The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip CN) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of nutrition science and its clinical applications. This diploma is not intended for fresh candidates; it is aimed at experienced learners seeking to enhance their career prospects, expand their professional knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Clinical nutrition is a critical component of healthcare, influencing patient outcomes across a range of conditions, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic illnesses. This qualification equips learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess nutritional needs, develop personalised care plans, and implement evidence-based interventions. Learners gain expertise in dietary assessment, therapeutic nutrition, nutritional supplementation, and the integration of nutrition into clinical practice to improve overall patient health and recovery.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip CN) are expected to maintain high standards of training and learner support. This includes employing qualified and experienced teaching staff, providing access to modern learning resources, case studies, and clinical materials, and ensuring robust assessment and quality assurance systems. Learners benefit from a structured and supportive learning environment designed to foster professional growth, clinical competence, and ethical practice.
Completing this diploma enables learners to develop specialist skills in clinical nutrition, enhancing their professional credibility and opening pathways for career progression, academic advancement, and meaningful contributions to patient care in healthcare settings.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip CN)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200901
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip CN), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200901-1 |
Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200901-2 |
Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry Relevant to Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200901-3 |
Nutritional Assessment and Dietary Analysis |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200901-4 |
Management of Common Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200901-5 |
Therapeutic Interventions and Nutritional Planning |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200901-6 |
Public Health Nutrition, Ethics, and Professional Development |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition
- Understand the principles and scope of clinical nutrition in healthcare.
- Recognise the role of nutrition in disease prevention, management, and overall health.
- Explain the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and health outcomes.
- Analyse current trends and research in clinical nutrition.
Unit 2: Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry Relevant to Nutrition
- Describe the structure and function of key organ systems involved in nutrition and metabolism.
- Explain biochemical processes related to digestion, absorption, and nutrient metabolism.
- Analyse how physiological and biochemical changes affect nutritional status.
- Understand interactions between nutrition and systemic health conditions.
Unit 3: Nutritional Assessment and Dietary Analysis
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using validated tools and techniques.
- Analyse dietary intake and identify nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
- Evaluate anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical indicators of nutritional status.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for individualised dietary planning.
Unit 4: Management of Common Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders
- Identify and differentiate between acute and chronic nutritional and metabolic disorders.
- Develop management strategies for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and malnutrition.
- Apply evidence-based dietary interventions to support patient care.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.
Unit 5: Therapeutic Interventions and Nutritional Planning
- Understand pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to nutritional therapy.
- Develop personalised nutrition plans based on clinical assessment and patient needs.
- Implement dietary interventions for therapeutic purposes in diverse healthcare settings.
- Evaluate patient outcomes and adjust nutritional plans accordingly.
Unit 6: Public Health Nutrition, Ethics, and Professional Development
- Explain the principles of public health nutrition and population-level dietary strategies.
- Analyse ethical considerations and professional responsibilities in clinical nutrition.
- Demonstrate reflective practice and commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Apply evidence-based practices to improve nutrition care delivery and patient outcomes.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip CN) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in clinical and medical nutrition. This course is perfect for healthcare assistants, dietitians, fitness professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how nutrition affects health. It provides a strong foundation in dietary assessment, nutrient management, and therapeutic nutrition strategies to support patient care, wellness programs, and holistic health practices.
Healthcare Assistants and Support Staff
- Gain foundational knowledge in clinical nutrition
- Understand how nutrition impacts patient recovery and well-being
- Learn to support dietitians and nutritionists in clinical settings
- Improve communication with patients about dietary advice
- Develop skills in monitoring and recording nutritional intake
- Apply evidence-based nutrition practices in healthcare
Dietitians and Nutrition Professionals
- Enhance understanding of therapeutic nutrition strategies
- Learn advanced techniques for dietary planning and nutrient assessment
- Improve patient counseling and support skills
- Strengthen knowledge in managing diet-related medical conditions
- Apply research-based nutrition interventions
- Expand career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers
Fitness and Wellness Professionals
- Understand the role of nutrition in overall health and fitness
- Learn how to design diet plans tailored to individual needs
- Improve client outcomes with evidence-based nutrition advice
- Gain skills in monitoring nutrition and progress effectively
- Enhance credibility in health and wellness coaching
- Integrate clinical nutrition knowledge into fitness programs
Allied Health Professionals
- Develop competencies in nutrition for patient care
- Learn to collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Gain practical knowledge in diet planning and nutritional interventions
- Support patients with chronic conditions through nutrition
- Enhance patient education skills
- Strengthen professional portfolio with a recognized diploma
Students and Graduates in Health Sciences
- Build foundational knowledge in clinical nutrition
- Gain practical skills applicable in hospitals or community care
- Prepare for further studies in dietetics or nutrition
- Strengthen understanding of human metabolism and dietetics
- Enhance employability in healthcare and wellness sectors
- Develop a pathway toward advanced nutrition qualifications
Wellness Coaches and Lifestyle Consultants
- Improve expertise in nutrition and lifestyle management
- Learn to create personalized diet and wellness plans
- Apply clinical nutrition knowledge to support client health
- Enhance understanding of metabolic and dietary health
- Integrate evidence-based recommendations into wellness programs
- Strengthen credibility as a health and nutrition consultant
International Healthcare Practitioners
- Gain a UK-recognized Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition
- Adapt knowledge to global healthcare standards
- Strengthen credentials for international career opportunities
- Learn practical nutrition skills for diverse patient populations
- Access flexible learning with online or blended study
- Expand opportunities for clinical, wellness, and community roles
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition (Dip CN) must meet high academic and professional standards to ensure learners receive quality training and achieve successful outcomes. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff – Trainers, assessors, and academic staff must hold recognised qualifications in clinical nutrition, dietetics, medicine, or related healthcare fields, with practical experience in nutrition assessment and therapy.
- Adequate Learning Facilities – Centres should provide classrooms, access to practical or clinical learning environments, and digital resources to support both theoretical and applied learning.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources – Up-to-date textbooks, research journals, e-learning platforms, and case studies relevant to clinical nutrition must be accessible to learners.
- Robust Assessment Systems – Centres must implement valid and reliable assessment methods, including assignments, case studies, and practical evaluations, to ensure accurate measurement of learner competence.
- Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) – Structured quality assurance procedures must be in place to maintain consistency and integrity in teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Learner Support Services – Academic guidance, mentoring, and professional support must be available to help learners achieve their full potential.
- Access to Technology and Digital Platforms – Centres should offer online learning tools, e-resources, and assessment platforms to enhance accessibility and flexibility.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards – Delivery must adhere to LICQual policies on quality assurance, safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
- Accurate Record Management – Centres must maintain secure and accurate records of learner progress, assessments, and certification documentation in line with regulatory and audit requirements.
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.
