ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition)
The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition) is an advanced programme designed for learners who wish to specialise in the nutritional needs of mothers, infants, and children. This qualification equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, and implement effective nutrition strategies that support healthy growth, development, and long-term wellbeing across early life stages.
Learners will explore key areas including maternal nutrition, infant feeding practices, child growth monitoring, micronutrient requirements, and the management of nutrition-related health conditions. The course emphasises evidence-based approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes and reduce the risk of developmental and chronic diseases. Learners will also gain insights into global nutrition guidelines, public health strategies, and interventions that promote optimal nutrition during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood.
This postgraduate diploma is ideal for professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Graduates develop advanced clinical, research, and analytical skills, preparing them for roles in healthcare, community nutrition, maternal and child health programmes, and public health initiatives.
Completing this qualification empowers learners to assume specialist roles in maternal and child nutrition, clinical practice, community health, and nutrition consultancy. It prepares professionals to make a meaningful impact on the health and development of mothers and children through the application of advanced nutritional science, personalised dietary strategies, and evidence-based interventions.
Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition)
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition), learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (PgD Maternal and Child Nutrition), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Advanced Principles of Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Maternal Nutrition, Pregnancy, and Lactation
- Infant and Child Feeding, Growth, and Development
- Research Methods in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Public Health Strategies and Policy for Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Leadership and Professional Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition
Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:
Advanced Principles of Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of maternal and child nutrition principles and their application in clinical and community settings.
- Analyse nutritional requirements and challenges across preconception, pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood.
- Evaluate evidence-based dietary strategies to optimise maternal and child health outcomes.
- Apply scientific knowledge to develop effective nutrition care plans for mothers and children.
Maternal Nutrition, Pregnancy, and Lactation
- Examine the nutritional needs of women during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation.
- Assess the impact of maternal diet on fetal development, birth outcomes, and maternal health.
- Develop personalised nutrition interventions to support optimal pregnancy and lactation outcomes.
- Critically appraise current research and guidelines in maternal nutrition for clinical practice.
Infant and Child Feeding, Growth, and Development
- Analyse growth patterns, nutritional requirements, and developmental milestones in infants and children.
- Plan and implement feeding strategies that promote healthy growth and prevent malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies.
- Evaluate interventions for common nutrition-related childhood conditions.
- Apply evidence-based principles to optimise infant and child dietary outcomes.
Research Methods in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research methodologies relevant to maternal and child nutrition.
- Design and conduct independent studies, including dietary assessments and growth monitoring research.
- Analyse and interpret data to inform evidence-based interventions and policy decisions.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature to support innovation and best practices in maternal and child nutrition.
Public Health Strategies and Policy for Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Analyse public health policies, programmes, and strategies affecting maternal and child nutrition.
- Develop recommendations to improve nutrition outcomes at community and population levels.
- Evaluate the impact of global nutrition initiatives and policy implementation on maternal and child health.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to support healthy growth, development, and maternal wellbeing.
Leadership and Professional Practice in Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Demonstrate leadership and professional skills in maternal and child nutrition settings.
- Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards in practice.
- Communicate complex nutritional information effectively to caregivers, healthcare teams, and stakeholders.
- Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain expertise and support innovation in maternal and child nutrition care.
The ICTQual AB Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition equips learners with advanced clinical, research, and professional skills, enabling progression to senior roles in maternal and child health, clinical nutrition, and public health. This qualification provides a foundation for professionals committed to improving nutrition outcomes for mothers, infants, and children at both individual and population levels.
Academic Progression
- Opportunity to progress to doctoral-level study (PhD or professional doctorate) in maternal and child nutrition, public health, or related fields.
- Participation in specialised research programmes exploring maternal diet, infant and child growth, nutrition interventions, and public health strategies.
- Development of skills to contribute to academic publications, teaching, and clinical research projects in maternal and child nutrition.
- Access to international collaborations, fellowships, and grants in maternal and child health research.
Professional Progression
- Career advancement to roles such as maternal and child nutrition specialist, paediatric dietitian, public health nutrition consultant, community health advisor, or clinical research officer.
- Opportunities to work in hospitals, maternity units, community health services, NGOs, research institutions, and public health agencies.
- Consultancy roles in nutrition programme development, policy implementation, clinical intervention planning, and service improvement.
- Leadership positions overseeing maternal and child nutrition services, multidisciplinary teams, and public health initiatives.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Engagement in CPD to stay current with emerging research, maternal and child nutrition guidelines, and public health strategies.
- Participation in conferences, workshops, and professional networks to expand expertise and professional influence.
- Development of leadership, mentoring, and project management skills in maternal and child health and nutrition.
- Enhanced professional recognition through membership of international maternal and child health, dietetics, and public health organisations.
