The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare and nutrition professionals seeking specialised knowledge in maternal and child nutrition. This programme equips learners with the skills and expertise required to assess, plan, and implement effective nutrition strategies that support the health and development of mothers, infants, and children across diverse settings.
Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this diploma covers advanced topics including maternal nutrition during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation, infant and child feeding practices, nutritional interventions, public health strategies, and evidence-based policy development. Learners will gain the ability to evaluate nutritional needs, design targeted interventions, and contribute to improved health outcomes in both clinical and community contexts.
This qualification is ideal for dietitians, nutritionists, midwives, paediatric healthcare practitioners, public health professionals, and researchers who wish to specialise in maternal and child nutrition. By completing this programme, learners will develop critical analytical skills, understand the complex interplay between maternal and child nutrition and long-term health, and apply evidence-based approaches to optimise dietary practices and support healthy growth and development.
Centres delivering this postgraduate diploma are required to uphold 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 for practical and theoretical learning. This ensures a supportive and high-quality learning environment that promotes academic excellence, professional growth, and learner success.
With its strong focus on maternal and child health, clinical nutrition, and professional development, the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition offers learners an advanced pathway to leadership and specialist roles in healthcare, research, and public health nutrition.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child 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 |
| QC29108- 1 | Advanced Maternal Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29108-2 | Infant and Child Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29108-3 | Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring in Maternal and Child Health | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29108-4 | Public Health Strategies and Policy in Maternal and Child Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29108-5 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29108-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Maternal and Child Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child 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, Health Sciences, Midwifery, Paediatrics, or related fields) is required. Equivalent international qualifications or recognised professional certifications may also be considered.
Experience:
- Prior professional or clinical experience in maternal, child, or public health nutrition is highly recommended to support practical application of advanced nutritional principles.
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 knowledge, skills, and career opportunities in maternal and child nutrition and healthcare practice.
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 academic journals, professional guidelines, clinical resources, and practical facilities is essential.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition):
Advanced Maternal Nutrition
- Critically evaluate nutritional requirements during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation
- Analyse the impact of maternal nutrition on fetal development and maternal health
- Apply advanced knowledge to develop evidence-based maternal nutrition plans
- Assess nutritional risks and implement strategies to optimise maternal and fetal outcomes
Infant and Child Nutrition
- Evaluate nutrient requirements for infants and children at different developmental stages
- Design age-appropriate feeding plans to support healthy growth and development
- Analyse and address common nutrition-related conditions such as malnutrition or obesity
- Apply evidence-based strategies to improve child health outcomes in clinical and community settings
Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring in Maternal and Child Health
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary methods
- Interpret assessment data to determine nutritional status and identify risks
- Monitor nutritional interventions and adapt plans based on progress and outcomes
- Apply evidence-based assessment tools to support personalised nutrition care
Public Health Strategies and Policy in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Analyse public health policies and programmes impacting maternal and child nutrition
- Design and implement nutrition interventions at community and population levels
- Evaluate the effectiveness of public health strategies and initiatives
- Advocate for evidence-based nutrition policies to improve maternal and child health
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Design and conduct research studies relevant to maternal and child nutrition
- Critically appraise scientific literature and apply findings to clinical and public health practice
- Analyse research data to support evidence-based decision-making
- Develop recommendations for nutrition interventions based on research outcomes
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional conduct in maternal and child nutrition practice
- Apply leadership and project management skills in clinical, research, and community settings
- Evaluate professional standards and best practices for delivering high-quality nutritional care
- Lead initiatives to improve maternal and child nutrition and support long-term health outcomes
The Course is ideal for :
- Dietitians, nutritionists, and healthcare professionals seeking advanced knowledge in maternal and child nutrition
- Midwives, paediatric healthcare practitioners, and public health professionals aiming to improve nutritional care for mothers and children
- Professionals working in hospitals, clinics, community health, or public health programmes focused on maternal and child wellbeing
- Individuals looking to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career prospects in clinical nutrition and maternal-child health
- Practitioners aiming to lead nutrition programmes, research initiatives, or policy development for maternal and child populations
- Learners seeking advanced skills in nutritional assessment, intervention strategies, and evidence-based maternal and child care
- Qualified and Competent Staff
- Centres must employ experienced and qualified staff capable of delivering Level 7 postgraduate content and supporting learners in achieving academic and professional success.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources
- Access to up-to-date textbooks, research journals, case studies, clinical guidelines, and digital learning materials relevant to maternal and child nutrition is essential.
- Teaching and Learning Facilities
- Centres should provide appropriate classroom, seminar, laboratory, 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 clinical case studies, 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 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 maternal and child nutrition and healthcare practice.