The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of the complex relationship between nutrition, food systems, and public policy. This programme equips learners with the skills to critically analyse food policies, evaluate their impact on population health, and develop evidence-based strategies that address global challenges in nutrition and food security.
Learners will explore key topics such as the development of food and nutrition policies, the role of international organisations in shaping dietary guidelines, food systems management, and the influence of socio-economic and political factors on nutrition. The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition) also places strong emphasis on research methods, ethical practice, and policy evaluation, preparing learners to contribute to decision-making processes that influence health outcomes at local, national, and global levels.
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition) is particularly suited to nutritionists, dietitians, public health specialists, policy advisors, and researchers who are committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and wish to enhance their career prospects. By completing this programme, learners will be able to critically assess food and nutrition policies, design effective interventions, and contribute to advancing public health through informed policy-making.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that delivery is supported by competent and qualified staff, with access to up-to-date learning materials, policy resources, and research tools. This ensures that every learner benefits from a structured, high-quality learning experience that supports academic success and professional advancement.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy 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 |
| QC29121- 1 | Global Food Systems and Policy Frameworks | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29121-2 | Public Health Nutrition and Policy Development | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29121-3 | Food Security, Sustainability and Global Challenges | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29121-4 | Nutrition Governance, Ethics and Regulation | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29121-5 | Research Methods in Food Policy and Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29121-6 | Applied Food Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or above at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- A recognised undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, food science, health sciences, or a related discipline is required. Applicants with other relevant qualifications may also be considered.
Professional Experience:
- Professional experience in nutrition, health policy, food systems, healthcare, or public health is highly desirable. Applicants without direct professional experience may be accepted if they can demonstrate strong academic knowledge or relevant transferable skills.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English to meet the academic and professional demands of this Level 7 qualification. For non-native speakers, an equivalent recognised English language qualification may be required.
Commitment to CPD:
Applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), showing motivation to expand their knowledge, enhance professional practice, and contribute effectively to the fields of nutrition and food policy.
Access to Required Resources:
Learners must have access to a reliable computer or laptop, stable internet connection, and relevant academic resources to engage fully with research activities, online study materials, and assessments.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Food Policy and Nutrition (PgD Food Policy and Nutrition):
Global Food Systems and Policy Frameworks
- Critically evaluate global food systems and their influence on nutrition policies
- Assess the role of international and national organisations in shaping food governance
- Analyse political, social, and economic drivers impacting global food and nutrition outcomes
- Develop evidence-based perspectives on policy responses to global food challenges
Public Health Nutrition and Policy Development
- Identify key nutrition-related public health concerns and their policy implications
- Formulate evidence-based nutrition policies to address population health issues
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions in diverse communities
- Integrate public health frameworks into the design of nutrition strategies
Food Security, Sustainability and Global Challenges
- Define and assess the concepts of food security and sustainability within global contexts
- Examine the impact of climate change, urbanisation, and globalisation on food systems
- Critically evaluate international strategies to reduce hunger and malnutrition
- Develop sustainable approaches to improving food access and availability
Nutrition Governance, Ethics and Regulation
- Apply ethical principles to nutrition and food policy decision-making
- Analyse governance models and regulatory systems in food and nutrition policy
- Evaluate the influence of trade agreements, food marketing, and consumer rights legislation
- Formulate recommendations to strengthen ethical and regulatory frameworks in nutrition
Research Methods in Food Policy and Nutrition
- Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods in food policy studies
- Design and conduct ethical research within the field of nutrition and public health
- Interpret and present data to support evidence-based decision-making
- Critically review academic and policy literature to support original research projects
Applied Food Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning
- Apply policy analysis tools to real-world food and nutrition case studies
- Develop strategic frameworks for effective food and nutrition interventions
- Produce policy briefs and recommendations for public health and sustainable nutrition
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills in food policy and strategic planning
The Course is ideal for :
- Nutritionists and dietitians who wish to strengthen their expertise in food policy and public health nutrition
- Public health professionals aiming to advance their careers in policy development and nutrition governance
- Policy advisors, researchers, and analysts working in government, NGOs, or international organisations
- Food scientists and healthcare specialists seeking to integrate nutrition policy into practice and research
- Professionals engaged in food security, sustainability, and global health initiatives
- Graduates in nutrition, health sciences, or related fields aspiring to specialise in food systems and policy analysis
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who want to enhance their knowledge and career opportunities in the field of food policy and nutrition
- Centres must employ qualified and experienced tutors with expertise in nutrition, food policy, and research.
- Delivery staff should demonstrate academic and professional competence in teaching and assessment at Level 7.
- Centres must provide access to up-to-date learning materials, case studies, and policy resources to support effective teaching.
- Adequate facilities, including classrooms, IT resources, and online learning platforms, must be available to ensure flexible and high-quality delivery.
- Centres are required to maintain robust quality assurance systems to monitor teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
- Learners must have access to academic support, research guidance, and feedback mechanisms throughout their study.
- Centres must comply with assessment, verification, and moderation requirements to uphold the integrity of the qualification.
- Availability of digital libraries, journals, and research databases should be ensured for learner use.
- Centres should promote an inclusive learning environment, offering equal opportunities and support for diverse learner needs.