community Nutrition and Public Health20100200
QC29104-2Nutritional Assessment and Population Health Surveillance20100200
QC29104-3Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Strategies20100200
QC29104-4Policy Development and Programme Planning in Community Nutrition20100200
QC29104-5Evaluation of Community Nutrition Interventions20100200
QC29104-6Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Community Nutrition20100200

Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (PgD Community Nutrition):

Minimum Age:

  • Learners must be 21 years or older at the start of the course.

Educational Background:

  • A relevant Level 6 qualification (such as a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Health Sciences, or related fields) is required. Equivalent international qualifications or recognised professional certifications may also be considered.

Experience:

  • Prior professional or research experience in community nutrition, public health, dietetics, or related fields is highly recommended to support the practical application of advanced concepts.

Language Proficiency:

  • Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, as all course materials, assessments, and assignments are delivered in English. This may be evidenced through prior education or an approved English language qualification.

Commitment to CPD:

Learners should be committed to ongoing professional development, seeking to expand their knowledge, skills, and career opportunities in community nutrition and public health.

Access to Required Resources:

Learners must have access to a computer or laptop with internet connectivity and relevant software to complete assignments, research projects, and online learning. Access to professional guidelines, academic journals, and community nutrition resources is essential.

Learning Outcomes for theQualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nutrition (PgD Community Nutrition):

Advanced Community Nutrition and Public Health

  • Critically evaluate the role of nutrition in public health and community wellbeing
  • Analyse dietary patterns and their impact on population health outcomes
  • Apply advanced community nutrition knowledge to support evidence-based interventions
  • Assess challenges and opportunities in improving nutrition at the population level

Nutritional Assessment and Population Health Surveillance

  • Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments in diverse community settings
  • Analyse population health and nutrition data to identify trends and priorities
  • Apply surveillance methods to monitor dietary intake and nutritional status
  • Use assessment findings to inform public health nutrition planning

Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Strategies

  • Design and implement effective health promotion and behaviour change initiatives
  • Apply theories of behaviour change to improve dietary and lifestyle habits
  • Evaluate the impact of community-based interventions on health outcomes
  • Develop strategies to engage and motivate communities for better nutrition

Policy Development and Programme Planning in Community Nutrition

  • Develop evidence-based nutrition policies and strategic plans for community health
  • Design and manage nutrition programmes tailored to specific population needs
  • Analyse policy impact and identify areas for improvement
  • Integrate best practices to support sustainable and effective community nutrition initiatives

Evaluation of Community Nutrition Interventions

  • Critically assess the effectiveness of nutrition programmes and public health interventions
  • Apply appropriate evaluation methods to measure outcomes and impact
  • Analyse and report findings to inform future policy and practice
  • Develop recommendations to enhance the quality and sustainability of interventions

Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Community Nutrition

  • Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional conduct in community nutrition
  • Apply leadership and management skills to coordinate community programmes
  • Evaluate professional standards and best practices in nutrition service delivery
  • Lead initiatives to improve community nutrition and public health outcomes

The Course is ideal for :

  • Nutritionists, dietitians, and healthcare professionals seeking advanced knowledge in community nutrition
  • Public health practitioners and researchers aiming to design, implement, and evaluate nutrition programmes
  • Professionals working in local, national, or global public health initiatives who wish to influence nutrition outcomes
  • Individuals looking to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career prospects in public health nutrition
  • Practitioners aiming to lead community nutrition initiatives, policy development, and health promotion strategies
  • Learners seeking expertise in population nutrition assessment, programme evaluation, and evidence-based community interventions
  • Qualified and Competent Staff
    Centres must employ experienced and qualified staff capable of delivering Level 7 postgraduate content and supporting learners in achieving professional and academic success.
  • Comprehensive Learning Resources
    Access to up-to-date textbooks, research journals, case studies, and digital learning materials relevant to community nutrition is essential.
  • Teaching and Learning Facilities
    Centres should provide suitable classroom, seminar, or online learning environments to support interactive study, practical exercises, and collaborative learning.
  • Assessment and Feedback Systems
    Robust assessment procedures must be in place, including assignments, research projects, and evaluation tasks, with timely and constructive feedback for learners.
  • Technology and IT Support
    Learners should have access to computers, internet, and relevant software to complete assignments, research, and online learning modules efficiently.
  • Commitment to Quality Assurance
    Centres must maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure learner success and compliance with qualification requirements.
  • Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    Centres should encourage ongoing professional development and provide guidance to support learners’ career advancement in community nutrition and public health.