The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to specialize in the nutrition and health of mothers, infants, and children. This postgraduate diploma is not intended for fresh entrants; it is aimed at practitioners, researchers, and healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their scientific knowledge, and further their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this programme will explore the complex nutritional requirements across pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood, gaining the skills to assess, plan, and implement evidence-based nutritional interventions. The curriculum integrates advanced scientific theory with practical application, enabling learners to critically evaluate emerging research, develop personalised nutrition strategies, and contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
LICQual ensures that centres delivering this qualification maintain the highest standards of training excellence. Centres must have competent, qualified staff and provide access to all necessary resources, including up-to-date scientific literature, research databases, and practical facilities, to support effective learning and learner success.
Completing the PgD in Maternal and Child Nutrition equips learners with the expertise and professional credibility to make a significant impact in clinical practice, research, consultancy, or public health initiatives. This qualification represents a strategic step for professionals committed to lifelong learning, career progression, and achieving excellence in maternal and child healthcare and nutrition.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201105
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201105-1 |
Advanced Maternal Physiology and Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201105-2 |
Infant and Child Growth and Development |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201105-3 |
Clinical Nutrition and Maternal-Child Health |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201105-4 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201105-5 |
Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201105-6 |
Applied Maternal and Child Nutrition Project |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Maternal Physiology and Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse physiological changes during pregnancy and lactation and their impact on nutritional needs
- Evaluate macro- and micronutrient requirements for optimal maternal and foetal health
- Assess dietary interventions to support positive pregnancy and lactation outcomes
Unit 2: Infant and Child Growth and Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine principles of growth, development, and nutritional requirements in infancy and early childhood
- Assess strategies to prevent malnutrition and support cognitive and physical development
- Critically appraise evidence-based approaches for monitoring and promoting child health
Unit 3: Clinical Nutrition and Maternal-Child Health
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the role of nutrition in preventing and managing maternal and child health conditions
- Develop evidence-based intervention strategies for conditions such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, anaemia, and paediatric nutritional deficiencies
- Apply clinical nutrition principles to improve health outcomes across maternal and child populations
Unit 4: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of research design, statistical analysis, and critical appraisal methods
- Interpret and evaluate clinical and epidemiological research relevant to maternal and child nutrition
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to develop and evaluate nutritional interventions
Unit 5: Ethics, Regulation, and Professional Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically assess ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations in maternal and child nutrition practice
- Apply professional standards to ensure safe, effective, and ethical practice
- Demonstrate understanding of consent, safeguarding, and professional responsibility in clinical and community settings
Unit 6: Applied Maternal and Child Nutrition Project
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Plan, implement, and critically evaluate a research or clinical project focused on maternal and child populations
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies and real-world scenarios
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving, analytical thinking, and professional communication skills in project delivery
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) is ideal for individuals who want to develop advanced expertise in maternal, infant, and child nutrition. This qualification supports professional growth, specialization, and academic progression for those committed to improving health outcomes through evidence-based nutrition practice.
Nutritionists and Dietitians
• Qualified nutritionists seeking specialization in maternal and child nutrition
• Dietitians aiming to strengthen clinical and community nutrition skills
• Professionals involved in infant and young child feeding programmes
• Nutrition graduates seeking an internationally recognized Level 7 qualification
• Practitioners aiming to enhance professional credibility and expertise
• Individuals planning careers in public health or clinical nutrition
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
• Nurses working in maternal and child healthcare services
• Midwives supporting antenatal and postnatal nutrition care
• Medical professionals seeking applied nutrition knowledge
• Allied health professionals working with mothers and children
• Healthcare staff involved in growth monitoring and nutrition counselling
• Professionals integrating nutrition into patient care pathways
Public Health and Community Development Professionals
• Public health practitioners involved in maternal and child health initiatives
• NGO professionals delivering nutrition-focused programmes
• Community health workers addressing malnutrition and undernutrition
• Development professionals supporting maternal and child wellbeing
• Programme coordinators managing health and nutrition interventions
• Professionals working in humanitarian and global health contexts
Graduates Seeking Postgraduate Specialization
• Health and life science graduates pursuing advanced nutrition studies
• Graduates aiming to build careers in maternal and child nutrition
• Individuals preparing for further postgraduate or doctoral study
• Learners transitioning into nutrition or public health roles
• Professionals seeking international career opportunities
• Students aiming to strengthen analytical and applied nutrition skills
Educators, Trainers, and Policy Professionals
• Health educators teaching maternal and child nutrition topics
• Trainers delivering community nutrition education programmes
• Policy professionals involved in nutrition and health planning
• Academic staff seeking subject-specific specialization
• Professionals contributing to programme and curriculum development
• Advisors supporting maternal and child nutrition strategies
Career Changers and International Learners
• Professionals transitioning into maternal and child nutrition careers
• Individuals seeking flexible and globally recognized Level 7 qualifications
• Learners aiming to work with international health organizations
• Professionals seeking specialization for career advancement
• Individuals pursuing evidence-based nutrition roles
• Learners committed to improving maternal and child health outcomes
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ educators and trainers with advanced qualifications and proven expertise in maternal and child nutrition, clinical nutrition, or related healthcare fields to provide professional, evidence-based instruction.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to up-to-date scientific literature, journals, research databases, and digital learning platforms to support study, research, and assignment completion.
- Practical and Clinical Facilities: For programmes including practical components, centres must have access to appropriate clinical or laboratory facilities where learners can safely apply theoretical knowledge and research skills.
- Ethical and Regulatory Compliance: Centres must comply with all relevant ethical, legal, and data protection standards, particularly when handling sensitive clinical or personal information.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Centres should offer structured guidance, mentoring, and feedback to support learners’ progression, critical thinking, and application of advanced knowledge.
- Assessment and Evaluation Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment and evaluation frameworks, including research projects, assignments, and practical assessments, aligned with Level 7 academic standards.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive a high-quality, professional, and fully supported educational experience, enabling them to successfully complete the diploma and advance their careers in maternal and child nutrition and related healthcare sectors.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
