LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) 

LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) 

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) is an advanced, career-focused qualification designed for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact on maternal, infant, and child health. In a world where nutrition plays a critical role in reducing mortality, improving growth outcomes, and supporting lifelong wellbeing, this Level 7 postgraduate diploma equips learners with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to address complex nutritional challenges across the maternal and child lifecycle.

This Maternal and Child Nutrition Postgraduate Diploma offers an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding, child growth and development, micronutrient deficiencies, and nutrition-sensitive public health interventions. Aligned with international standards, the LICQual Maternal and Child Nutrition Diploma is ideal for nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, and graduates seeking advanced expertise or career progression. The programme emphasizes real-world application, enabling learners to critically evaluate research, design effective nutrition strategies, and support vulnerable populations with confidence and professionalism.

As a Level 7 Maternal and Child Nutrition qualification, the programme demonstrates strong academic depth while remaining practical and accessible. Learners develop advanced analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills essential for roles in healthcare settings, NGOs, community nutrition programmes, and global health organizations. Whether your goal is to enhance professional credibility, move into maternal and child health specialization, or progress toward further postgraduate study, this PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition provides a solid academic and professional foundation.

With its globally recognized framework and flexible learning approach, the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition empowers learners to contribute effectively to healthier mothers, stronger children, and more resilient communities worldwide.

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

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nutrition (PgD Gerontological Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Requirements: Applicants should hold a relevant undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, healthcare, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution. Equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered.
  • Experience: This qualification is intended for experienced practitioners. Learners should have a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience in maternal and child nutrition, healthcare, or related fields to fully benefit from the advanced content.
  • English Language Proficiency:Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and communication skills. Evidence may be required through IELTS, TOEFL, or previous academic study in English.
  • Commitment to CPD: Learners must show a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a willingness to apply advanced knowledge in professional practice.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to relevant resources, including scientific literature, research journals, databases, and digital tools to support study, assignments, and practical applications.

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.